DriverPacks.net Forum - HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (mu) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:21:04 +0000

Thinking a little this is extremelly useful when it comes to HP systems, cause their "setups" are just unpacking things into windows folder without checking if there IS where the actual system is instaled, and some other programs too...

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (mu) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:19:56 +0000

WHAT A THREAD!!! I Always wanted to do that always tried but NEVER Guessed i could do it with DP, i'd keep trying to do with DOS!
five stars to you pal!

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (OverFlow) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:04:11 +0000

Use SetX

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (mdjake) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:57:53 +0000

Update: I've slightly modified my Presetup.cmd code in order to eliminate Issue No 1 - the code now will keep randomizing the Archive folder's name until it finds one which doesn't already exist (in case you left your previous Archive folder on the root directory before the reinstall).
I've also researched a bit Issue No 2 (the only issue remained) - the sharedaccess.ini showing up in All Users.WINDOWS instead of All Users directory. I think I have to find another way of setting the ALLUSERSPROFILE environment variable in my script other than by using the SET command which doesn't change it permanently.

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (OverFlow) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:48:55 +0000

I think it is Excellent!

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (mdjake) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:38:12 +0000

Thank you, I think I understand now and I tried to correct the nomenclature again. If there are still errors please point them out.

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (OverFlow) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:06:42 +0000

I edited #3 for you

you still don't seem to understand that the entire section between the first and second reboot is the WinPE stage

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (mdjake) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:32:26 +0000

Thank you all the feedback, I've updated the HOWTO a bit. I've experimented with Repair Install years ago - but I always prefer to start a new system clean and build it up from the basics (I do the same with Linux too) this way I always end up with a fast, reliable and stable system - with my nLited, DriverPacked and Winaddoned ~700 MB XP ISO I have very few post setup task to do anyway. I also don't like the .WINDOWS folders in my Documents and Settings, I prefer the defaults.

On Issue 2:
I've launced a start /wait cmd.exe process at the beginning of Presetup.cmd and from there I could map the environment in which my script needs to work. According to this as soon as the WinPE starts, you have \Windows filled with system files and setup components, two empty directories \Documents and Settings\All Users and Default User, %ALLUSERSPROFILE% set to \Documents and Settings\All Users (or All Users.WINDOWS if Documents and Settings was already present when the WinPE stage started) and the 2 reg keys for AllUsersProfile & DefaultUserProfile already created.
Anybody could explain me why I still get sharedaccess.ini in the wrong place (All Users.WINDOWS) after the process even if I set the registry keys/env variables in my script? Is there any other reference which I don't know about or it's a "feature" ?

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (Helmi) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:51:32 +0000

Dang, nah, I am the one that missed the "only" in your sentence!

Talking about multi-tasking capabilities...

Resticking and waiting for the things to come.

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (OverFlow) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:48:19 +0000

you didn't have to unstick it...
i was just saying it is deserving of so much more !

sorry what i said did not translate well!

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (Helmi) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:27:07 +0000

OverFlow wrote:

PS Helmi i think you missed the boat on this one...
This should not only be stickied IMHO
- it's final version should be moved to the FAQ forum
- this should not be forgotten if/when we add attended installation support.

Alright then, unsticking...

I didn't realize this was still under construction.

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (markstrelecki) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:24:47 +0000

Your method works OK if a REINSTALL (clean install) is needed, and it is a bit complicated.

Fred Langa documented a REPAIR procedure which can be used to update and refresh an XP install without loss of settings or user data:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/win … =189400897

I have used my customized XP install media to repair many sick and ailing systems that needed to be fully operational in the least amount of time, and it has always worked as Fred outlines it.

Just BE CAREFUL whenever you're doing this level of system re-engineering. Read twice, install once.

Thirds, a great article and thank you for your gracious efforts to enlighten us.

MARK STRELECKI

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (OverFlow) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:34:56 +0000

I thought about that too... if you were useing his PE method you could just backup the data while your there

PS Helmi i think you missed the boat on this one...
This should not only be stickied IMHO
- it's final version should be moved to the FAQ forum
- this should not be forgotten if/when we add attended installation support.

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (Helmi) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:30:48 +0000

Very nice guide, I guess it's sticky time (has been a while )!

Anyhow, from what I know, you don't have to rename \Documents and Settings.
If you reinstall using even the same username, the new user dir will be named according to this scheme:
Username.Computername (as opposed to just Username).
No guaranties though as I haven't tried this myself.
Plus, renaming is definately the savest option (right after backup, hehe), just wanted to mention it (some folks may have been wonderig, dunno).

Re: HOWTO Reinstall Windows XP preserving personal data using DP BASE - pa

null@example.com (OverFlow) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:32:58 +0000

Only one suggestion...

you incorrectly refer to the WinPE phase of setup as GUI portion.

the three stages are Txt, WinPE, and GUI. GUI mode is the final stage after the second reboot.

WinPE (Windows Preinstallation Environment) is the stage after txt mode reboots... and is when presetup.cmd runs
(BartPE was developed based on this stage of setup)

But i knew what you meant

Make that two ... sorry!

this is a variation of a standard "parallel installation" http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316941 (method 4)
(you refer to this as leave filesystem intact - which is descriptive but not accurate technically)
That would be a good thing to point out at the very beginning
people who are savvy will have the general idea already in their head from the beginning
Including the keyword will also make your instructions findable to people who might use the search feature.
Changing the title is probably not necessary but i think saying
How To use DriverPacks when doing a parallel installation (without the mess!)
Would be helpful for finding your info and it's much more descriptive / technically accurate terminology!

Oh... and - WOW! Excellent Job!

Welcome to DriverPacks and we're delighted you posted
I second the opinion of your first post
I have not seen a better one than this!