Have older computer (runs XP), looking to wipe it clean like to when it was new. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

analog · 12-08-2006, 04:04 AM

So basically the title says it all.

I have a new computer, and I have the older computer sitting collecting dust.

I'd like to take the old computer, which has nothing wrong with it, and set it up with my entertainment unit to play music and such (i'll be installing a vid card with a TV-out so I can use it to show video as well).

My question is, how the hell can I wipe the slate clean, reset the entire hard drive back to like when it was new... i've deleted most things I can figure out aren't system things, i've uninstalled all programs that aren't system programs (but am willing and able to reinstall if needed), but there are always going to be a lot of things on there that are just stuck, not to mention the registry is likely full of stuff it hasn't needed in eons. I just want to clean the whole thing out, get everything but the OS out of there.

I obviously don't have install disks, because it's XP that came on the computer... is there a function to have the computer delete everything but it's original operating system?

And don't say I should format and put linux or something on it, that's just not going to happen.

Thanks for any help with this.

Dilbert1234567 · 12-08-2006, 07:31 AM

Can you contact the manufacturer and get the restore CD's? That would be the easiest way. But no, there is no function that you speak of... unless there is a restore point created on the first day.

Lasereth · 12-08-2006, 07:32 AM

You're not gonna be able to get it running like it should after a format. Uninstalling a program doesn't mean those resources are free or wiped clean now...it simply means you have more hard drive space. If you install 100 programs and apps and then uninstall all of them, the PC will still be slow as shit from the process.

My only advice is to look for some sort of registry wiper for XP. Most of the slowness comes from registry entries, so if you could clear that, then MAYBE it would be a bit faster. I've never used one but I know they exist. Make sure to disable EVERYTHING from startup using msconfig.

NotAnAlias · 12-08-2006, 12:52 PM

If your computer came with XP on it then you own a version of XP OEM - the manufacturer should have given you the cd with your computer. Clearly they didn't (but make absolutely sure). I'd ring the manufacturer up and ask for it.

It'll be xp home and xp home is poo poo :P

Alternatively, you could buy yourself a proper version on ebay or some such similar site. Or you could look into getting xp media centre edition, since you want to make it a media box.

If the price of that puts you off, i know you said you didn't want to, but you should give consideration to open source solutions. There are some that are fairly easy - mythtv is one off the top of my head, sort of like a tivo, but there is another linux-based media centre type getup, the name escapes me - google will help :P.

If you're intent on sticking with windows and are put off by the price (can't blame you) there are less legal avenues you could go down, but i don't condone that sort of thing.

CSflim · 12-08-2006, 01:52 PM

Even if you cannot get a hold of reinstall discs from your pc's manufacturer, you should still have a Windows XP product key. Have a look on your machine for a sticker with this information. If you cannot find this, I believe it is possible to download a tool to get display the product key.

If you have a valid XP product key, you should see if you can borrow an XP install disc from a friend or something. It is perfectly legal for you to do this as long as you use your own product key to activate it.

NotAnAlias · 12-08-2006, 08:53 PM

Whilst that is true, CSfilm, if his manufacturer used some strange hardware devices which is something they tend to do, a standard xp cd might leave him with a lovely clean os, but no drivers. This is especially lovely when you want to try and transfer drivers or use the net to try and find some, but you have no ethernet card that works

.

If you're going to go down that avenue, i highly suggest finding and backing up your drivers on something easy to access - usb flash disk for example. It'll save you a bunch of time and frustration.

12-08-2006, 04:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
analog Banned	Have older computer (runs XP), looking to wipe it clean like to when it was new. So basically the title says it all. I have a new computer, and I have the older computer sitting collecting dust. I'd like to take the old computer, which has nothing wrong with it, and set it up with my entertainment unit to play music and such (i'll be installing a vid card with a TV-out so I can use it to show video as well). My question is, how the hell can I wipe the slate clean, reset the entire hard drive back to like when it was new... i've deleted most things I can figure out aren't system things, i've uninstalled all programs that aren't system programs (but am willing and able to reinstall if needed), but there are always going to be a lot of things on there that are just stuck, not to mention the registry is likely full of stuff it hasn't needed in eons. I just want to clean the whole thing out, get everything but the OS out of there. I obviously don't have install disks, because it's XP that came on the computer... is there a function to have the computer delete everything but it's original operating system? And don't say I should format and put linux or something on it, that's just not going to happen. Thanks for any help with this.

12-08-2006, 07:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Dilbert1234567 Devils Cabana Boy Location: Central Coast CA	Can you contact the manufacturer and get the restore CD's? That would be the easiest way. But no, there is no function that you speak of... unless there is a restore point created on the first day. __________________ Donate Blood! "Love is not finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Keen

12-08-2006, 07:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	You're not gonna be able to get it running like it should after a format. Uninstalling a program doesn't mean those resources are free or wiped clean now...it simply means you have more hard drive space. If you install 100 programs and apps and then uninstall all of them, the PC will still be slow as shit from the process. My only advice is to look for some sort of registry wiper for XP. Most of the slowness comes from registry entries, so if you could clear that, then MAYBE it would be a bit faster. I've never used one but I know they exist. Make sure to disable EVERYTHING from startup using msconfig. __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

12-08-2006, 01:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
CSflim Sky Piercer Location: Ireland	Even if you cannot get a hold of reinstall discs from your pc's manufacturer, you should still have a Windows XP product key. Have a look on your machine for a sticker with this information. If you cannot find this, I believe it is possible to download a tool to get display the product key. If you have a valid XP product key, you should see if you can borrow an XP install disc from a friend or something. It is perfectly legal for you to do this as long as you use your own product key to activate it. __________________

12-08-2006, 12:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
NotAnAlias Tilted Location: Auckland, New Zealand	If your computer came with XP on it then you own a version of XP OEM - the manufacturer should have given you the cd with your computer. Clearly they didn't (but make absolutely sure). I'd ring the manufacturer up and ask for it. It'll be xp home and xp home is poo poo :P Alternatively, you could buy yourself a proper version on ebay or some such similar site. Or you could look into getting xp media centre edition, since you want to make it a media box. If the price of that puts you off, i know you said you didn't want to, but you should give consideration to open source solutions. There are some that are fairly easy - mythtv is one off the top of my head, sort of like a tivo, but there is another linux-based media centre type getup, the name escapes me - google will help :P. If you're intent on sticking with windows and are put off by the price (can't blame you) there are less legal avenues you could go down, but i don't condone that sort of thing.

12-08-2006, 08:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
NotAnAlias Tilted Location: Auckland, New Zealand	Whilst that is true, CSfilm, if his manufacturer used some strange hardware devices which is something they tend to do, a standard xp cd might leave him with a lovely clean os, but no drivers. This is especially lovely when you want to try and transfer drivers or use the net to try and find some, but you have no ethernet card that works . If you're going to go down that avenue, i highly suggest finding and backing up your drivers on something easy to access - usb flash disk for example. It'll save you a bunch of time and frustration.