I have re-installed XP overtop of the old version, but I think it has been done before on this pc. There arent any other programs that show up now, but when I run a virus scan it checks many files that are from the old programs. I think the programs are all still on the HD but hidden from this newer version of XP that I loaded up. Is there any way to either get these programs back, or to get rid of them so they dont take up all that space? ...also...can/how I get rid of the older versions of XP that are on the HD but not in use? ultimatly i would like to have only one version of XP and either the programs operational or removed. Thanks in advance!

I do not know of any simple way to do this. If you want to start over, you can use delpart to clear all the partitions. If you know which partition the current install is on, you can leave that one alone and delete the rest. I would wait a bit and see if anyone else here knows a better way to fix it.

How many partitions do you have on the drive? When you view the drive from current XP Explorer do you see more than one folder for XP; i.e. is there both a winnt and perhaps a windows (or other similar) folder. Also post the boot.ini here; that way folks can see what you have installed (via) the boot-menu options. The worst case scenario/best approach if really having problems... start afresh. Wipe the drive and reconfigure etc. - which is what "efabes" is suggesting.

I think he could also just have the old program files or even an old install under a different windir/sysdir that is showing up. As old program were installed under the old system they don't work in the new install unless in registry. I would use the above ideas to check for partitons but get your old data off and do a clean install by deleting your current partiton at install time. The other way is to usually reinstall each program. That may be a way to try first. Be sure your computer doesn't have hidden OEM data on a special partiton!!!

heres the boot.ini default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS [operating sytem] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft windows xp home 2 partitions - 31mb FAT EISA Config. 18.61gb System not sure how to find winnt or see duplicate windows folders???

I guess then do a clean install and delete the two partitions at install time. The programs are still there but windows forces them to be installed in a special way sort of. The programs might be moved by hand with a lot of work and editing or with software. YOu are much better off reinstalling them with the original media.