Reinstalling XP Home without losing data?

[Quattro Pete]

I have an old notebook that I want to use a SqueezeCenter server and for P2P duties. However, over the years (since 2003), a lot of other garbage has accumulated on this machine - it boots painfully slow. I was thinking of reinstalling XP on it, but I don't want to lose some of the applications and their configuration settings (Microsoft Office, SqueezeCenter, Firefox, etc.).

Is there an easy way to do this, or am I better off with a clean XP install and then reinstall and reconfigure the apps that I need?

 

[simple_gifts]

Can't you back up your Document and Settings folder? This has your IE shortcuts et al

I would go for the clean install; make sure you fdisk the partition and wipe it out; windows has a way of trying to prevent a clean install even when you told it "do a clean install" If there are no NTFS partitions it has no choice but to "start from scratch"

 

[OVERKILL]

You can do a repair install of XP, but I think cleaning up your current install is a better solution.........

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
Cmake sure you fdisk the partition and wipe it out;

How do I do this step?

Thanks.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
cleaning up your current install is a better solution.........

What do you mean by "cleaning up"?

 

[OVERKILL]

Exactly what it sounds like.

1. Add/Remove programs. Uninstall anything you don't use.
2. CCleaner it. Disk and Registry.
3. Enable the viewing of hidden files. Navigate to your user account under Documents and Settings and delete everything in the Temp folder under Application Data.
4. Go to Program Files. Any of the programs that you uninstalled earlier that still have folders here, delete the folders.
5. Run CCleaner again (registry).
6. Open a command prompt and type chkdsk /r
7. Hit YES and then yes if you want to do it on a reboot.
8. Reboot.
9. Wait a while.
10. Run Spybot and SAS
11. Run HjackThis! and clean up your startup and BHO's.
12. Run CCleaner (registry) again.
13. Defrag

That should give you a pretty noticeable increase in system speed.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Oh, I see. I actually did most of the things you mentioned already, and am still not satisfied. Hence the thought of reinstalling Windows.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Oh, I see. I actually did most of the things you mentioned already, and am still not satisfied. Hence the thought of reinstalling Windows.


What are the system specs?

 

[The Critic]

What about deleting the Windodws directory, then doing a reinstall of Windows? You'll need to reinstall windows, but your would be preserved.

 

[simple_gifts]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
Cmake sure you fdisk the partition and wipe it out;

How do I do this step?

Thanks.


I will need to defer to Overkill's help on this since I don't know how to do it with an XP or XP recovery CD since I don't run XP; it is easily done using a CD bootable linux distro like Knoppix or Ubuntu. I can walk you thru those steps if you want to go that route.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
What are the system specs?

P4 2.6GHz (but only 400 MHz FSB), 1 GB RAM (DDR PC2700), Hitachi 60GB 7200rpm HDD.

 

[OVERKILL]

Yeah, shouldn't be that slow then. How much stuff is running in the background? Can you run HJT and post your log?

A clean install is going to lose your stuff. And no, you cannot just delete the Windows directory, because then you lose your registry, and so all the software will need to be reinstalled, even though it is still "on the machine".

There has to be a cause for the slow-down.

I would also suggest downloading the Tuneup utils 2009 trial and running its cleaners, then doing their registry defrag.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Can you run HJT and post your log?


Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 4:29:43 PM, on 1/18/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3, v.3244 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16574)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
c:\program files\common files\logitech\lvmvfm\LVPrcSrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
C:\Program Files\a-squared Free\a2service.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LogiShrd\LVCOMSER\LVComSer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\winvnc4.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\TPPALDR.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe
C:\Program Files\I8kfanGUI\I8kfanGUI.exe
C:\Program Files\RocketDock\RocketDock.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\vssvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\dllhost.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.interia.pl/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = w3cache.icm.edu.pl:8080
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_10\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Easy-WebPrint - {327C2873-E90D-4c37-AA9D-10AC9BABA46C} - C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Toolband.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPP Auto Loader] C:\WINDOWS\TPPALDR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min /nosplash
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [i8kfangui] C:\Program Files\I8kfanGUI\I8kfanGUI.exe /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PeerGuardian] C:\Program Files\PeerGuardian2\pg2.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [RocketDock] "C:\Program Files\RocketDock\RocketDock.exe"
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Harmony Remote V5.lnk.disabled
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: SqueezeCenter Tray Tool.lnk = C:\Program Files\SqueezeCenter\SqueezeTray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with Free Download Manager - file://C:\Program Files\Free Download Manager\dllink.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Add To Print List - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_AddToList.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint High Speed Print - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_HSPrint.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Preview - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_Preview.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Print - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_Print.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_10\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_10\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {01A88BB1-1174-41EC-ACCB-963509EAE56B} (SysProWmi Class) - http://support.dell.com/systemprofiler/SysPro.CAB
O16 - DPF: {0742B9EF-8C83-41CA-BFBA-830A59E23533} (Microsoft Data Collection Control) - https://support.microsoft.com/OAS/ActiveX/MSDcode.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://appldnld.m7z.net/content.info.app...iTunesSetup.exe
O16 - DPF: {493ACF15-5CD9-4474-82A6-91670C3DD66E} (LinkedIn ContactFinderControl) - http://www.linkedin.com/cab/LinkedInContactFinderControl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BB21F850-63F4-4EC9-BF9D-565BD30C9AE9} (a-squared Scanner) - http://ax.emsisoft.com/asquared.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {E06E2E99-0AA1-11D4-ABA6-0060082AA75C} (GpcContainer Class) - https://comarch.webex.com/client/T23L/webex/ieatgpc.cab
O16 - DPF: {E7D2588A-7FB5-47DC-8830-832605661009} - http://livenj01.rightnowtech.com/7514-b230h/rnl/java/RntX.cab
O16 - DPF: {FD0B6769-6490-4A91-AA0A-B5AE0DC75AC9} (Performance Viewer Activex Control) - https://secure.logmein.com/activex/ractrl.cab?lmi=100
O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL
O23 - Service: a-squared Free Service (a2free) - Emsi Software GmbH - C:\Program Files\a-squared Free\a2service.exe
O23 - Service: Active WebCam Watchdog (ACTIVEWEBCAMWATCHDOG) - PY Software - C:\Program Files\Active WebCam\Watchdog.exe
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: ASP.NET State Service (aspnet_state) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_state.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: ewido anti-spyware 4.0 guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Ahead Software AG - C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LVCOMSer - Logitech Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LogiShrd\LVCOMSER\LVComSer.exe
O23 - Service: Logitech Process Monitor (LVPrcSrv) - Logitech Inc. - c:\program files\common files\logitech\lvmvfm\LVPrcSrv.exe
O23 - Service: LVSrvLauncher - Logitech Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LogiShrd\SrvLnch\SrvLnch.exe
O23 - Service: ServiceLayer - Nokia. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\PCSuite\Services\ServiceLayer.exe
O23 - Service: SqueezeMySQL - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\SQUEEZ~1\server\Bin\MSWIN3~1\mysqld.exe
O23 - Service: VNC Server Version 4 (WinVNC4) - RealVNC Ltd. - C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\winvnc4.exe

--
End of file - 8626 bytes

 

[OVERKILL]

OK.

1. Why the multiple anti-spyware apps? I'd stick to one.

2. Uninstall InCD if you don't use it.

That's about it for that list. Otherwise, it looks pretty decent.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks. Will do.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Use the files and settings transer wizard to transer everything to another drive, then transfer it back after the Op System reinstallation.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
Use the files and settings transer wizard to transer everything to another drive, then transfer it back after the Op System reinstallation.


Note to self - Investigate possibility of sticking "f" key...

 

[kc8adu]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
OK.

1. Why the multiple anti-spyware apps? I'd stick to one.

2. Uninstall InCD if you don't use it.

That's about it for that list. Otherwise, it looks pretty decent.

no single antispyware gets everything.
i would add malwarebytes anti malware to that mix.
this situation is a good reason to image the drive once everything is to your liking.even with the best care all windows installs get stale and sluggish.
data should be stored independant of your o.s.
it takes a few minutes to restore from an image vs a total overhaul when not if something happens.
older versions of norton ghost are nice for this.
new versions are now windows based.not worth a dime imho.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: kc8adu
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
OK.

1. Why the multiple anti-spyware apps? I'd stick to one.

2. Uninstall InCD if you don't use it.

That's about it for that list. Otherwise, it looks pretty decent.

no single antispyware gets everything.
i would add malwarebytes anti malware to that mix.
this situation is a good reason to image the drive once everything is to your liking.even with the best care all windows installs get stale and sluggish.
data should be stored independant of your o.s.
it takes a few minutes to restore from an image vs a total overhaul when not if something happens.
older versions of norton ghost are nice for this.
new versions are now windows based.not worth a dime imho.


He doesn't need multiple RESIDENT spyware apps was the point I was making. He's got more than one running at once. Not necessary.

My XP install in VMWare is at least 4 years old. And as responsive as the day it was created. The OS doesn't make itself sluggish, it definitely takes user intervention to cause it.