when should xp be reinstalled

[Clocker]

i have used my system for 2 years without an install. and like most users i tend to download files and use progs.

I have cleaned the registry and i was wondering if i a clean install would help any. I think my os is stills stable.

so any opinions on this??

thanks

 

[stars]

it should only be reinstalled if youre experiencing serious problems. if youre happy with your current install and free of spyware and viruses i'd just leave it alone.

 

[MrChad]

If your hard drive is replaced or your system is compromised by a virus. Otherwise, reformatting is a waste of time.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: MrChad
If your hard drive is replaced or your system is compromised by a virus. Otherwise, reformatting is a waste of time.

I've been through 3 drives on my old xp install, and cloned the install onto the new drive. The rest of the hardware has finally given out after 4 + years
Now the old beast will spontaneously reboot, and it will also start up by itself!
The mobo is tired

 

[Kinslayer777]

Originally posted by: skyking

Now the old beast will spontaneously reboot, and it will also start up by itself!
The mobo is tired

AhhhhH!!!!!


I thought reinstalling is suggested (as opposed to reformatting) to fix up any potential mutations over time from install/uninstall masses.

 

[Auric]

OS reinstallation implies user failure on day one (when initially installed). Simple imaging precludes ever having to ponder the question. Now, whether restoring from a pristine image or a subsequent one is ever warranted depends upon how vigillant (or conversely, sloppy) you have been. In betwixt those options is always the mighty repair setup. I, for one, use an OS setup for years through major hardware changes and oodles of software and never "reinstall". I will do a new setup when I switch to a new OS (as opposed to upgrade setup).

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

Generally not if you don't experience long delays in startup, shutdowns, launching programs, etc....I will have to restore a "pristine" image of my XP this thanksgiving since it's getting to the 4+ minutes for booting up and annoying delays in launching programs.

Pristine = all security patches, firewall, antivirus, office 2003, etc... installed and working without instability or problems (up to imaging date).

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: MrChad
If your hard drive is replaced

Why would you do it under this circumstance?

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: boomerang

Originally posted by: MrChad
If your hard drive is replaced

Why would you do it under this circumstance?

Because your information and OS would be lost if you didn't clone it.

 

[IEC]

If you reinstall XP at least 7x a year like I do images tend to work better.

 

[spherrod]

Originally posted by: MrChad
If your hard drive is replaced or your system is compromised by a virus. Otherwise, reformatting is a waste of time.

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: ariafrost
If you reinstall XP at least 7x a year like I do images tend to work better.

no kidding, the frickin activation thing is just really annoying, lol

and downloading all the updates that have come out since SP2.

 

[Auric]

Originally posted by: KrillBee

Originally posted by: ariafrost
If you reinstall XP at least 7x a year like I do images tend to work better.

no kidding, the frickin activation thing is just really annoying, lol

and downloading all the updates that have come out since SP2.

There are various EZ methods for integrating all patches or alternatively (and subsequently anyway) use AutoPatcher which is far more convenient than Windows Update and snubs the hated WGA at the same time.

 

[TonyRic]

Never re-installed. Just uninstalled. (Did I just say that out loud? Yes, yes, I did)

seriously though. Only when you are experiencing stability or performance issues.

 

[Noema]

Originally posted by: MrChad
If your hard drive is replaced or your system is compromised by a virus. Otherwise, reformatting is a waste of time.

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: KrillBee

Originally posted by: ariafrost
If you reinstall XP at least 7x a year like I do images tend to work better.

no kidding, the frickin activation thing is just really annoying, lol

and downloading all the updates that have come out since SP2.

Thats why on my last format, I've took a different approach.
So far, I've been running clean for about six months. During this time, I've used MSBA for my updates instead of the online, Windows Update service. MSBA performs the same scan and it appears to query the same source that online updates do. MSBA will then allow you to download each update to your local hard drive. I've done this to the point of last week. I now have every post-SP2 update, stored locally. A majority of the updates support the "/integrate" command. I keep an ISO compiled of a SP2 install disc with all the updates integrated (usually update this every couple of months).

So, when that dreaded instance happens, and I have to reinstall, I'll be golden.