OS problems

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Original post by Zyndrof I just want a computer without any rubbish in it

And you are installing Vista?

You will need to format your Hard drive. There are programs ranging from fdisk to whatever your HD maker provides. Just research hard drive formating and see what sounds like will work for you. Wiping a HD clean isn't something to do lightly and that is why they are saving all your old stuff. Most people want to keep all that stuff. Its not because they are being stupid, wiping HDs for the hell of it would be stupid.

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Original post by Zyndrof I have troubles reinstalling my computer. I wish to wipe out everything and install Windows Vista. My first try resulted in Windows Vista being installed, but all my old files where still there, in a newly created folder. So I try again and start the computer from the Vista-CD, and it tells me that all the old Windows files will be stored in a folder called Windows.old. I don't want this and it drives me mad. I just want a computer without any rubbish in it, is it too much to ask? I guess if you ask MS :'( What to do now?

Delete Window.old ?

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Original post by jfclavette Quote: Original post by Zyndrof I have troubles reinstalling my computer. I wish to wipe out everything and install Windows Vista. My first try resulted in Windows Vista being installed, but all my old files where still there, in a newly created folder. So I try again and start the computer from the Vista-CD, and it tells me that all the old Windows files will be stored in a folder called Windows.old. I don't want this and it drives me mad. I just want a computer without any rubbish in it, is it too much to ask? I guess if you ask MS :'( What to do now? Delete Window.old ?

Hmmmmm, that's much simpler than my way. Probably should have recommended that one first.

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Original post by Goober King Quote: Original post by jfclavette Delete Window.old ? Hmmmmm, that's much simpler than my way. Probably should have recommended that one first.

And that will do it? Won't cause any ptoblems?

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Original post by Zyndrof Quote: Original post by Goober King Quote: Original post by jfclavette Delete Window.old ? Hmmmmm, that's much simpler than my way. Probably should have recommended that one first. And that will do it? Won't cause any ptoblems?

The OS better not be depending on anything in there. The only thing that would cause problems is if Vista decided to keep links to your old applications. Do you still have acess to your old programs that were isntalled? If so you need to go back the the format->install plan. If not you should be OK. If your not worried about loosing anything than you got nothing to loose by trying it anyway. Just go for it and see what happens.

Ok... but there is another thing I forgot to mention... When I start up the computer I have to choose which OS I want to use; XP or Vista. But on the installation it told me XP wont work.

OK, we need some information on the situation here.

Are you running the retail version, or one of the Beta/RCs ?

I would go with the format thingie just to be sure.
You can do this in the Vista Setup, once the setup ask you for the drive you want it to be installed, you can press the "Advanced" link ( or button ) then you select the C: drive or wherever you want it to be installed, then you press the format button ( it appears after you pressed the advanced button ). There you can errase everything that was on the selected unit.

I hope that helps, that is what I did with my PC, using Vista RTM. ( I hope you get the same options since I have 3 partitions on my hard drive )

If I was putting on a new OS I'd want to do a clean format after backing stuff up, as then I know any problems aren't due to my previous installation being full of crap after years of use. But it's sensible of MS to save your old files since most people don't know what they are doing - and anyway an OS UPGRADE should not wipe out your files!
Doesn't your Vista CD give ou the option to format the drive before starting? If not then your XP CD might...

there are people in this world that think formatting your computer refers to deleting pictures/videos/school documents/etc. They wouldnt dream it would delete their applications which to them are "forever engrained into the computer".

A few times I have been about to format a friends machine I have to explain that 'the computer will no longer do the things you want it to'. Then i have to go through all of their apps and quiz them. "Did you buy this software?", "Where is the cd?", "Where is the driver cd?" - rarely do they have the answers and i go home without formatting.

use your words carefully.

Formatting is exactly what I want to do. I've been through my computer several times, looking for applications I want to reinstall, files I want to back up, CD's for the programs I want to install, if no cd was found I asked myself: "How important is this software to me?" and "Can I replace it with something else?".

I have all the answers, and a list of all the apps I'm going to reinstall. I am well prepared.

I have the Vista version that I found on the MSDN subscriber page, but after testing it for a few days I've found out that Vista and my applications are not yet syncronised, so I will install XP again. And this time I really want to remove everything and format the disc.

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Original post by Zyndrof Formatting is exactly what I want to do. I've been through my computer several times, looking for applications I want to reinstall, files I want to back up, CD's for the programs I want to install, if no cd was found I asked myself: "How important is this software to me?" and "Can I replace it with something else?". I have all the answers, and a list of all the apps I'm going to reinstall. I am well prepared. I have the Vista version that I found on the MSDN subscriber page, but after testing it for a few days I've found out that Vista and my applications are not yet syncronised, so I will install XP again. And this time I really want to remove everything and format the disc.

Well that's one thing that's easier to do in WinXP since it gives you a choice to delete all existing partitions and do a "clean" install.
I would think Vista has the same option but it's probably more hidden since they probably don't want average user to delete all their stuff not to mention the beta version of Vista deleting/recreating partitions during bootup didn't work anyways due to some bug.