i want to do a clean install but i have 26gb of mp3s and mpegs. i don't want to burn 5 dvd back ups if i don't have to. is there another solution other than dual HDs? maybe some type of compression? i really doubt there is but i am hoping.

I have not had opportunity to try this on my WinXP installation yet but it certainly works for Win9x.

Backup both the Windows and Program Files folders and then rename both folders to anything simple you wish to use then do your install. It will basically be "clean" except no format necessary.

The only thing I can imagine going wrong would be WinXP setup continuing to make use of the Windows folder even after being renamed. If that happens you would have to delete or otherwise hide the folder from setup.

This problem you encounter is exactly why I place my Windows installation on a partition separate from my data.

i really wanted to get a fresh install with no lingering problems. i don't mind installing the programs again i just don't want to lose the files.

create a new partition of your harddisk..

& put the files over there

then format c: or whatever letter your drive is with windows on it

can i delete the partition after and just have the 1 drive again?

As long as you have enough room left over on your primary partition for the windows install+mp3s. You'd have to (prior to install) create a new partition larger than the size of your mp3s, then move the mp3s to that partition. Then, you'd reinstall windows (formatting the primary partition, where windows is, but your mp3s aren't). After that, move the mp3s back to the primary partition using windows, and then delete the mp3 partition.

it appears i do not have enough space on my HD. i can't split up the drive the way it is. i am going to either lose the files or get a new HD and use that as back up.

i am using 65 out of 78gigs.

well, if your gonna reformat.. remove about 20GB of stuff so u have room for another partition then format

good point.

You can use Partition magic to create and resize partitions on the fly. What I would personally reccommend though is to buy an external USB hard drive and copy everything to there. Easy and fast.