DNJ, in Windows XP you can setup restore points. These restore points could be setup prior to any planned changes (installing new software, etc.). Should the changes go badly then you could restore your computer to its previous state within 2 or so minutes.

There are other methods you can use. You could make a ghost image of your operating system and programs and place it on a separate partition of the hard drive (or a separate hard drive). If something goes wrong you can reinstall this image. This would save considerable time compared to a full reinstall of Windows and all your Software. I don't use this approach but many do.


[This message has been edited by Frank L. Rosenthal (edited 08-31-2003).]