format question

[Tbag]

I have a laptop which has win xp but I want to install xp pro onto it but I dont know if i might lose some things after the install eg. sound.
I dont have any disks for the laptop that contains sound, drivers or anything.

can anyone tell me whats things I will lose and anyway to get them back.

Acer Aspire 1644WLMi

[jimmalenko]

Ideally you'd reformat and install "clean" (as opposed to 'over the top'). Your best resource will be Acer's website - most manufacturer websites these days contain all the drivers you will need. I would recommend you download all the drives before reinstall.

[Tbag]

Ideally you'd reformat and install "clean" (as opposed to 'over the top'). Your best resource will be Acer's website - most manufacturer websites these days contain all the drivers you will need. I would recommend you download all the drives before reinstall.

oh I thought i wouldnt matter about installing over the top, what kind of things will I lose?

[jimmalenko]

It's not so much what you will lose, but how many headaches you could potentially have. Stray files and screwed up registry entries are your potential problems. Not to mention that you'll probably inherit any current issues your XP home install may have.

Starting clean gives yourself the best possible chance of a hassle-free configuration.

[Tbag]

ok thanks