RoShamBo

iTrader: (1)

My PC was riddled with viruses and v slow, so I re-installed XP as a fresh install (not update) and its all v quick and virus free (for now)
However I notice what seems to be a lot of files still there - I ran Spybot S&D through and as it was whizzing through the check I noticed a lot of old file names coming up - found that odd as I thought a re-install was a wipe clean of everything.
Are these residual files and not taking any space up / doing any harm, or should I try and delete them?

Scooby Soon!

did you format the drive first or just re install?

spectrum48k

During installation, you get a choice of either:

1) keeping the existing hard drive partition and installing windows into that (retains old files)

2) Wiping the existing hard drive partition, reformatting the drive and putting a new installation on there (preferrable, but wipes existing data completely)

Sounds like you did 1)

RoShamBo

iTrader: (1)

I just did a re-install, not a re-format.......but I am sure I did 2) as I wanted a complete fresh start - can re-install again and make sure I guess.

ChefDude

i would have formatted

apart from the existing files, your drive will be even more fragmented now

it would be worth the investment in time to re install and take the option to format the active partition

RoShamBo

iTrader: (1)

OK will do - thanks for the advice !