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You are here: MacNN Forums > Software - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Alternative Operating Systems > Fixing Windows: repair vs re-install. Which way is best?

Fixing Windows: repair vs re-install. Which way is best?
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Spliff
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Canaduh
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Nov 24, 2007, 02:31 PM
 
I've tried both Parallels and VMWare Fusion with my Bootcamp partition. VMWare Fusion seems to be the better product, but both programs have messed up my Windows installation. And, occasionally, a program install will screw up Windows XP, which seems awful fragile.

Troubleshooting Windows seems a frickin' nightmare. In the end, it usually comes down to repairing the installation using the Windows XP disc or wiping the partition and re-installing XP. I've had varied success with repairing the installation; I usually get errors that certain files can't be copied during the repair. Some examples of files that can't be copied are "policman.dll" and "licwmi.dll." Why they can't be copied, I have no clue.

I usually end up reinstalling Windows which is a bloody pain because I have to reinstall all my apps.

Is there a way to just backup my apps and settings so re-installing goes much more quickly? Or is there a Windows equivalent of Disk Warrior that can "fix" my Windows installation quickly and efficiently? Simply, what is the fast, most effective way of fixing Windows XP without having to start over from scratch?
     
ghporter
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: San Antonio TX USA
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Nov 24, 2007, 05:43 PM
 
Sorry but Windows won't help you out in this. The applications' settings are part of the rather byzantine Registry, and the Registry data is set up as each app is installed. It's possible to get completely different Registries by simply installing the same apps in a different order. I'd go with a repair installation. But first, you may want to try a Registry cleaner application to get rid of the crap. CCleaner is one I've used with good success. It should still be free, too. This would affect what Windows tries to reinstall as it works, and could improve the quality of the repair installation.
Glenn -----
OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
bacchus
Dedicated MacNNer
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: canada
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Feb 14, 2008, 01:32 PM
 
I'd try running some registry repair utilities on your Windows install, check out some reviews and free downloads at our site, Repair XP - The Best Windows XP Registry Repair Reviews - it's focused on Windows XP, but the advice will work on almost all versions of Windows.

How to best fix Windows
http://www.repair-xp.com
-----------------------------
If you're looking for information on the best windows xp repair tools , check out www.repair-xp.com
     
   
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