BleepingComputer.com: Full install - XP sp2 on old infected PC

Jump to content


Register a free account to unlock additional features at BleepingComputer.com
Welcome to BleepingComputer, a free community where people like yourself come together to discuss and learn how to use their computers. Using the site is easy and fun. As a guest, you can browse and view the various discussions in the forums, but can not create a new topic or reply to an existing one unless you are logged in. Other benefits of registering an account are subscribing to topics and forums, creating a blog, and having no ads shown anywhere on the site.

Click here to Register a free account now! or read our Welcome Guide to learn how to use this site.

Page 1 of 1
  • You cannot start a new topic
  • You cannot reply to this topic

Full install - XP sp2 on old infected PC Full install XP sp2 on old infected

#1 User is offline   JonPaulOnLine 

  • New Member
  • Pip
  • Find Topics
  • Group: Members
  • Posts: 6
  • Joined: 17-July 05
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA

Posted 17 July 2005 - 08:27 PM

I am getting my sister in laws old PC.
It currently has windows98. and no anti virus protection/anti spyware/no firewall, so its packed with all the virus and malware that is out these days.

I want to remove all the old software and load windows XP Home version.

I do not know what I should do before I place the windows XP CD into the drive .

May I ask you to mention the steps in 'detail please"[B]
JonPaulOnLine

#2 User is offline   roryspangler 

  • New Member
  • Pip
  • Find Topics
  • Group: Members
  • Posts: 4
  • Joined: 17-July 05
  • Location:State College, PA

Posted 17 July 2005 - 09:44 PM

Well.. just because it never had a virus scanner and firewall doesn't mean it has to be full of viruses. First off, download AVAST Virus Scanner, it is free, and check for viruses. Or you can use HOUSECALL from trendmicro which is all done via the internet so you don't have to download anything. http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
If you don't find any viruses, just upgrade win 98 to xp with your install cds. You can just place them in there when 98 is running. If you do however find a TON of viruses that can not be cleaned up and you basically want a clean computers, you can reformat the hard drive http://www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/how-tos/reinstall-faq.html (note you may lose your drivers) Then install windows xp from your install cd's. This wont work if you only have the upgrade cd for windows xp. There may be an option (i'm pretty sure for a fresh install when you insert your xp cd when 98 is running. Check that out first to make sure, that would probably be the best bet) Okay those are just my suggestions.. have a great day!
Rory Spangler
Copious DUDE! Admin Team
www.CopiousDUDE.com

#3 User is offline   Press2Esc 

  • Member
  • PipPip
  • Find Topics
  • Group: Members
  • Posts: 18
  • Joined: 17-July 05
  • Location:US

Posted 17 July 2005 - 10:45 PM

Cavalier, on Jul 17 2005, 08:27 PM, said:

I am getting my sister in laws old PC.
It currently has windows98. and no anti virus protection/anti spyware/no firewall, so its packed with all the virus and malware that is out these days.

I want to remove all the old software and load windows XP Home version.

I do not know what I should do before I place the windows XP CD into the drive .

May I ask you to mention the steps in 'detail please"[B]

Cavalier,

Typically, you reformat (clear) your drive to install a new operatin system. If this is the case, the viruses, spyware, etc are moot. They, like ALL software on the PC, will get deleted via the format command.

P2E

#4 User is offline   Enthusiast 

  • Forum Addict
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Find Topics
  • Group: Members
  • Posts: 5,898
  • Joined: 10-March 05
  • Location:Florida, USA

Posted 18 July 2005 - 08:58 PM

You still need to make sure your old computer is compatable with XP.

Windows XP Advisor (will inform you if Win XP will be able to be installed on your computer)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upg...ng/advisor.mspx

Programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...ct=windowsxpsp2


Some programs seem to stop working after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/842242/

Share this topic:


Page 1 of 1
  • You cannot start a new topic
  • You cannot reply to this topic

1 User(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users