What's the difference between...

This may seem elementary, but since I don't know, I need to ask. What is the
difference between reformat, reinstall, and clean install? And do all of
these options require reinstalling all programs? Currently using XP Pro w/SP1
and downloaded SP2. OS is trashed, but hanging on to the hope we'll be able
to recover some of the files from the hard drive. Have considered getting a
new hard drive (external or internal) then start from there with possibly
adding the old HD as a 2nd. All salvage methods have been tried and failed,
so we know we need to get XP loaded as a starting point. From a command
prompt using chkdsk got message that 1 or more unrecoverable problems
existed. I guess ultimately I need someone's best guess on how to proceed
realizing I need to try to at some point recover some files from the old
drive. Any suggestions will be most appreciated. Thanks.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Windows XP Repair Installation Hangs
    ... the clean install is done. ... reinstall all of my programs. ... I am going right now to reformat the drive. ... music anymore. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Whats the difference between...
    ... Reinstall - Assuming you mean repair install. ... If so, some updates will ... Clean Install - Similar to #1 but not as extreme. ... > to recover some of the files from the hard drive. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Whats the difference between...
    ... > difference between reformat, reinstall, and clean install? ... > to recover some of the files from the hard drive. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Reinstalling XP, activation code help.
    ... > I am going about doing a complete reformat and reinstall of Windows ... You boot from the CD and do a clean install. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Before reformat C:, save system volume information ?
    ... A clean install of Windows XP will require you ... to reinstall your applications using the original installation ... Create restore point before reformat, after removing previous points, save ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)