Multiple versions of XP installed - how to remove one?

[sean5861]

After XP failed on me, i had to reinstall it and for some reason it did not replace the old version and so instead i have two running. Of course the old one is utterly pointless as it is broken and so is wasting space. How do i delete it?

Also I have my old programs in 'program files' but they are not in the new start menu. Is there an easy way of adding the whole lot to the start menu?

Thanks.......................

[Dunedin]

Hello sean5861

You must have forgotten to format during the reinstall
If you installed both copies of XP in the same partition, the only course of action is to reinstall properly again.

How to reinstall XP with a format
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_pro_i..._-_graphic.htm

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html



If however, the copies of XP are on different partitions it is possible to remove one of them.

So, which one is it?

.

[sean5861]

oh not another reinstall

I only have one internal hard drive, when i boot it gives me a black screen with the choice of which operating system to load:

Windows XP
Windows XP (the broken version)

Im not sure if they are on the same partition, can you tell from this info?

[deleted010511]

you can edit the boot.ini fille to remove the broken one from your boot menu. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022 the broken one will still reside on your hard drive and you will probably see 2 Windows files in Explorer. If you are not running out of space you can leave it, but if you want a clean install, then you will have to reformat your HDD and reinstall Windows.

[Dunedin]

Im not sure if they are on the same partition, can you tell from this info?

No, I cannot tell, but if YOU don`t know I would say they are on the same partition. You would have had to create another partition during the reinstall of XP and you would know if you had done that.

I`m afraid there is no way to uninstall one of them. The only thing you can do is to reinstall. Trying to remove one will only result in problems sooner or later.

Please read the tutorials and be sure to format the partition this time. It is all explained in the tutorials.

.

[John.BA]

Originally Posted by Dunedin

I`m afraid there is no way to uninstall one of them. The only thing you can do is to reinstall. Trying to remove one will only result in problems sooner or later.

Please read the tutorials and be sure to format the partition this time. It is all explained in the tutorials.

I absolutely agree with that.

The old addage "RTFM" rings true everytime a newbie tries to do something they are not familiar with. In this case there is no excuse considering the information is readily made available on this forum or through any keyword google search. A little preparation goes a long ways.

Reinstalling may not seem pleasant to you now, but I guarantee the problems you'll face down the road from NOT doing so will result in greater headaches.

[sean5861]

Ok thanks , ill follow the tutorial in the near future.

[Dunedin]

Okey dokey.

It is for the best

.