How do i do a clean install of XP Pro without installing multiple copies?

**Anilrgowda** · 08-Mar-2007, 10:18 PM

Hi,

I have a laptop running XP Home. The original version had become corrupted so I installed a second version and recovered the files.

I now have 2 copies of XP home running on the same partition.

I want to either delete everything and start with a fresh copy of XP Pro OR completely delete the corrupted version to save disk space.

I have looked at previous questions and answers on the subject and have seen that it is possible to alter the boot.ini file. Am i right in thinking that all that does is change the boot options - but not actually delete the operating system from the drive?

**Anilrgowda** · 08-Mar-2007, 10:19 PM

If you're computer is already up and running - and then you put in the XP CD, you will just get another version of XP installed (I think that is what has been happening).

If you put the CD in the drive - and then re-boot your computer (watching for the 'any key' message) -- your computer will boot from the CD (instead of from the Hard Drive).

When you boot from the CD, you will be allowed to 'Delete' the partitions and start all over.

Sorry I wasn't clear enough earlier.

08-Mar-2007, 10:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Anilrgowda Administrator Posts: 18,715 Join Date: Jan 2006 Rep Power: 10 IM:	How do i do a clean install of XP Pro without installing multiple copies? Hi, I have a laptop running XP Home. The original version had become corrupted so I installed a second version and recovered the files. I now have 2 copies of XP home running on the same partition. I want to either delete everything and start with a fresh copy of XP Pro OR completely delete the corrupted version to save disk space. I have looked at previous questions and answers on the subject and have seen that it is possible to alter the boot.ini file. Am i right in thinking that all that does is change the boot options - but not actually delete the operating system from the drive?

08-Mar-2007, 10:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Anilrgowda Administrator Posts: 18,715 Join Date: Jan 2006 Rep Power: 10 IM:	Re: How do i do a clean install of XP Pro without installing multiple copies? If you're computer is already up and running - and then you put in the XP CD, you will just get another version of XP installed (I think that is what has been happening). If you put the CD in the drive - and then re-boot your computer (watching for the 'any key' message) -- your computer will boot from the CD (instead of from the Hard Drive). When you boot from the CD, you will be allowed to 'Delete' the partitions and start all over. Sorry I wasn't clear enough earlier.

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