Windows XP - Dos and Don'ts - Part 2
DON'T be afraid to reinstall Windows. It's not hard, especially if you install onto a blank hard drive instead of wiping your existing drive.
DO install your F6 SATA drivers instead of the ones built into Windows. You won't be able to take advantage of advanced features without them.
DO use a slipstreamed Windows XP install disc with the latest Service Pack built in. (Check www.maximumpc.com/bow-to/howtoindex.html for full details on creating your own slipstreamed WinXP install disc.)
DO collect drivers for all of your software and burn them to CD or DVD before you format your hard drive.
DO disconnect your old hard drive before you install Windows. You don't want to accidentally erase all your files!
DON'T copy data or files from your old hard drive until your new machine is protected.
DON'T waste a bunch of time trying to repair a hopelessly infected Windows install. It can take more time to clean off the'infected files than to back up your data and reinstall Windows.
DON'T connect your computer to the Internet until you have
a firewall installed and configured.
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