Thanks for the warning Kyle. I appreciate it. I now know what I have to do.
I will back up everything, and format the C drive and then reinstall my
applications on both drives. Is it neccessary to uninstall the applications
on the D drive though, or can I just reinstall them over the existing ones?
Also, is it best to just format both drives, then put everything back the
way I had it?


>From: Kyle Elmblade <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: PCBUILD - Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Formatting 1 of 2 Drives
>Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 22:18:34 -0800
>
>Hey Jeff,
>
>Big red flags, claxons, bells, whistles!  Other programs you install not
>only put files in your system directory, but make entries into the
>registry.
>And, some may even have sneaked folders and files into your c:\program
>files
>directory without you knowing it, which could cause even more havoc.
>
>Typically, if you want to reinstall your OS, you're looking at reinstalling
>all your applications as well.  The only exception to this is if you are
>attempting what's called a "refresh install", which is essentially
>installing the same OS over the top of itself (i.e. running the Windows 98
>setup on a machine that was currently running Windows 98).  This type of
>install can sometimes repair .dll's or a corrupt registry, but I've never
>had any smashing success with it.
>
>I hate to rain on your parade, but I don't think you are going to get away
>with the new OS install with out reinstalling your current applications.
>If
>another lister has an ace up there sleeve that might work, I would be
>greatly interested in hearing it.
>
>Good luck!
>
>Kyle Elmblade
>Distinct Computer Solutions
>Sales - Upgrades - Training - Consulting
>[log in to unmask]
>"A closed mouth gathers no foot"
>
>From: "Jeff Allen" <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2001 8:14 PM
>Subject: [PCBUILD] Formatting 1 of 2 Drives
>
>
> > Hey...I'm hoping perhaps one of you can help me out. I have 2 hard
>drives.
>C
> > & D. C houses my OS, Windows 98. I want to format drive C but I am
>concerned
> > that doing so will affect programs on drive D as well, because some of
>these
> > programs automatically installs files in the SYSTEM folder in drive C.
>Would
> > it be enough to back up the SYSTEM folder, format drive C, reinstall
>Windows
> > and then put back the SYSTEM folder? Any suggestions how to handle this?
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Jeff
>
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