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[Bigron]

I have an elderly PC with Windows XP as its Operating System - yes, I know, but Santa won't bring me a new one because.....
Anyway, it is now slow and clogged up; if I do a re-install of the OS, will it replace ONLY the OS and not affect any other files and folders, or must I try to save them elsewhere to replace after the re-install?

Ron.

[Mr Gav]

You can do a repair install which will save your data but that probably won`t help much if it`s sluggish.

A clean install is best and doesn`t save any data so you start from scratch but it`s a PITA on XP as it isn`t preloaded with all the drivers you are likely to need, unlike Windows 7 and later.

I would back it all up to an external hard drive and then get all your drivers downloaded and into a folder on the same hard drive, do the same with any programs too then bite the bullet, just be sure you have saved anything that you want to save.

Have a read HERE, it`ll answer a few questions 

[STEMO]

I can tell you have problems with computers, Ron, this is on Omega general help.

[Zirfeld]

Hi bigron

Wrong column...

When you install a new OS on your computer, the hard disk will be formatted. That means, everything on it will be lost. So you have to save everything you want to hold on a external medium before you start. Personal data, downloads, and installation files.

Then you can kill the OS and install a new one.

During installation of any OS I prefer to set up two partitions on the hard disk. First partition is the OS partition, second partition is the data partition.

If you need any any new OS in the future, only the C partition will be formatted. Your data partition D will not be touched.

Rolf

[Bigron]

STEMO, thank you for your helpful comment, but on this CAR forum I have noticed several computer-related questions even this very week and others have been offered good advice.
Thaknks Rolf; I have two hard drives on this PC, a C drive and an E drive, the E drive being the larger of the two. Will this help me?

Ron.

[Bigron]

I might need help with my typing, too!