45 replies to this topic

[say-no-2-trojans]

OK I'm onto step 2A, but when I right click on the drive, the format option is greyed out.

[Lee]

Ok, don't worry about the format step. Move on to (3A) to restore to that large Data partition. Cheers, Lee

[say-no-2-trojans]

Just to check before I do something wrong: I have booted from the recovery disk like before and like before there is no option to press R to start the recovery process. The computer goes straight to Windows Setup options - do you want me to install Windows XP onto D drive? This is what I did before

[Lee]

Try the install on the drive you didn't try before.

[say-no-2-trojans]

That's done - here's what we've now got: On booting I now get 2 options for Windows XP - by selecting the 2nd one we get the profile we've just been discussing (with the disk management screen I sent) The first option gets us a new configuration: still Drive C & Drive D Drive C appears the same as before: small disk space and labelled as Recovery - Healthy (System) Drive D appears the same (still with all my previous data and files intact) but is now labelled as Windows - Healthy (Boot)

[Lee]

So does that mean you now have an XP operating system on D: the large partition and an XP operating system on C: the small one? You are able to boot to either patition and you have an XP operating system on either(?)

[say-no-2-trojans]

Apart from the description change to D drive, nothing looks or acts any different as before I can still access or my old data, though these files aren't the files of choice when selecting My Documents etc. Obviously these can be moved across. Is this as good as we're going to get it? ie my original profiles and set up are there to be slowly and painstakingly copied/moved etc. Or can they be reset to be the default settings etc ie Desktop, Internet Explorer etc (excuse my probably incorrect terminology - hopefully you get my gist?)

[Lee]

Yes, I'm getting the drift. The attempt to move the XP from where it is onto the large D: drive has not worked. Basically, your XP operating system is still on the little 7GB drive and you have a huge D: drive still with bits and pieces on it. As you now have your Product Key safe and sound (?), do you know anyone with an XP SP3 install disk you can borrow? If so, we can do a clean install. Cheers, Lee

[say-no-2-trojans]

Don't think so, can ask around but probably not

[Lee]

We can try to clear the D: file if you like, but as I'm not sure what originally happened when you used that recovery disk, nor how it turned out like it did, there is some risk that might not be repairable. Then a fresh XP SP3 install disk would be required to do a fresh install. 1) Go to Disk Management again, right click D: and click on "delete" which would delete it and it's contents. 2) Right click the deleted space and click on "new partition". A Wizard will open. 3) Click next / Primary partition should be marked with a dot / next / next again / assign the following drive letter D / next / choose "quick format" and proceed with that. If "delete' is grayed out, you cannot proceed with the above. If it does work you can use the new D: to store data which you won't have room for on C: It's your call if you wish to proceed with the above as I've never dealt with a PC in the situation yours is in, nor heard of it either. Cheers, Lee

[say-no-2-trojans]

Well delete is greyed out too, so that option is no good. I could buy the installation disk off ebay, plenty of them around. Otherwise what's the alternative: can I run the pc the way it is? Just reload all my programs, drivers etc?

[Lee]

I'd go for a fresh start and buy an XP disc with SP3 on it as they must be fairly cheap nowadays.

Installing an OS is a piece of cake ( How to Reformat and Reinstall your Operating System ) but before you do a fresh install, download the latest drivers for your computer to a CD so you have them on hand after the fresh install.

If you run Speccy, it will give you all the hardware info. you need to know. When installing, untick "Install the free Google Toolbar along with Speccy".

Clicking on any of the components in the left-hand pane will give you a detailed view of that item.

I can give you the correct driver links if needed. Just post your PC hardware details from Speccy - CPU, Motherboard model (and version numb. if any), Graphics (not your screen) and Audio. If you have those you will be fine.

Cheers,
Lee

[terry1966]

if your going to do a re-install and he needs to buy a disc anyway, why not update to win7? of course system hardware permitting.

[say-no-2-trojans]

Can I download SP3 instead and install from that?

[Lee]

I tried to google it, but I don't think you can buy a download of XP, Microsoft wouldn't allow it. Try for a cheap 2nd-hand XP with SP3 (has to be what you have now or your Product Key might not work). If you want to buy new, I'd buy a W7 premium disc. (not an upgrade) as after a quick look, XP new is selling for outrageous prices on ebay !