re-installing XP

I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as the
computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and really
don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data I
need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid further
problems and complications.

Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however L'm
willing to learn.

thanks

There is almost certainly no need to reformat/reinstall the computer - I
suggest that you repost with a few more details to a more appropriate
newsgroup, where specialist will be able to help - for starters.....

You may already have a virus/spyware hijack

download the Stinger from here and run it to make sure that A-V-disabling
viruses are not present on your PC
http://download.nai.com/products/mca...rt/stinger.exe

- update your virus scanner and run a full system scan of all files.

Reboot to Safe Mode and run CWShredder - to remove variants of the
CoolWebSearch hijacker.
http://www.merijn.org/cwschronicles.html

Use CWShredder, the removal tool:
http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
(download it without the accompanying rubbish)

download AdAware SE Personal Edition from www.lavasoftusa.com, install,
update, and run it to remove spyware, adware, and other such nasties from
your system.


--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"simon" <> wrote in message
news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
>I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as
>the
> computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and really
> don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data I
> need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
> further
> problems and complications.
>
> Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however L'm
> willing to learn.
>
> thanks

They ought to create a newsgroup for the topic.
If you use outlook express for email, back up your stuff and your
settings, too - http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com
You know to save "My Documents." Look to see if you have data
in other places than that folder. Get all your CD's together -
The SP2 CD and the XP CD and anything else you need.

When you're ready enough change bios and boot from the XP CD.
It'll ask you if you're really really really sure. If you are, say yes yes
yes.
If you're slick, it'll take about 6 hours to put it back together.

Get an anti-virus in and the firewall on before you connect,
then go right to Windows Update and download critical updates.
Do not reinstall spyware. Ask google about spyware.

"simon" <> wrote in message
news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
>I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as
>the
> computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and really
> don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data I
> need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
> further
> problems and complications.
>
> Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however L'm
> willing to learn.
>
> thanks

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...all+Windows+XP

"Michael Jennings" <> wrote in message
news:...
> They ought to create a newsgroup for the topic.
> If you use outlook express for email, back up your stuff and your
> settings, too - http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com
> You know to save "My Documents." Look to see if you have data
> in other places than that folder. Get all your CD's together -
> The SP2 CD and the XP CD and anything else you need.
>
> When you're ready enough change bios and boot from the XP CD.
> It'll ask you if you're really really really sure. If you are, say yes yes
> yes.
> If you're slick, it'll take about 6 hours to put it back together.
>
> Get an anti-virus in and the firewall on before you connect,
> then go right to Windows Update and download critical updates.
> Do not reinstall spyware. Ask google about spyware.
>
> "simon" <> wrote in message
> news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
>>I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as
>>the
>> computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and really
>> don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data I
>> need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
>> further
>> problems and complications.
>>
>> Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however L'm
>> willing to learn.
>>
>> thanks
>
>

Hi simon,

A reformat/reinstall may not be necessary, as it may be trojans or other
malware (spyware, for example) that is causing your computer to run very
slow.
Ensure that your antivirus program is updated and run a full scan. In
addition, you may want to try either or both of these free online scans:

Trend Micro's Housecall
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hous...start_corp.asp

Panda Software's Active Scan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/product..._principal.htm

You might also want to have a look at the information here:

THE PARASITE FIGHT
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

If you do decide on going the reformat/reinstall route, have a look at the
information here:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cl...all.html#steps
Before you go thru the above process, if you have an "always on" connection
to the internet (cable, for example), unplug the modem from your computer.
When XP has been successfully installed, plug the modem back in to the
computer, enable the Internet Connection Firewall and then d/load and
install the critical/security patches from Windows Update.

If your XP install CD doesn't include Service Pack 2, you may want to create
a slipstreamed CD to use for the reformat/reinstall. Follow the instructions
here:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm
or
many people seem pleased with having used autostreamer:
http://www.autopatcher.com/autostreamer.html



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

"simon" <> wrote in message
news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
> I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as
the
> computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and really
> don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data I
> need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
further
> problems and complications.
>
> Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however L'm
> willing to learn.
>
> thanks

I have been running virus scan from Zone labs and the Microsoft spyware.
These 2 progams inform that there are no virus.

I was made to understand that sometime the machine can just get clogged up
with files downloaded from the net and a good clean up is sometimes a good
thing. I thought it would be possible to delete files whilst in windows
explorer but when I see the quantity and the names I realise that I really
have no idea where to start.

