I have been having problems with different programs. Also with my cd tray. I was told possibly from virus but I have Norton 2006 and also run Yahoo anti-spy faithfully. Just need advice on how to reformat.
2006-09-24 17:35:35 · 8 answers · asked by kinda_here 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
What are the problems - you don't really specify what they are.
2006-09-24 17:39:55 · answer #1 · answered by bigej65 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Woa! Before I tell you how to do that: 1) Backup all your data. 2) Many computerrs come with a "Restore CD" which has the OS (i.e. Windows XP) and the factory installed programs (i.e. Office, Norton Anti-Virus, etc). 3) If you don't have a quick restore CD you can accomplish a clean install by simply putting in your OS CD and booting to it. One of your choices will be to install the OS. Once that is done you will need all the CD's with your other programs which you will need to install, Finally copy back your data.
2006-09-25 00:53:44 · answer #2 · answered by TekCowboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are not computer savvy, I would not recommend attempting to format and re-install your operating system. Unless you know what you're doing, it could become a frustrating process for you and you might end up taking it to a PC repair shop anyway. Also, the problems you're experiencing with your computer may not be related to a virus and could be hardware related. For problems with specific computer programs, you could simply try uninstalling and reinstalling the software for that program. Again, if you're not familiar with this process, you're better off getting someone experienced to help you.
If you are interested in gaining some technical knowledge, you could pick up a book or take some classes. Or if you know someone that is an IT professional, ask them to help you out and perhaps you could watch as they diagnose your computer's issues.
2006-09-25 00:52:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. You should backup anything and everything before you reformat. (Reformat will delete everything.) I would run the free anti-virus and anti-spyware products fist. Try Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and destroy for malware and the free AVG software for virus infections.
2006-09-25 00:47:27 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
defentaly backup anything you want to save, any my documents or music files.. burn them onto a cd as data or something. you can post another question on the backup if you need to know how.
you will need either your original windows xp cd or if know how to do it from the recovery partition (only if you have one).
then follow these directions
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxphome/installxpcdoldhdd/indexfullpage.htm
2006-09-25 00:52:15 · answer #5 · answered by Leosphere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you dont know how, I wouldn't mess with it. That blanks your hard drive, and you have to reload EVERYTHING.....
After format is complete, you are left with a DOS screen prompt, and that's it. You then load your operating platform. If you feel the need to do that, take it to a shop and pay them to reimage your PC, it's worth it.
Try to defrag, system cleanup, and restore first.
2006-09-25 00:43:51 · answer #6 · answered by alwhisman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
use the original CD which come with the computer to erase everything and it just run like new.If you use Dell, press f11 it will give you the instruction step by step.
2006-09-25 00:48:32 · answer #7 · answered by colorado 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't know how to do it already, then don't. Get someone to walk you through it, step-by-step. -yk
2006-09-25 00:44:05 · answer #8 · answered by Yaakov 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