Reinstalling Windows Without Losing Settings (94196)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows 3.1
- Microsoft Windows 3.11
This article was previously published under Q94196 SUMMARY
There may be situations in which you need to reinstall Microsoft Windows to
troubleshoot a problem possibly related to file corruption or accidental
deletion of files from the Windows directory or the Windows SYSTEM
subdirectory. In most cases, it is not advisable to simply reinstall over
an existing Windows installation because with that procedure, some files
may not be properly updated.
Installing Windows to a new directory ensures a "clean" installation;
however, any modifications to Windows initialization (.INI) files or the
registration database (REG.DAT) are lost with such an installation. Also,
programs that install files into the Windows directory, such as Microsoft
Word for Windows and Microsoft Excel, cannot run from the new copy of
Windows. Any Windows-based applications must be reinstalled under the new
installation of Windows. Furthermore, any customization of Program Manager
groups, desktop colors and wallpaper, screen-saver settings, and other
user-defined environment settings must be re-created.
REFERENCES
"Microsoft Windows Resource Kit," version 3.1, Chart 1.6, "Reinstalling
Windows Without Losing Settings," page 15
"Getting Started With Microsoft Windows," version 3.1, Chapter 1, "Setting
Up Windows," pages 1-15
Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 10/29/1999 |
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Keywords: | KB94196 |
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