all i have is a tower and need to clear everything to start new
2007-02-19 12:41:15 · 4 answers · asked by tattoo69699 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
If you're planning on doing a fresh install of Windows, then there is an option to format the disk when you run the Windows setup CD. This is true for WinXP and Win2000. Win98, you have to run the setup disk and go to a command prompt. Then type format c: and press enter.
If you don't seem to find the format option on Win2k or Winxp, then when you get to the screen asking what drive you want to install Windows on, it will show you that Windows may already be installed and not display the option. Simply look for the option to remove the partition. Once the partition is removed, then hit enter on the drive to install it. It will immediately force you to format because a newly partitioned disk is not formated. In either event, both processess will totally wipe all data on the drive.
2007-02-19 12:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by SharpGuy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you want to format it, first make a Boot Disk. Go to http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and download one of the Windows 98 bootdisks. Run it, and it should make a floppy boot disk for you. Pop it into the old tower, boot it up, and instead of loading whatever operating system it has, it should go to what says "Windows 98 Startup" Choose "Start Computer Without CD-Rom Support" and then after it gives you a command prompt (basicly when you're able to type, it should look like A:\>_ ) type in format c: there. It'll ask you if you want to really format the drive, hit y.
Remember however, you WONT be able to bring up Windows again, simply because its... well... deleted. But, you will be able to install the operating system of your choice on there!
Hope this helps!
2007-02-19 12:49:16 · answer #2 · answered by SomeoneUKno 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hook it up to a monitor, keyboard and mouse and format the drive.
To format the drive you can use a varity of programs or a windows CD and or Windows boot disks.
2007-02-19 12:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure you have the books and the serial numbers it will ask you for that. if you don't do not format the harddrive you will not be able to recover it. It is important to know what version of windows you are operating before formatting.
2007-02-19 12:55:12 · answer #4 · answered by fluffyflo_1999 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