What are the steps to completely format a computer?

Answer 1

If you are running an old operation system you need to create a startup disk (always handy to have one of theses anyway).

Then after booting from that disk use the format from command prompt and work from there.

Or if you have an original windows XP disk you can boot from CD by changing the options in your bios.

Answer 2

do you want to format or reformat?i'm guessing u probably want 2 reformat.and it depends on what your reformatting with.if u have a windows recovery disk make sure u have your windows authentication code which is usually located on the back of the windows book that came with your computer or on the back of the sleeve that the windows recovery disc came in.it has something like 12 letters and numbers and something like j2346-x0vc6-tgt65,etc.it ias very important that u have this if u r using a disc!because once u go to reformat everything on that hard drive is gone including windows.it will ask u for it.i think it is actually called a product key.okay,anyhowthe other way is if u have a recovery patron in your computer which is much simpler it will usually be your d or e drive under my computer.when your computer is booting up it will give you options like boot menu=F9 and system recovery =F10 when u turn your computer on be pushing whatever your option is for recovery repeatedly until a message pops up that says beginning system recovery.i have a compaq presario and that's what mine does.the first screen should say begin recovery? yes or no and advanced options.2 completley reformat click on advanced options it will say all your files be permanatley removed or something like that.it will ask continue?click yes.if u do not have a disk or recovery patron u can go buy windows xp home or professional for about a hundred bucks.well there u go.later.

Answer 3

insert your boot disk (xp, vista, whatever...)

reboot, hold delete to get in to the setup, under boot options, disable your hard drives, save and exit.

when asked, boot from cd/dvd, select install, delete any partitions you may have

this next bit isn't necessary, but i find it makes life a lot easier if you ever have to reinstall your OS

create a new partition of about 30 GB, do full format (ntfs), then install your OS to this partition, reboot, go back into setup, and enable your hdd under the boot option again

download paragon partition manager, use this to create a new drive

you now have 2 HDD showing, the 30GB one you made earlier, and an unused one of raw data - format this one

if you ever have to format again, all your downloads, media, documents etc should be stored on your d: drive, you only lose the info off your c: drive

2 harddrives for the price and space of one!

any probs, email me


as for updating copied versions of windows, you can do this, but you need to know where to look to get the cracks, and these sites can be a bit dodgy, you're better off with legit version : P

Answer 4

Assuming for a second you only have one hard disk, simply insert your operating system CD and reinstall, ensuring you select the option to reformat the drive during the process. If however, as I suspect, you also want to permanently remove all traces of something first, download DBAN form dban.sourceforge.net and run this first, this will obliterate beyond all recovery every single sector of the entire drive. Then simply reinstall windows / linux etc. Hope that helps :) [e-mail]

Answer 5

You dont format the computer, you format the Hard Drives. If you have more then one you can do it in disk management or in command prompt. If you only have one then you have to do it while reinstalling your Operating System..

Answer 6

for XP you need a legal disc.
put disc in drive
restart
hit f8
and follow the instructions.
when you are finished you will be asked to validate windows , if you are using a copy you will not be able to update windows.

Answer 7

Hey there,
You can get Paragon Partition Manager for free here http://bit.ly/1k3GJLs
You should try it
Bye

Answer 8

http://lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php

Answer 9

Oh dear...who's been downloading too much porn?

Answer 10

A hammer and hit it!


Why? what dodgey stuff have you got on it?????????