DescentBB

I reformat my pc a lot (once every two or three weeks) to keep it in shape, or i just repair windows. Still, i would like to have windows use a secondary hardrive, or use an iso to go back to it's original state. Sometimes i use \"system restore\" to get this effect, but sometimes i have to reformat. Could i create a bootable partition?

There are programs that can \"ghost\" your drive. So if you install a fresh windows then you ghost it to make a copy. Then you can just restore that copy when you want to start fresh again.

Windows doesn't like being on any other partition besides the first so if you are talking about having a second partition that is bootable to windows I wouldn't do it. It IS possible but it involves booting a win98 cd and copying the winXP install directory to the hard drive and running the setup manually (a friend of mine did that and was able to boot to a second partition). If you just go through the normal setup it will fail. If you do manage to do that I think the windows boot loader will let you pick between the two. Otherwise you could use one of the Linux boot loaders such as lilo.

But then again I am really sleepy right now so I might have no idea what you are trying to ask.

Every two to three weeks? Isn't that a bit excessive? I generally keep formats around 6-12 months apart depending on if I feel like it or not, and my copy of windows runs like it is brand new almost the whole time.

If you keep managing to mess up your XP install that fast, try installing a program like altris svs ( http://svsdownloads.com/ ), use it and you can instantly revert any programs you install with it back to their default states, or uninstall the programs COMPLETELY. It even defeats the paint shop pro trial period, so you know it completely removes the files and settings any program installs. And best of all, it's FREE!

Otherwise, go to norton's site, buy a copy of ghost, use that to image your fresh install and you can just restore the image every time you need it.

I'd be a bit more parsimonious with installing software too.

install XP more than twice a year means your probably installing everything that catches your eye; its not a good thing, and you should break that habbit.

And I thought my 2-year reformat plan was excessive...

Isaac - leave XP installed for at least 2 years. My current XP installation has seen 3 motherboard upgrades and 5 hard drive configurations, is more than 3 years old, and it is in perfect health.

You should learn to MAINTAIN your car: not put it through a crusher every month, then go buy a new one, the EXACT same make, model and colour!

It's like trading in your brand new car, and losing thousands of dollars simply because the ashtrays are full! LEARN TO EMPTY YOUR ASHTRAYS! Bwahaha.

Grammar ★■◆●: \"Boot from\" not \"boot off\". Jebus, next thing you'll be saying \"I boot off of\" - which just sounds painful.

Urge to edit out Mobius's retarded grammar rants: Rising...

Krom wrote:Urge to edit out Mobius's retarded grammar rants: Rising...

Please do.

Im waiting for someone from the OED to come and punch him.

Except for the grammar statement. I agree, nice analogy BTW, Ace(Xamindar)Combat???

I didn't have to reformat/reinstall/repair WinXP for I don't know how long either ...

Can someone boot Mobius off of this board?

j/k