How do i reformat my computer?

Question

I have the recovery CDs, the external hard drive (empty), but now how do I reformat saving all my current files onto the external? Will my anti-virus, networking configs, and other windows configs still be active?

Answer 1

The only you need is Bootable Windows XP CD and follow steps.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Which computer do you have ? Check all your cds... along with recovery cds they should include the windows XP Installation CD

Few ways to do it:

STAND ALONE WINDOWS XP INSTALLATION CD:

If you can find the stand alone XP Installation CD then you can reinstall XP on top of your current installation using the "repair" mode. This way all your software and configuration will work as before. The only things are going to be changed and reinstalled is the windows structure, that's why you will need to download all the latest patches from Microsoft again.
How: Boot from the XP CD (make sure bios settings are set for the cd-rom to be the first booting device). On some of the boards you can press ESC or F12 before the boot menu in order to choose which device you would like to boot from. Follow the installation wizard until it will ask you where you want to install the operation system: you must choose the existing location (partition) It will analyze the existing partition and existing windows. After that the "R" should appear at the bottom.

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NOTE: As soon as you boot from the CD, you will see the "R" option on the bottom. Do not use that repair option, this is the DEBUG TOOLS which you don't need. Just continue the installation process until the windows location settings will appear. ( SIMPLY IGNORE THE FIRST "R" and use the 2nd "R" option which will appear next after the 1st "R" mode ).
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If it won't give you the Repair Option that means the new XP Installation is deferent version from the existing one and/or the installed windows structure is too damaged/corrupted so it can't be repaired. In that case it must be reinstalled from scratch.

DO NOT DELETE/MODIFY THE PARTITION/S OR FORMAT THE DRIVE. IF YOU WON'T SEE THE 2ND "R" REPAIR OPTION, exit the installation (To exit press F3 or simply reset the machine)

Using the Recovery CDs:

Only some of the recovery images have multiple installation options:

1) Most likely this one is going to be the only available installation option.

FORMAT and RESTORE FACTORY PREINSTALLED SOFTWARE AND CONFIGURATION

2) Reinstall the Operation System Only.

1st Option will format the entire drive and restore your computer to the stage when you first got it from the store.

2nd Option will delete you windows folder only and then it will copy the new windows. In this case you will only have your data such as documents, music, favorites, email etc.... You will still need to reinstall each and every software again even though the actual program files are still going to be there in Program Files Folder, this is because of the new windows which do not have the required DLL files and registry signatures for the those programs.

Either way the latest O/S updates and all the previously installed software must be reinstalled again. Device Drivers Note: recovery will only install drives for the devices which originaly came with the computer. IF you installed any extra devices such as printer, scanner, web cam etc.... you will have to reinstall those device drives too.

In this case I suggest you to reinstall it from scratch. I'm sure there is nothing special in your network configuration, if there is any special settings then write them down before the whole process.

IP address:
Subnet Mask:
Default Gateway:
DNS Settings if needed:
Write down the Locations of the Mapped Drives or VPN

If you explain to me what exactly your network does, then I should be able to help you with all the LAN configuration.

AntiVirus Software - If you have a license I'm sure you can download the software directly from the maker's web site. If not then you should be able to get it from the same source again or simply search the net for it.

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Here is what I would do:

Completely disconnect the existing hard drive and connect the empty external drive only. And then install the recovery cds on it. (If the recovery software will not find the external drive, then simply take out the hard drive from the plastic base and conect it locally using the same cables which you disconected from the original HDD. 2 cables (1 IDE Data Ribbon Cable and Power Connector) REMEMBER that The Red Stripes on the cables should be next to each other, red cable on the power connector and red stripe on the data ribbon cable must be by facing each other. Install the recovery software. Then connect the original drive using the empty external bay and copy all the data files such as documents, favorites, mail, etc....

And then when you going to be sure that your system is back the way you want it and all the needed software is installed you can think your further steps.

The only question you should think about is what you want to do with the hard drives. If the external drive is bigger and/or newer the your original then just leave it the way it is, its always better to run the windows from bigger and faster hard drive. So if the original external drive is bigger and faster then your original internal then I suggest you to leave the x. external inside and x.internal put it in the external's plastic bay and use it as an external drive.

IF YOU NEED TO SWITCH THE HDD BACK THE WAY THEY WERE BEFORE

Make sure everything runs perfect and configured the way you needed. Only when you sure everything works perfect, you will need the Norton Ghost Software for Windows (more user friendly then the DOS version), this way you can simply make a quick clone from the working HDD to the one which has your old stuff on it. It will overwrite everything and then you can switch it back to the original.

When the transfer is finished you need to check one thing before the hdd replacement. Right after the cloning go to start -->Settings--->Control Panel--->Administrative Tools ( If in classic view mode) or control panel ---> Performance and Maintanance ---> Administrative Tools ---> Computer Management ---> Disk Management - On Disk 1- Right Click on the drive letter next to the Disk 1 and click on Mark Partition as Active (if the option is not clickable then everything should be ok already) Replace everythin how it was before. Make sure that everyting works and then format your external drive if needed.
Good Luck,

P.S: you can post your questions here or email it me at: [e-mail] if need further help

Answer 3

You should have the option to format the drive using the recovery CD's, then reinstalling all of the software on those CD's. You will lose all of your security settings, networking configurations, etc. You will be starting over fresh. You will also have to reinstall all of your extra software that you've added to your system. If you are using Windows XP, this should be a fairly fast and simple process. The best way to deal with this (even though a lengthy process) is to dump all of your important files into your My Documents folder, including your Address Book, Emails, notes on your settings, etc., then drag the entire My Documents folder over to your external drive, providing you have the space. If you backup your files here, regularly, this should be simple to drag over to your external drive. After you get your system reinstalled, just simple drag your My Documents folder back over to your system's hard drive, in the same location.

Virtual Lab Systems

Answer 4

Inset the Windows XP disk and restart your computer. Just follow the steps.
If you want to save your files to your external hard drive, then open your built in hard drive in "My computer" then select all and copy and paste it in your external hard drive. I haven't try it but I think it will work. For exact answer, ask a expert at a shop.

Answer 5

no! they won't be active or atleast be stable, it is not recommened however to save externally program files (anti-virus) or windows settings since some files used by these applications are located on other windows folders (dlls, most commonly system32). however you can just save your data files. just copy your network config info into notepad and you'll be alright. it is always recommened to install a fresh copy of windows.

Answer 6

No, deleting the account would not eliminate the virus. I want it would want to in spite of the reality that. What you want to do is.. a million. put on your fix disk. 2. bypass to the boot menu before the homestead windows demonstrate comes up 3. go with boot from stress. 4. keep on with the on demonstrate steps, which in some unspecified time sooner or later will ask restoration or format. click format, or it received't eliminate the virus. 5. After that the re setting up and format will initiate. 6. even as it is comprehensive, it truly is going to initiate like sparkling, with out viruses. 7. before YOU OPEN ANY internet CONNECTIONS set up YOUR ANTI-VIRUS application or you may want to get yet another virus. once you've all of that executed, you may initiate utilising your laptop like popular back. you may favor to verify for updates on your operating device in spite of the reality that. wish I helped, -hoot- ;)

Answer 7

Format means its empty after emptied it then how will u rec it

Answer 8

It may be risky job unless you are a software expert

Answer 9

some s/w to take image of an HDD 2 another HDD r available
i think...4m norton..