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A clean install of the OS
is often the only way to get your system back on the right track or started on
the right foot. The following is a simple guide on
how to save your important stuff, get the job done right and make the
transition as painless as possible.
A clean install of the Operating
System is indicated when:
-
A New Motherboard is
Installed
-
Upgrading Operating Systems (Avoids a lot of headaches later)
-
Irreparable Registry or System
file corruptions exist in the existing Windows installation
-
HAL (Hardware Abstraction
Layer) installed incorrectly (Win2000 & XP only)
Back-up Your Data
Before doing a clean install of
Windows you will need to back-up your data files.
-
Backup your Email and Outlook
Express Accounts
-
Save your Documents
-
Save your Internet Favorites
-
Disconnect ALL peripheral devices except keyboard and
mouse
Note:
Don't forget to save information, pictures, scanned documents or other
files like patches and updates that are stored in other locations.
Wipe the Hard Drive
-
Identify your hard drive make
and model
-
Download the Wipe or Zero
Utility from the Hard Drive Manufacturers Web Site. Wiping or
Zeroing the drive will return it to factory fresh condition.
When complete you will need
to partition and format the hard drive. If you are going to use a
single partition Windows will format and partition the hard drive during
the OS installation process. Multiple partitions can be
made by using the manufacturers hard disk utilities or DOS.
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS to the latest
version is always a good idea when you are having system problems.
-
BIOS
Agent - Free Software Reports Your BIOS Configuration from Windows
-
Go to your manufacturers web
site. Some of the majors are listed below:
-
Download and install the
latest officially released version of the BIOS that was specifically
written for your motherboard. Follow the manufacturers installation
instructions carefully.
-
Further BIOS assistance can be
found here:
-
Wim's
BIOS Page
-
BadFlash
-
BIOS Agent - Free
Software Reports Your BIOS Details and Configuration
-
CTBIOS - Small DOS
program that identifies the BIOS and motherboard - Program is in
German but, you'll get the idea.
Make a BOOT Disk with CDROM
Support
Download the boot disk image and
click on the program file to extract to a floppy
Download
Floppy Image
Removing ACPI
-
Reinstall Windows by starting
the system using the boot floppy with CDROM support.
-
From the A:\ prompt start
Windows from the CDROM
-
D:\setup /p i (When D:\ is the
drive letter of the CDROM)
-
If your hard drive is running
from a High Point, Promise or ATA 66 or 100 controller, the drive will not
be recognized at bootup and you will need to come back a letter.
Drivers
Windows Me is the last version of
the Win98 Operating System. Many Win98SE peripheral drivers will work on
systems running the Me operating system, some will not. If you are
experiencing problems with a USB device that requires non-native drivers,
check with the manufacturer for a WinMe version of the software and drivers
Reinstalling the Operating
System
Installing Windows With ACPI
Disabled
(Helps to
resolve some USB problems)
Clean Install Using a Windows
Update Version
*
Some WinME installation CD's are NOT bootable
USBMan
04/08/2003
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