XP clean install gone bad

[rockbiter13]

Hello- I've just peformed a clean install of xp from windows 98. It did not create any desktop icons and wont recognize my modem. It has also covered my display with tiny dots. Also, I was advised to create a (NTFS) partition for the OS. My current drive had no partitions. What is the point of this and how do I use the rest of my drive which remains unallocated. One more question, did this totally wipe out my whole drive like writing zeros would? I'm very new at this so please explain it to me like I was a 3 yr old. Thanks.

[washe]

ok....

first the easiest one the icons....

for them to appear on the desktop right click on the desktop --- > properties one of the tab has the icons check mark the ones you want to be on the desktop...

The partitions and the unallocated space, if at the beggining you created a small partitions (not your full drive), you can create another partition where you will keep files..

Go to control panel, on the upper left corner click advanced view, look for "Administrative Tools" inside that one for "Computer Magnament", then check storage and create partitions with the rest of the disk.

for the modem maybe you will need a driver for it, looks at the manufacturer website for it.

Welcome to Techimo

[thekingofpain]

ditto---

But---what components are you using?

welcome :-)

(search for video driver as well)

[rockbiter13]

Thanks Washe, Is it true that it is better to partition your drive with XP. I never used a partitioned drive before. This is just a no frills home computer. I was told to give xp a 9 gig partition on a 20gig drive. Also if the other partition is just for data would you use NTFS or FAT32. As for the modem I already have the new updated driver on hand but dont know how to install it when the modem wont even show in device manager??
Hi Kingofpain, which components are you asking about

[LeftCoast]

Killdisk is a nice free utility that writes zeros to the drive, and I do this every single time I reinstall an OS, as some viruses and or corrupted windows files can be reinstalled on the next "fresh" OS install. Formatting alone is not enough!

Welcome to Techimo!


www.killdisk.com

Also, after wiping the drive, during your install of XP, create your 9 gig partition and have Windows install there (most people use NTFS). After the install is complete, go to control panel\Performance and Maintenance\Administrative Tools\Computer Management\Disk Management and use that tool to format the rest of the drive.

[rockbiter13]

Well everybody hates the partitioned drive, having never used one. Can I safely go back and unpartition the drive on windows xp. I would hate to have to buy a utility for this one time change. I also still cant get my modem recognized.

Thanks for your replys guys and gals, they are a god send

[RustyGT]

rockbiter, did you install XP on the drive that had 98 already on it?

just trying to understand your question: "did this totally wipe out my whole drive like writing zeros would?"

If you repartition a drive, unless using special tools, you will lose whatever was already on it.

When using XP , it is better to use the NT File System [NTFS] rather than File Allocation Table 32 [FAT32] system used by Windows 98.

Thruthfully a 'Clean Install' normally means starting from scratch.

Another good utility for wiping out drives is delpart.
delpart is a great little dos based ute that came with NT 3.5.
Get it at http://www.russelltexas.com/delpart.htm

From what you have told us, i would suggest, you completely erase the drive [remove the partitions] then start your XP setup again.
When prompted, allow XP to partition the drive, then format it with NTFS.
Then let the install run it's course.

XP is pretty good at hardware recognition. But it will not find ISA cards, if your modem is an external type, leave it connected, and powered up while doing the install.

Good Luck! Rusty.

[Tazzin]

rockbiter...

First off.. yes.. if you performed a "clean install" then yes...
everything on your drive is gone.

IMO having partitions is a good idea:
1) Just to have data saved onto... downloaded programs, mp3's, movies, etc.
2) If ever you need to reinstall XP again.. you will just need to delete that partition.. recreate that partiton, reformat that partition and reinstall the OS. So you dont lose all your data that you have downloaded / stored.

Use NTFS for file format with XP.. it is much better than FAT32.

For the modem driver.. always go to the manufacturer.. never use something like DriverGuide or sites like that.. it is a haven for viruses, trojans.. etc.. Some of which can really screw up your system.

[Siliconjunkie]

I personally don't do the multiple partition thing. Annoys me to no end.
But, if you don't have the facilities to backup your stuff, then it may make sense to you.
If I need to reinstall, I just copy my profile to another machine, then blow everything away.

[rockbiter13]

Thanks again for all the help. Yes Rusty I did a clean install of xp pro on a computer that already had win98 on it. Ok since the partition is a good idea I'll try to convince the other users to give it a whirl. Today I will try out all this advice and post the results tonight.