I plan to re-install XP and return the computer to original set-up.

The first thing I'm concerned with is drivers. How do I know what I will need after re-installing xp and where might I look for it?

If it is a manufactured computer go to the manufacturers web site.

If custom built you should have the motherboard CD or go to the motherboard web site.

For peripheral hardware either you have a CD or again go to the web site.

There are certain software that can automatically backup and restore the current drivers you have. I used to use one called Driver Magician, I used the trial version but it wasn't that good. If you're interested I believe I can help you find such software again.

Or, if you have specific drivers you can't find you can always post it here and we'll help you dig through the haystack that is the internet.

Alright, I believe I've located most of the driver sources I need.

When I boot from CD and started poking around the installer it told me that drive C cannot be deleted because it contains an necessary set-up files. Then it also strongly recommended against installing XP because there is already an OS on the drive. How do I format that hard drive before booting from CD to install?

(If I boot the computer and it asks me if I want XP Home or XP Setup then the BIOS is set to boot from CD yes?)

Echoing the above advice,,,,

If you have a manufacturers "Restore" disc (media; CD's etc) all drivers should be contained there.

However, if custom built, and everything is working properly, you can back up current drivers.

If you want to back them up, use the attached program. Unzip and load/install it. Once loaded, run it for non MS drivers. (Choose Fast Collect. Don't choose Make All, as this will include MS drivers which are already available on the O/S CD. Or should be.)

By default, it will create C:\My Drivers and dump the resulting sub-directories/files into it. Copy this directory and all contents to a CD (or floppy). (Sometimes the entire My Drivers directory will fit on a single floppy. If it doesn't you'll need to do some fancy zip or file manipulation/copying to several floppies.)

Once your new windows O/S is installed, copy the backed up My Drivers directory from the CD or floppy to the root directory of C:, load/install/run the program, and select Restore or Install. Point it to the C:\My Drivers sub-directories for the *.inf files.

Post back with further questions, problems, and results as to what you have done.

If you were booting direct from the CD you would see no options but those that the CD offers.

What is your goal here?

If you have a full retail version of XP with proper license and want to install that and that only then wipe that hard drive first.

KillDisk is good at this. As it is named it will totally wipe that hard drive.

Active@ Kill Disk Hard Drive Eraser. Low Level Format.

It seems you posted while I was composing.

What is the "CD" you are booting with? Factory Restore, or a Retail XP Home or XP Pro CD?

Are you booting with a Retail XP CD on a "Factory installed XP" machine installation?

Wow, everybody types faster than me...... jephree's back too.

My goal here is to completely wipe the PC and install a newer version of XP home edition.

I have a full retail version of XP with proper license.

I am booting with a Retail XP CD on a "Factory installed XP" machine installation.




I am looking to start over from scratch on an older Dell PC to use for old gaming favorites and such. It came will WinXP Home installed from factory. I want to wipe it clean of older or useless junk and install WinXP Home SP2 from a full/licensed/retail CD.

Hey Dan!

soundsev3n: Make sure you have the Dell drivers then use KillDisk. Then install XP.