windows xp reinstall......or at least I thought

[Mooch]

Hi, I have a Dell laptop that is 1 year old. It was clogged with tons and tons of adware and was just starting to run really slooooowwww. So I put in the windows xp cd and reinstalled windows xp home. I later installed all of my software and applications. However I am just now realizing that some of my files and music that was on my computer before the reinstall, is still there! How could this be. Windows is running great now and everything, but how are some of my old files on my new version of windows? I did not back anything up. Oh, also, I did not click upgrade, I clicked reinstall.
Any help appreciated, Mooch

[Jazz]

Performing the 'reinstall', as opposed to a 'clean install', was the factor, as per the following link: -

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;312369

However I am just now realizing that some of my files and music that was on my computer before the reinstall, is still there! How could this be.

You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing, or Upgrading Windows XP. In your case, the reinstallation preserved some files and music.

The correct method of 'clean installing' XP Home or Professional, is as follows: -

Read the instructions very carefully. If in doubt, print them out.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Just change the booting sequence in your BIOS to boot from CD, insert the XP CD, restart and follow Michael's instructions accordingly.

Good luck................