"Noel Paton" wrote:

> There is almost certainly no need to reformat/reinstall the computer - I
> suggest that you repost with a few more details to a more appropriate
> newsgroup, where specialist will be able to help - for starters.....
>
> You may already have a virus/spyware hijack
>
> download the Stinger from here and run it to make sure that A-V-disabling
> viruses are not present on your PC
> http://download.nai.com/products/mca...rt/stinger.exe
>
> - update your virus scanner and run a full system scan of all files.
>
> Reboot to Safe Mode and run CWShredder - to remove variants of the
> CoolWebSearch hijacker.
> http://www.merijn.org/cwschronicles.html
>
> Use CWShredder, the removal tool:
> http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
> (download it without the accompanying rubbish)
>
> download AdAware SE Personal Edition from www.lavasoftusa.com, install,
> update, and run it to remove spyware, adware, and other such nasties from
> your system.
>
>
> --
> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
>
> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
>
> http://tinyurl.com/6oztj
>
> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
>
> "simon" <> wrote in message
> news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
> >I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as
> >the
> > computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and really
> > don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data I
> > need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
> > further
> > problems and complications.
> >
> > Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however L'm
> > willing to learn.
> >
> > thanks
>
>
>

First
Delete the Temporary Internet Files - go to Internet Options, click on the
General Tab, and select the Delete Files button. put a check in the ...and
Offline content' box, and click OK.
When you get control back (it can take a few minutes!!), click on the
Settings button, and change the space allocated to 40MB (it's probably over
1GB at present!!) click OK
Reboot
Open Windows Explorer
click on Tools | Folder Options, and then click on the View tab - make sure
that your settings enable you to see Hidden files and folders
navigate to the following folder
C:\Documents and Settings\<your logon name>\Local Settings\Temp
delete the ENITRE CONTENTS of the folder - but not the folder itself!
(repeat that process for any other logon names, also)
Reboot again

See if that helps


--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"simon" <> wrote in message
news:466D070A-EE65-4CC4-864A-...
>I have been running virus scan from Zone labs and the Microsoft spyware.
> These 2 progams inform that there are no virus.
>
> I was made to understand that sometime the machine can just get clogged up
> with files downloaded from the net and a good clean up is sometimes a good
> thing. I thought it would be possible to delete files whilst in windows
> explorer but when I see the quantity and the names I realise that I really
> have no idea where to start.
>
> "Noel Paton" wrote:
>
>> There is almost certainly no need to reformat/reinstall the computer - I
>> suggest that you repost with a few more details to a more appropriate
>> newsgroup, where specialist will be able to help - for starters.....
>>
>> You may already have a virus/spyware hijack
>>
>> download the Stinger from here and run it to make sure that A-V-disabling
>> viruses are not present on your PC
>> http://download.nai.com/products/mca...rt/stinger.exe
>>
>> - update your virus scanner and run a full system scan of all files.
>>
>> Reboot to Safe Mode and run CWShredder - to remove variants of the
>> CoolWebSearch hijacker.
>> http://www.merijn.org/cwschronicles.html
>>
>> Use CWShredder, the removal tool:
>> http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
>> (download it without the accompanying rubbish)
>>
>> download AdAware SE Personal Edition from www.lavasoftusa.com, install,
>> update, and run it to remove spyware, adware, and other such nasties from
>> your system.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
>>
>> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
>> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/6oztj
>>
>> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
>>
>> "simon" <> wrote in message
>> news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
>> >I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as
>> >the
>> > computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and
>> > really
>> > don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data
>> > I
>> > need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
>> > further
>> > problems and complications.
>> >
>> > Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however
>> > L'm
>> > willing to learn.
>> >
>> > thanks
>>
>>
>>

In settings where should I change the space from 1 to 40 mb's?

"Noel Paton" wrote:

> First
> Delete the Temporary Internet Files - go to Internet Options, click on the
> General Tab, and select the Delete Files button. put a check in the ...and
> Offline content' box, and click OK.
> When you get control back (it can take a few minutes!!), click on the
> Settings button, and change the space allocated to 40MB (it's probably over
> 1GB at present!!) click OK
> Reboot
> Open Windows Explorer
> click on Tools | Folder Options, and then click on the View tab - make sure
> that your settings enable you to see Hidden files and folders
> navigate to the following folder
> C:\Documents and Settings\<your logon name>\Local Settings\Temp
> delete the ENITRE CONTENTS of the folder - but not the folder itself!
> (repeat that process for any other logon names, also)
> Reboot again
>
> See if that helps
>
>
> --
> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
>
> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
>
> http://tinyurl.com/6oztj
>
> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
>
> "simon" <> wrote in message
> news:466D070A-EE65-4CC4-864A-...
> >I have been running virus scan from Zone labs and the Microsoft spyware.
> > These 2 progams inform that there are no virus.
> >
> > I was made to understand that sometime the machine can just get clogged up
> > with files downloaded from the net and a good clean up is sometimes a good
> > thing. I thought it would be possible to delete files whilst in windows
> > explorer but when I see the quantity and the names I realise that I really
> > have no idea where to start.
> >
> > "Noel Paton" wrote:
> >
> >> There is almost certainly no need to reformat/reinstall the computer - I
> >> suggest that you repost with a few more details to a more appropriate
> >> newsgroup, where specialist will be able to help - for starters.....
> >>
> >> You may already have a virus/spyware hijack
> >>
> >> download the Stinger from here and run it to make sure that A-V-disabling
> >> viruses are not present on your PC
> >> http://download.nai.com/products/mca...rt/stinger.exe
> >>
> >> - update your virus scanner and run a full system scan of all files.
> >>
> >> Reboot to Safe Mode and run CWShredder - to remove variants of the
> >> CoolWebSearch hijacker.
> >> http://www.merijn.org/cwschronicles.html
> >>
> >> Use CWShredder, the removal tool:
> >> http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
> >> (download it without the accompanying rubbish)
> >>
> >> download AdAware SE Personal Edition from www.lavasoftusa.com, install,
> >> update, and run it to remove spyware, adware, and other such nasties from
> >> your system.
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
> >>
> >> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
> >> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
> >>
> >> http://tinyurl.com/6oztj
> >>
> >> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
> >>
> >> "simon" <> wrote in message
> >> news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
> >> >I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP as
> >> >the
> >> > computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and
> >> > really
> >> > don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application data
> >> > I
> >> > need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
> >> > further
> >> > problems and complications.
> >> >
> >> > Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers however
> >> > L'm
> >> > willing to learn.
> >> >
> >> > thanks
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

