A Windows XP System Rebuild – Some Tips
After 29 months of loyal service my Windows XP Install on my main computer a Dell Latitude X300 laptop was flaky.
Over the 29 months I regularly install software to evaluate or use and from time to time the X300 is placed in peril hunting for viruses on networks etc.
Normally I would just elect to replace the computer, rebuild it afresh and sell it on. But I want to wait for a Windows Vista Ready laptop.
The X300 is a fantastic laptop and has served me well. So I decided on a rebuild for myself while I wait for Vista (some 8-10 months from now).
So this article is really about how the many things you have to remember before a rebuild.
1)Back up all your Data, I would suggest you back up your entire c:\Documents and Settings\Your Name Folder. Have a good look around and see if you installed or have data in other locations.
2)Make a note of every software application you will want to reinstall. Get the latest versions from the Internet. Just check in the Contral Panel > Add Remove Programs
3)As this was a Dell I chose to download the drivers for Chipset, Audio, Video, Modem and Network Card.
4)Finally I de-authorised this machines from Itunes.
Now using a Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD Rom, I too great pleasure in deleting the existing partition and went on my merry way installing Windows XP SP2
Once Windows XP had installed, I installed all the Dell Device Drivers.
Then Perform Windows Update, there are some 45+ security updates post SP2
Then Install Microsoft Office (Office 2003 Pro) Then apply Office 2003 Service Pack2 and finally Visit the office update website to grab the few remaining updates.
Next install the other applications that you need to work, I was quite surprised there was so many.
Adobe Acrobat 7.0
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Audacity (for recording Audio)
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
CutePDF (free PDF Viewer)
http://www.cutepdf.com/
DB Power Amp for easily converting audio formats
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/
Firefox 1.5.0.1
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
Gmail Notifier (to tell me when I have new gmail)
http://toolbar.google.com/gmail-helper/
Image Resizer – Microsoft Powertoy
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/
My Screen Recorder Pro (records on screen video’s)
http://www.deskshare.com/
Norton AntiVirus
http://www.symantec.com/index.htm
Tweak UI – Microsoft Powertoy
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/
Windows Media Player 10.0
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/players.aspx
Winzip 10.0 Professional
http://www.winzip.com/
WS FTP Pro Verison 10.0 (application for uploading web content)
http://www.ipswitch.com/
FastStats Log Analyzer
http://www.mach5.com/products/analyzer/index.php
All in all the back-up/re-install took 3 maybe 4 hours.
Its worth it, the laptop now runs like a dream again.
I also elected to replace the Battery
5 Hours….Whoo Hoo
