ReInstalling Xp and Exporting Settings.

[smb]

Does anyone know if there is a registry tool that exports user settings ?

Example: The "My Documents" directory is located on the "E:\" drive. When I do a reinstall, I won't have to reset everything, just do a registry import.

I'm not sure if the F.A.S.T. utility is going to pick up everything.


thanks.

[FlyingPenguin]

Not aware of one off hand, and I'd be concerned about how well it works. Importing the registry settings of another computer can be dangerous.

Do you have to do a clean install? You can just clone the drive from the other machine you want it set up similar to. You'd have to do a repair install afterwards to wipe the device manager and properly redetect the hardware, and then install latest service packs and updates. Easiest thing is to install SP2 right after the repair install (unless you use a slipstreamed SP2 WinXP CD in which case it's even easier) then install the 5 or 6 updates that came out after SP2 (SP2 includes just about all preceding updates).

You'll have to do an activation afterwards because the hardware is different but M$ usually allows you to make 4 - 5 activations on a single key. If you're using XP Pro Corporate it's even simpler. As long as you have a legit key for the new system you're perfectly legal.

That's what I'll do with the lappy you're selling me. I'll just clone the drive from my old lappy since it's all configured exactly the way I need it for my business. I have all my folders in special locations as well to make it easier to sync files with my desktop. I'll be up and running in an hour instead of spending an entire day installing software and setting up the computer exactly as I like it.

[smb]

I use a legal corporate key I bought thru a previous company.

I asked because I've never tried it before. It's the same machine, just a new install.