Formatting my computer.

[Sandman]

Can anyone think of some tips to give me before formatting my computer? Like anything I should remember to do first, any special instructions, etc.?

[HereticPB]

Save important info and data on CD-r/dvd-rs if you haven't already. That is if it has data.

[OutlawAdidas]

this is how I reformatted my comp.

1. Made start up disk
2. Backed up data
3. Restart comp with start up disk in floppy drive
4. Input command: A:\ format C:\
5. I put my Windows OS disc in and took floppy out
6. Input E:\win9x\setup

and its pretty easy from there. Though thats how I reformatted my comp. hopefully it shall work for u

[Sandman]

Well, I don't have a floppy drive. Is that way better than just inserting the Windows CD and restarting the computer and formatting from there?

[=NukeBlaze=]

Steps: (Read through all of them before proceeding)

1: Restart Computer with Windows XP CD in drive.

2: Before the loading windows screen appears, tab the key that allows you to enter the system BIOS or SETUP. Common keys are as follows : "F8" , "F1" , "Delete".

3: When in setup, search through tabs for something called "Boot order", Device Boot order, or somthing simmilar. Your first boot device should be selected as "CD Drive", you can adjust values with your keyboards's "+" and "-" keys. Save and exit the BIOS.

4: When your computer reboots, assuming you saved the boot order changes, it will ask you about "Press any key to boot from Cd". Just tap any key.

5: After a bit of load, windows setup console will appear and give you some options. Presss the "enter" key to continue.

6: You will be show the mightly and fearsom Microsoft EULA! Press "F8" to defeat thy foe and continue onward.

7: If it asks you about repairing, tell it no. You will then be taken to a screen which shows all of the partitions on your harddrive. Select partitions with a the arrow keys and hit "D" on your keyboard to delete. It will babble about deleting the partition, but tell it to do it anyway.

8: After the paritions are long and dead, you will be back to the screen with the box and it will show the item "Unpartitioned Space", instead of the partition(s) you delete. Hit "Enter" to setup windows Xp on this partition.

9: It will ask you how much space to use for the partition. Use the maximum amount of space available. (Don't worry, the line above this int he window will tell you the max amount of space you can enter)

10: You will now come back to the box screen and it will show "Parition" and mention "New/Raw". You will probably have another parition in the box that is very tiny, don;t worry this is normal.

11: Select your New/Raw partition and click "Enter" in install windows.

12: You will then be prompted about formatting. Tell it to "FORMAT NTFS" and make sure it IS NOT the one that says <Quick> by it. Use the NTFS without the <Quick> option!

13: Your computer will start to format and will then copy files needed to install windows XP to your Harddrive. It will then reboot. When it reboots, do not hit "Any Key " to boot from the windows XP CD, just leave the keyboard be and it will load the setup files copied to your Harddrive. You will then go though the windows auto setup and install and you are done.

Warning of Good pratice:::::::;;;;;

When your computer is up and running, and able to get online, Go first to windows update .com and get all updates for windows before installing any software or device drivers. Operating systems installed with all updates first, then drivers, then software typically run more hassel free then mixed the order in which you put items on your PC.

Good Luck on your road to formating. Just post any Q's when need be.

[WolfmanNCSU]

If you boot from the XP disc you are fine. It can take you to a command prompt where you can format and use fdisk to delete/create partitions.

-edit-
^ Ah yes, a much more detailed answer. (Was not there when I clicked the thread) That should pretty much take care of ya there. :pinky: