• Hi there and welcome to PC Help Forum (PCHF), a more effective way to get the Tech Support you need!
    We have Experts in all areas of Tech, including Malware Removal, Crash Fixing and BSOD's , Microsoft Windows, Computer DIY and PC Hardware, Networking, Gaming, Tablets and iPads, General and Specific Software Support and so much more.

    Why not Click Here To Sign Up and start enjoying great FREE Tech Support.

    This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Cleaning off an old WIndows XP System

Status
Not open for further replies.

Pyro

PCHF Advisor
PCHF Member
Jan 12, 2019
1,151
221
I've found myself an old Dell XPS 410, it runs windows xp and has some files on it I would like to save before reimaging with a new OS, is there any way to make sure I don't lose important photos etc? I don't know if this is the right topic either but I imagined it was?


Thank you!
 
Well there are a couple of ways to go about this.

Depending on the amount of data you wish to save, you could simply copy the files you want to keep onto an external drive.

Or you could image your current drive with Macrium reflect free or Aomei backupper free, also to an external drive. Doing this will allow you to later restore any files from your current xp system and also allow you to fully restore xp to your machine later if you wish.

Also make sure your Dell will support whatever os you plan to install on it.
 
Well there are a couple of ways to go about this...

I've manually copied most all of them, I just want to make sure nothing get lost in case I missed something. I thought about Macrium, but I was unsure if that would work. And I was not aware that windows only worked on certain pc's, is there a way to tell?

Thanks!
 
Budget permitting, I would remove the hard drive and whack it into an external caddy.
Two things: all data is kept as is and then later the external drive can be used as a backup medium.

next I would either get a new, bigger drive or upgrade to a SSD drive for extra speed on that old rig. Then you can install a new OS o to a new, fast, reliable drive.
 
I would quite like to just replace the HDD, possibly runs some servers or something or another off it, since it's obviously not good for anything that's too intensive. I just want to make sure nothing is lost, since there's so many hidden folders and all that.
 
Have you backed up you personal data off the system

Why not install a simple version of Linux

The hidden folder and files that you are looking at are probably used only by the operating system only unless you manually created the directory and manually put the files there.
 
Honestly I have no idea, I can't work with the computer right now as I have no cables for it, but I'll be back with a different thread if it doesn't work. I'll try Linux Live. Thanks for the help everyone, happy holidays! :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.