Computer Question..?

Question

I Am Planning to Reformat my Comp Cuz i think its really messed up..and i think reformatting it is the solution..would my network configurations and stuff will be lost?

i have windows xp sp2..and i dont have the CD..does it come with CD?...hmm..well i have a cable internet..and dont have the CD..my modem is Motorola Cable Modem SB5120...and a Linksys router is connected to it...

Answer 1

I will assume you talk of Windows XP.
I use Windows2000. When I do a full install it has always detected these things and I was good to go. That with an Ethernet connection. If, you use dial-up or wireless you may need to reinstall some software that came with the wireless card or Dial-up ISP, which XP should detect the wireless card and ask for the Drivers, if, it not have them.

Answer 2

This is the best way to do it, check my previous answers. I also use the same modem, and a linksys router.You will not lose your operating system..
This is called a "system recovery"
I do not have the disk either. My windows XP, was already loaded on my computer, when I bought it. These instructions, will clean everything off of your hard drive, so you must back up anything that you want to save. I have done this three times, and I got these instructions, from a computer tech. When starting your computer, tap the F-10 key. click on next-yes-and follow the instructions, that come up on your screen. When you are finished, your computer, will look just like it did, when you first bought it. Do these steps, in order, when finished.
1. set up windows firewall
2. windows update (click express)
3. install your anti-virus program (update)
4. install anti-spyware (update)

Answer 3

It depends on what you mean by network configuration.

Your wireless router configuration won't be lost, for instance.

If you mean your Operational System (ie Windows XP) Network Configuration, it will be lost for sure. However once you have the hardware ready to use, it will actually try to find automatically a configuration and it will work as long as your ISP use dynamic IP adress and automatic DNS.

If you want to write down your configuration on Windows XP, just to be sure, here is a tip:

Open a DOS windows (by typing CMD on Start->Run).
Type IPCONFIG /ALL > myconfig.txt
Type EXIT
It wil save your full configuration in the TXT file. This file will be on your documents' folder.

Answer 4

You will lose all the information and drivers on your hard drive. It's NOT a good idea to reformat your hard drive if you don't have the XP cd. You might first want to uninstall programs you don't use from the "control panel" "add/remove programs". Then go to "start" "run" and type "msconfig". Go to the startup tab and uncheck items you know you don't use.

Answer 5

Assume they will be lost and back up your information now.
There are two ways to install. Problems can occur with either method that will leave your drive unreadable.

Back it up your information and settings first.
Run Belarc Adviser: Print out results.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
Locate all your drivers and software disks and keys.

1) Reformat and install. (Cleans drive loses all data)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348

2) Repair install. (should not lose data) Backup files first.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

If you have malware on your computer you will need to reformat to remove it, this will wipe all data from your disk.

Pre Flattening Checklist
http://blog.angrypets.com/2006/01/ultimate_prefla.html

Reformat The Hard Drive
http://www.thefuhrmans.com/reformat_hd.htm

Reformat: Windows XP
http://www.whitecanyon.com/reformat-the-hard-drive-in-windows-xp.php

Windows XP Setup Simulator
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html

Reformat Your Hard Drive & Reinstall Windows
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/l0910/32l10/32l10.asp

Answer 6

You will lose all your data when formatting. You will need all your disks though. If you have a friend with XP you can use their disk, but you still need your serial code. Same goes with the other disks. Hope you atleast have your serial codes...

Answer 7

Yes. Anytime you do a complete reformat, you will lose your data.

Answer 8

They probably would be but they are easy to set up if you have the disks.

Answer 9

If it's WIn98SE or below then it gonna be a ghost ride.