BleepingComputer.com: Reinstall XP

Hi, A few weeks ago my friend asked me to have a look at his computer which was giving problems.I’m after spending a lot of time on it and its still giving a lot of problems.Such as been very slow to open any programs.There is very little on the C and D drive The anti vius is showing the all clear.I used Ccleaner and spyware..There was the error” your system is running with too little virtual memory".I went into task manager and saw that the program taking must was IE which was about 80000 which I thought is ok..I’m at a loss and since my friend does’nt have any photos,files etc to be saving I’m thinking about uninstalling XP and reinstalling.I have not done it before but this is giving me the chance to try.I have read a lot on how to do it.But am just looking for any last min tips are things to be carefull about. Thanks for the help

How much RAM is on the system?

Thanks xbindx I'm at work so will check later about the ram?There is very little saved on his computer so I'm thinking there should be enough ram.Again thanks for the help

Just i would be careful to make sure that you completly update windows afterword and also make sure you backup the files otherwise the will most likly be deleted.
also look here...
http://www.pcworld.com/article/157673/how_...windows_xp.html
I do reinstals all the time so they are easy for me but if this is the first time you do one then it is not so easy but good luck let me know if you have any questions.
also the ram issue should be solved with the reinstall if it is not then you have to go into the XP settings and increase the paging file but that is only if the reinstal doesnt work.

This post has been edited by matt3: 18 February 2010 - 07:01 PM

Thanks matt will check out that link.Wont be doing the reinstall for a few days because I'm working.So i maybe be back with a few questions.about the updates I know i have to put in the services packs.When I have it reinstalled how do I just pick the updates i need surely I dont need to update with all mircosoft updates for xp? thanks again

shogun697, on Feb 18 2010, 06:54 PM, said:

I dont completly understand what you are saying you do have to put in all of the service packs and every single update that is on Microsoft's site they help with the security of Windows.(You dont have to but i highly recomend it) And to pick what updates to install go to...
www.update.microsoft.com
and select custom so that after the scan for what updates you need you just put a check by the ones that you want to install. I have XP version 1.0 on my install CD so everytime i go to reinstall i have to update every update from the day it came out.
best of luck matt

What are the system specs of your friends computer?

shogun697, on Feb 18 2010, 06:00 PM, said:

Low virtual memory can be solved by adding RAM, so before you go about reinstalling Windows, could you please list the system specs?

You could also before reinstalling go to...
http://www.crucial.com/
and see what type of ram you have and see if you want to upgrade it or not.