the computer i have was givin to me by a friend. i had just put another hard drive and ram in it and it is still running slow. i know there are some programs on the computer that he put on it, but i don't know which ones. so what i need to know is, is there any files for the computer it self that i need to copy to a disk or usb drive before i delete everything. i have the windows xp cd so i can reinstall that.is there any special files i need to copy

Is it a full version cd or an OEM cd(HP,Dell)...and do you have a driver disk, if not most drivers can be downloaded once windows is installed.

Hey lex,

You have the XP CD version for it instead of a Recovery CD, is that right?

If so, then you will need to know what drivers are installed on the PC, as Windows XP alone may not have them on CD. Have a look in Control Panel, System, Hardware tab, Device Manager, and write down and/or post here everything you see in the following sections:

- Modems
- Network Adaptors
- SCSI and RAID controllers
- Sound, video and game controllers

As for any particular files, this is only something that you and your freind will need to decide. Ask your friend, are you sure there is nothing you want from this PC before I wipe it clean. Software wise, any additional software you need for this PC, you will need the installation CD for.

EDIT: Sorry Java, didn't realise you posted.

Unless you have any games to back up i dont believe so. Drivers can be downloaded offline, but you should probably back up your modem's hard drive if you dont have a copy of it

whatz up madmonkey, glad to see your here. yes i have the xp cd. now when i look in device manager do i right click and hit prop, or do i just right what i see.

Hey lex, I'm always here for you!

No need to go to properties, just write down what you see. For example, under "Sound, video and game controllers", you will most likely see "Audio Codecs" and "Video Codecs" which can be found on most PC's, but the others are important to note, as this is what we will use to find you replacement drivers if you have any problems after your re-install.

ok so all i do is click on sound and write down what i see? i don't have to click on sound codecs and video codecs and bring up the short menu? if i do have to bring up the short menu what do i write down? sorry i just want to make sure before i do it.