Reinstall Windows without losing settings or programs?

Zascar

Found this link on [url]www.digg.com:[/url]
http://digg.com/software/Clean_Windows_XP_install_without_losing_data

I've heard of it before but I've never given it a try. My PC is starting to slow up, its a little annoying but not enought to warrant a full reinstall. When I reinstall it takes me 2-3 days to get all the programs back on and all my settings back to the way I like, however this looks like a pretty good workaround.

Can anyone advise if its as easy as it seems?

Ruu_Old

I don't think its much use as many of the comments talk about it. What exactly is slowing down? Have you tried CCleaner? It does a good job. Its a lot of hassle to re-install but worth it.

Karoma

If problems existed before the repair, there's a chance it'll exist afterwards. The Repair option is not intended for what you intend-it's to recover from when Mr Serious Cockup pays a visit and you don't want to lose data. Even then, I wouldn't trust it-use it to get in and get data back. A LiveCD is usually quicker and better for the task.

As above, clean startup items, defrag,delete, etc.
Cleaning your registry in XP,however, has little benefit and may cause more trouble than it sorts.

Alternatively, backup data, wipe disk. Reinstall everything, update, gohst machine. In future the operation is reduced to a few hours.

Zascar

Just tried that Ccleaner looks pretty good... Hopefully it will sort some of my issues... Cheers I'll let you know

Ruu_Old

If you are confident enough also disable a fair amount of Windows services which are basically security holes or a load of tosh that you will never use tbh. Have a look here but be careful.