There's a slider and a window down at the bottom of settings.
Move the slider to the left down away from whatever.
Then click on the arrows to size cache.

Alternatively, click in the little window to change it.
Type in a size for TIF - try 40 or 80 - less than 1000 MB.

"simon" <> wrote in message
news:A5EF12C2-69BD-4023-8935-...
> In settings where should I change the space from 1 to 40 mb's?
>

Simon
Please read my post again - and read what I actually wrote, rather than what
you think I said!!


--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"simon" <> wrote in message
news:A5EF12C2-69BD-4023-8935-...
> In settings where should I change the space from 1 to 40 mb's?
>
> "Noel Paton" wrote:
>
>> First
>> Delete the Temporary Internet Files - go to Internet Options, click on
>> the
>> General Tab, and select the Delete Files button. put a check in the
>> ...and
>> Offline content' box, and click OK.
>> When you get control back (it can take a few minutes!!), click on the
>> Settings button, and change the space allocated to 40MB (it's probably
>> over
>> 1GB at present!!) click OK
>> Reboot
>> Open Windows Explorer
>> click on Tools | Folder Options, and then click on the View tab - make
>> sure
>> that your settings enable you to see Hidden files and folders
>> navigate to the following folder
>> C:\Documents and Settings\<your logon name>\Local Settings\Temp
>> delete the ENITRE CONTENTS of the folder - but not the folder itself!
>> (repeat that process for any other logon names, also)
>> Reboot again
>>
>> See if that helps
>>
>>
>> --
>> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
>>
>> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
>> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/6oztj
>>
>> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
>>
>> "simon" <> wrote in message
>> news:466D070A-EE65-4CC4-864A-...
>> >I have been running virus scan from Zone labs and the Microsoft spyware.
>> > These 2 progams inform that there are no virus.
>> >
>> > I was made to understand that sometime the machine can just get clogged
>> > up
>> > with files downloaded from the net and a good clean up is sometimes a
>> > good
>> > thing. I thought it would be possible to delete files whilst in
>> > windows
>> > explorer but when I see the quantity and the names I realise that I
>> > really
>> > have no idea where to start.
>> >
>> > "Noel Paton" wrote:
>> >
>> >> There is almost certainly no need to reformat/reinstall the computer -
>> >> I
>> >> suggest that you repost with a few more details to a more appropriate
>> >> newsgroup, where specialist will be able to help - for starters.....
>> >>
>> >> You may already have a virus/spyware hijack
>> >>
>> >> download the Stinger from here and run it to make sure that
>> >> A-V-disabling
>> >> viruses are not present on your PC
>> >> http://download.nai.com/products/mca...rt/stinger.exe
>> >>
>> >> - update your virus scanner and run a full system scan of all files.
>> >>
>> >> Reboot to Safe Mode and run CWShredder - to remove variants of the
>> >> CoolWebSearch hijacker.
>> >> http://www.merijn.org/cwschronicles.html
>> >>
>> >> Use CWShredder, the removal tool:
>> >> http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
>> >> (download it without the accompanying rubbish)
>> >>
>> >> download AdAware SE Personal Edition from www.lavasoftusa.com,
>> >> install,
>> >> update, and run it to remove spyware, adware, and other such nasties
>> >> from
>> >> your system.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
>> >>
>> >> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
>> >> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
>> >>
>> >> http://tinyurl.com/6oztj
>> >>
>> >> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to
>> >> NG's
>> >>
>> >> "simon" <> wrote in message
>> >> news:075CB7B5-0A4A-4739-8E7C-...
>> >> >I have been told that I should format the hard disk and re-install XP
>> >> >as
>> >> >the
>> >> > computer is running very slow. Never done anything like this and
>> >> > really
>> >> > don't no where to start. There is a certain amount of application
>> >> > data
>> >> > I
>> >> > need to save, that I know, but what else should I be doing to avoid
>> >> > further
>> >> > problems and complications.
>> >> >
>> >> > Can anyone help me, I really know very little about computers
>> >> > however
>> >> > L'm
>> >> > willing to learn.
>> >> >
>> >> > thanks
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>