BleepingComputer.com: reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling xp

I will be reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling xp. It would be so nice to be able to have all my settings and passwords installed at the same time. Where would I get them?

Do you have the password for the admin account?

Yes

Hi rikki -
A quick basic question -
Why are you reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling XP ?? Is there a system problem or malware problems ??
Are you just trying to clean out the system , because there are usually better ways than a reinstall -

Thank You -

This post has been edited by noknojon: 21 January 2011 - 04:42 PM

There's something going on with my computer. It's slow everlasting. Plus, it won't read all CD's. Weird I know. Sometimes it's just easier to start from scratch but I agree, it is a royal pain in the wahoosie.

Hi rikki -
Have you run Malwarebytes and SUPERAntiSpyware scans to make sure there is no infection involved here (do not reinstall if just infected) -
The problem with the CD reader may not be fixed with a reinstall of XP if there are other problems also -
Have you done a checkdisk scan also to see if this can be fixed the easy way first - Also a sfc /scannow check can repair/replace missing items -
Copy and paste the following code into Run Box, close all open programs, including internet, and the program will check and repair areas of your system -

CMD /C ECHO Y|CHKDSK C: /R | SHUTDOWN /R /T 30

This will auto reboot in 30 seconds and run a full 5 stage system check - Allow 30 to 45 mins on most XP units, but just let it run -

Thank You -
EDIT -
I like the simple tests/repairs first, then take other options after that -

This post has been edited by noknojon: 21 January 2011 - 06:32 PM

If you are going to do a format and clean install you cannot have your passwords and settings "installed" with the OS.

I agree a slow computer is no reason to reinstall the OS. You should run those virus scans and try a ccleaner job, a defrag, and configure your start up(MSCONFIG)
What anti-virus are you running?
Did your CD-ROM ever read all CDs?

I have run everything suggested. Still my CD drive does not read that certain disk. What do you suggest except to reformat?