XP Pro repair problem(s)

[eyeCpc]

That would be a custom install to see that. But in the long run you would still again want the default Windows name since software installer will look for that as well. And you still end up reinstalling Windows.

no win but fresh + clean preferred.

 

[KSoD]

It wouldnt be a custom install. All you do is change 1 setting during the setup process. I have installed Windows under my user name before. It is still Windows. Just not under the Windows directory. It still acts and works the same way. Just because it isnt under the Windows directory doesnt make it a custom install. That would be nlite and the other hacked versions out there to include software. That is a custom install.

This option can be done with a Retail and OEM disc alike.

Yes you reinstall Windows. But it is a option to be able to get the old data back. Unlike your suggestion which would lose that data.

 

[eyeCpc]

Another idea would simply be seeing a second partition created for copying files over while booted live with ubuntu before wiping the primary for a clean install. The files are safe without spending the time to create a second copy of Windows.

That would leave a second storage partition behind for backing things up. You then simply replace the original with a fresh copy of Windows and restore the files and settings saved to the second. The files and settings transfer wizard would be used for that along with copy+paste while booted live.