Reinstalling Windows - what to remember?

[eldren]

So it's time to reinstall Windows 2000 (Hey, I prefer it. ) again, seeing as it's gotten a bit unstable lately (Can't hibernate anymore - BSODs reporting "scsiport.sys" as the problem), and I've been meaning to reinstall for months anyway. So I'd like to do this with as little hassle as possible.

For installation, I've got the OS CD, a CD with the service packs and a few patches, motherboard driver CD, graphics card drivers on a seperate 40GB harddrive, and LBA 48-bit patch on the same drive (I should probably do some slip-streaming, but from all I've seen, it's quite a bit of effort).

For post-installation, I need to disable sound themes, disable sticky keys, update IE, update DirectX, and lastly, pop over to Windows Update.

Am I forgetting anything?

[Howard]

Why wouldn't you want XP?

[eldren]

Why wouldn't you want XP?

It's too teletubbyfied for my liking, with the bundled MSN, Media Player & DRM, etc, not to mention the whole issue of reactivating every 3 milliseconds if your hardware changes (For example, I change harddrives very often). To put it differently, I don't feel like I'm the one in control when using XP.

[Mutley]

I used to think as you did. I had a friend of mine pester me lots to use XP instead of 2000, but I wouldn't budge. Eventually I gave it a go, and I'm generally pleased I did. XP has been out for a few years now, and with SP2 its matured now to the position that it is a viable replacement for 2000.

You can de-disneyfy the interface and make it as austere as 2000 if you wish. I would say that as usual with each version of Windows, all the things you want to do are scattered in a completely illogical manner all over the place.

I found since going to XP that it is more stable than 2000, and in many cases a little faster. The main reason I upgraded was that BF2 was quite ropey on win2k, but works fine on XP!

As for having to re-register, if not had to do that yet, but all I've changed is the RAM, and video card....

As for DRM and media player, its all optional stuff - you aren't compelled to use WMP10 although I quite like it, and regular swap between Winamp and WMP10.

[directhex]

it's worth mentionning that windows 2000 is fast headed into end-of-end-of-line for support - "mainstream support" has ended (no more non-security fixes), license availability has ended (both retail and OEM), so don't expect it to keep serving your needs ad infinitum.

[Mutley]

Yeah, thats a good point, and another reason I moved to XP. Keeping it patched up is, of course, critical. I've can honestly say I've had two BSODs since I moved to XP about 4 months ago, and a few other crashes. Bit improvement. Maybe I'm just lucky!

[dangel]

It's too teletubbyfied for my liking

Gaaaaaaaahhh so change the theme or use windows classic!

Sorry but WindowsXP is everything MS intended for Windows 2000, so all you're getting is a more complete product. It's perfectly possible to change/remove etc anything you don't like and it is (without doubt) a better OS. At least you'll only be 5 years behind when Vista comes out if you upgrade

[eldren]

Right, so let's just assume I'm using Windows XP, and let's get on with the thread instead of trying to convert me.

[Mutley]

Ah, right, yes the thread.

I reckon you've got it pretty much covered.

o Got all your documents, game saves and configs, hard-to-find-utilities, hard-to-find-drivers, book marks etc backed up?

o Got your Start->Program Files menu layout backed up? (I have a specific menu scheme to keep things tidy)

o Got any application or driver settings backed up?

When re-installing Win2k I used to remove any non-essential devices, especially USB, and then plug them in one at a time once WIndows was installed (this included the sound card). I've not found this to be necessary with XP, althought I still remove external deveices.

[dangel]

I always make an image of my drive with true image so that i can mount it if i forget anything..

[Mutley]

I would reckon you're covered though. Of course you will have forgotten something important, or something thats really irritating. Happens everytime! All part of the fun. I'm so glad M$ made an OS that you need to re-install every 6 months ...