Reinstalling Windows XP

[jimbo]

My Pc seems in a bit of a state, so I'd like to re-install Windows.
I have a spare hard Disc to back up all the data, but whats the easiest way to do it?
The backup utility doesn't seem to be present in XP, if I go into the command prompt there is no /r switch to do subdirectories. Windows drag and drop halts due to locked files if I try and copy everything below 'documents and Settings'.

Surely there is a straight forward way or do I really have to workout all the right files and copy them manually

 

[redcastle]

If it was me Id make your spare hard drive master and the current one slave if the sizes are ok.
now do a clean install on the new master, when your done copy what you need from the old installation on the slave drive to your new one and then format the slave drive from within windows.

just depends on the size of the two drives really i.e is your second hard drive big enough to be your master.

 

[cookie]

whats the easiest way to do it?.....................Surely there is a straight forward way

use the "transfer files & settings wizard"

can't remember where it is, look in help

 

[Ste@SSB]

Or you could just reinstall it over the top of the original ... it will leave all your files and folders intact (but non of the programmes installed) you just have to dig a little to find them (C:\Documents and Settings\your old user name)...

If you do it this way you can have all of the drivers and files that you need to hand all ready to rock by dropping them in a folder on the C drive ... I keep all my important software and files for an install at C:\ft again...

 

[xbootie]

use the "transfer files & settings wizard"

can't remember where it is, look in help

You can find it in the help and support bit on the start menu, but i would do it the same way as redcastle says

If it was me Id make your spare hard drive master and the current one slave if the sizes are ok.
now do a clean install on the new master, when your done copy what you need from the old installation on the slave drive to your new one and then format the slave drive from within windows.

just depends on the size of the two drives really i.e is your second hard drive big enough to be your master.

 

[jimbo]

Thanks chaps,
I've found the wizard, and it looks just what I wanted.
The reason I have 2 drives is the first one gave a couple of HW errors, so I got a new one. I use the old one as a backup, and it hasn't given any errors since, but I'd rather not use it as a master just in case.
J