A Checklist For Reloading Windows® XP
Contributed by Elaine Landau
If you are like many computer owners, you have some basic computer education. You may have some working knowledge of some programs, but you usually stick with those programs you use on a daily basis. With basic Internet training, or even a free Internet lesson, you can expand your knowledge exponentially. You may want to tackle an online QuickBooks® course, or take an advanced Excel® tutorial. As you become more computer savvy and spend more time at your keyboard, you may notice that your Windows is a little sluggish and lacks that get up and go it once had. It may be time to reload Windows XP.
Internet to the Rescue
If you do not have an in-house IT department or you don’t know how to assemble and disassemble your computer blindfolded, you can turn to the Internet for some expertise. Experts go on at length about reloading Windows XP. They offer advice and provide recommendations. If you are a novice or a computer guru, there is an expert that will speak your language and address your concerns.
Here is a fast and dirty checklist that may be helpful when reloading Windows XP. It is meant for anyone who is not a computer expert.
Be sure that you have allowed enough time to go through the process of reloading Windows XP. It is not a fast process and does require time and patience. Please remember those words when you want to throw your computer through a window because it isn’t doing what it is supposed to be doing.
Back up all your data before doing anything. You may or may not need it all, but why erase it and then find out that you need it? Remember that a new install of Windows is going to delete your current profile where your data is kept. When it is gone, it is gone. You may want to check how big your “Backup and Reload” folder is. Can it be backed up to a CD? More than one CD? Or to a DVD? Then, in case you have a catastrophic hard drive failure, you can reload later with those CDs or DVDs.
Carefully and thoroughly copy your current system’s drivers and software. After reloading Windows XP, if you are missing some software, a network card driver or a video driver, you will have copies of what you are missing so there is no permanent loss.
Now it’s time to clean house by deleting Windows and deleting all your profile directories. When you delete unneeded files and directories, you are not going to get them back. Are you sure you have backed up everything you want to keep? It doesn’t hurt to double check.
You need an operating system, Windows XP, to reload all of your software information. With a smooth install, you will end up with the recycle bin on the desktop and no applications.
Put back your software and data, but don’t go crazy. Your computer was probably slowing down because of all the software you installed and never really used. Be selective with what you choose to reinstall. This step requires patience and good sense. Try not to run out of either, because you are almost done.
Sound too easy? Well, we did say this was a fast and dirty checklist. The Internet offers the guidance of computer experts that may answer specific questions and address problems not discussed above.
Just remember to be patient with yourself. You are reloading Windows XP to improve your situation, not tear out your hair. Glitches always seem to pop up when you least expect them or want them. Reloading Windows XP should not be a daunting task. The rewards far outweigh any potential data loses. With a faster and more efficient computer, you will be a faster and more efficient computer user.
Windows and Excel are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
QuickBooks is a trademark of Intuit, Inc., or one of its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and other countries.
About the Author:
Elaine Landau is a freelance writer, publicist, web site editor, and television writer with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and publicity.
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