I want to erase EVERYTHING from my PC?

Question

My computer is too full, it runs extremely slow and theres this annoying windows installer message i get every two seconds. I want to know if there is any way I can get my Dell Computer back to the way it was when i first bought it. Like the Facotry setting or something. Do i need a CD to reinstall windows or can I just reboot it. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Thanx.

Ok... I believ it came with two blue CDs. One is for some WordPerfect Program which i ended up erasing fro Microsft Office. Also the other one says " Driver and User Documentation" contents are : HTML user doc. and drivers INF ICM and CAT files. are those enough or do i need more? and how should i go about erasing the PC. Thanx

Answer 1

well
ve ur cds that come with th PC handy
Now completly formate ur hard drive
& then re-install all the things
good luck!!!

Answer 2

There should have been a restore cd that came with it there are also some blue discs and some dells come with a copy of windows xp. If it has a restore cd then you can just put it in and reboot following the directions on the screen and your back to the way it was when you bought it. If it has a xp cd then you can just put it in and reboot, its fairly straight foward. Make sure you pay attention arround the time its talking about your hard drive so that you can reformat it, the blue cds have your drivers or the software that makes the hardware work with windows.


I know you say that you want to delete every thing but remeber everything does mean exactly that. If you have any pictures, music, or anything else you might want to save either burn it to a cd or find some online space to stick it temporarly.

Answer 3

You'll need the factory restoration CDs that came with your computer to accomplish this. I'm assuming you are using XP. If your version of XP is Service Pack 1 you'll need to order the Service Pack 2 CD from Microsoft. Don't worry, it's free. You can download this update but I don't suggest it because it's over 200mb.
When you run the factory restore CDs you will be given the options of repairing the existing installation or a new install. You want to do the new installation. The next thing (if I remember correctly) is what partition to install it or create a new one. Partitions are used for dividing up the harddrive. You'll want to delete the existing Windows partition (the larger one). Do NOT delete the FAT32 partition because it contains the boot records for the harddrive. When it asks how to format the partition tell it NTSC full format.
The CDs do have instructions on how to proceed. I've done this a couple of times on my computer (Dell laptop). Instructions are provided on the screen as you proceed. Just make sure you follow them carefully.
A few tips to make it easier...
1) Make sure you burn any files you want to keep on a CD so you'll have them later.
2) While Windows is formatting the drive and installing gather up any of your installation disks for your printer, scanner, etc plus any software you plan on using.
3) After the Windows install is complete install Service Pack 2 prior to installing any drivers or other software.

I went through this process recently on my Dell laptop and it runs just like it did the day it arrived at my house. :)
Good luck!

Edit: You will need the driver disc. ...but in order to successfully format the harddrive and reinstall Windows you must have the Windows CD. It is best to use the copy that came with your computer (if it didn't you'll need to contact Dell), but you can also opt to use a purchased copy of XP or Vista (keep in mind it is so new that there might not be compatible drivers available for your printer, scanner, etc yet).

Answer 4

I hear you! Our old desktop was so full we couldn't even defragment it! Remember when you go into "My Computer" to delete files or folders, hold down Shift and click Delete so's copies don't try to go to the Recycle Bin. Go clear out the Recycle Bin. Go delete en masse. Maybe you can do it on your own. If you get it down far enough (like, with say 30% or more free space) you can defragment. Then you could even remove some software. Trash away! Sad for us, we had to pop for a new computer. I had to empty the disk the hard way: out to the garage, in the vise, sledge hammer, pliers, Captain Destructo, dispose in several locations to prevent identity theft.

Answer 5

you do no longer choose for a CD to erase each and every thing. you opt for for a CD jointly with your working gadget and license key to reinstall it however. in case you have not got that, there is not any think approximately formatting your pc. F10 (or yet another F key) is basically going to take you the BIOS. powerful in case you may desire to alter the boot order. F10 usually works for Compaq's and HP's. you additionally can try F12 yet once you watch in the process the boot series then the producer's splash show on the initiating might desire to enable you already know.

Answer 6

SOME computers come with the "Recovery Discs\program" installed on your hard drive (usually Drive D) so you may not have any Recovery Discs.

Watch your screen when you first turn your computer on, it *MAY* show an option to RESTORE your computer. Restore, as in Restore it to the way it was out of the box.

Look for something like "Press F10 to Restore - Recovery"

NOTE! You will LOSE ALL FILES, MUSIC, PICTURES ETC as well as any Programs you have installed!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Yes, and it's not hard to do, if you have the disks that originally came with your computer.

Make sure you have saved anything from the computer you really want because when it is gone, it will be all gone.

Then call a friend who REALLY knows computers and have him/her come over and do it with you. It's not hard - but there are a couple of ways you can really louse yourself up, and it's much easier if you have someone who really knows what's going on.

This is the voice of experience - do not try this without someone to help.

Answer 8

1stly how long have you had this pc? if less then a year you can call dell and ask for the windows cd(you should have gotten a sticker with the serial number to know that your windows is genuine, if that is the case if you know someone with the cd then just ask to barrow it but use your numbers not theirs) from there you can format your harddrive(right click on local[C:/] drive and select format)

if your pc is older then 2-3 year check to make sure your drivers are up to date you may need a new video card.

Answer 9

If you truly want to wipe everything and start from scratch, you will need the restore or recovery disks that came with the PC. This will include Windows and other software that came factory installed. You will then need to re-install anything you added yourself.

Answer 10

Your computer came with CDs that will accomplish this for you. They are called Restoration CDs and are usually blue, green or purple. Just put it in and boot to it and it will take care of the rest.

Answer 11

Um reboot doesn't erase the computer... it just restarts the computer, second of all yes, you will need a disc to reinstall windows, there is nothing stored in the computer to do that.