Hdd clean up re install win xp pro +spi +sp2

[joek]

can I drag and drop all thats on my C drive to another hdd . E drive then format my c drive ,a Seagate 80 gb 7200 , reinstall os then bring back all the programs and stuff from the e drive to the C drive .A; will this work? is there a better way to do it ?with Ghost for example . does the way I proposed cause errors in the programs etc will it cause other problems ?

[Grogan]

No, programs need to be installed correctly. Registry entries, shared files in addition to program files and shortcuts to start the applications.

You would need to use cloning/imaging software like Ghost and you will need a recent version that supports Windows XP.

[JohnnyBra]

But Ghost does an exact duplication, therefore it wouldn't be much of a 'clean up'.. All the junk u have now would be on there again.

Best bet is to move off your documents, picutres, save games, e-mails, etc.. Then Format C:.. do a complete reinstall.. Then reinstall your applicaitons, run windows updates, & get the settings just as you like them.

After that, fire up Ghost and make a image. Save that image somewhere safe. Put it on DVD-R or another HD somewhere secure. When you have to clean-up again, you've got a perfect image w/ everything in a 'clean install' type of statis.

[joek]

Yes it makes sense I'll just make sure I have the disks with most important progs available then fill in the rest as I go thanks again