How do i re-load my computer to wash it clean of all problems before installing Windows XP.?

Question

My computer was working perfectly until recently when it developed serious fault that we have not been able to resolve. We therefore need to reload the computer so as to clear the entire computer free of all programmes and problems before installing WindowXP on it. Please save me again as i have always enjoyed great answers to my questions in this house. All regards

Answer 1

if you do a reinstall and reformat the drive, all the old data is wiped out

Answer 2

Format the drive, that will get rid of everything.
Before you start:
pictures, music, documents, email addresses, email, account information, etc., Scan these items for virus/adware/spyware (so you don't bring 'Baggage' from your old setup), MAKE A COPY, otherwise it's gone forever (use another computer/external/internal drive on your network, CD, USB, etc..
Do you have:
XP CDROM (if it is an Upgrade version, ensure that it will setup a 'Clean' Install)
CDs for the programs and hardware that you need to reinstall after setting up XP (internal cards, printers, etc.)
Is your hard drive greater than 137GB? If so you may run into an issue getting the full capacity of the drive to be usable.

If you are Good to Go with the setup process, Put the XP CD in the CDROM drive restart and boot from the CDROM drive (you may have to tweak your BIOS to boot from the CD first).
At the prompt choose setup for format and install.
Delete the existing partitions, and then let er rip. NTFS (Must have for Digital Video processing) is the better file system, but it doesn't play nice with win95, win98, and older versions.
After the formatting process is complete. It will restart and begin installation.
Note: Go to windows update and get the latest patches, then you should be ready for installing Antivirus and getting Non-plug&play hardware working.

Good Luck

Answer 3

XP should give you the option of erasing all your drives when you set up. However, if you want to "be certain" that old data is gone: Using a boot disk or CD from Windows 98 or W2K, boot from the disk and begin setup. When given the option, elect to re-partition the drive(s). Delete all old partitions and let the program choose the default (largest) size for the new partition, then format the drive.

NOTE: This will remove ALL data on the drive. You'd better have backups on CD if you want to reinstall the operating system or personal data files. However, it is a sure method of CLEANING a drive of all old data. (Some Boot Sector virii can hang around through this, but we won't go into that...)

Answer 4

Do u have windows XP now? if you have then- before you format the hardisk try system restore......try to restore your system to an earlier day when you didn't have any problems. If that doesn't solve your problem then......Then it can be problems from spyware or virus too...try webroot spy sweeper or download macafee which is free

you can format your hardisk and by doing so you will clear all the data on your disk......then if your computer manufacturer has given you all the drivers and softwares or may be a single cd which can help you to restore the system to as it was when you bought it.

Answer 5

Subject: System Recovery

To get your computer back to looking like new, do "a system recovery"
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, in control panel
2. windows update (click express)
3. install your anti-virus program (update)
4. install anti-spyware (update)
5. reinstall service pack 2
Your operating system will still be on your computer..Good Luck.

Answer 6

Boot to your Windows XP CD. Do a complete format and clean install of XP. That will be like original.

Answer 7

attempt cleansing your cd-Romchronic with a moist form air purifier. sparkling your WinXP disk with a comfortable textile like an previous t-blouse. save a replica your winXP disk making use of the "reproduction cd" determination so it is going to reproduction the boot itemizing. some reproduction courses like CloneCD will attemp to retrieve suggestions numerous circumstances untill it reads it properly for that reason making a extra advantageous reproduction than the only this is copying from. Then attempt installation back. Avatarxz d;o)

Answer 8

When you're installing XP, there should be an option to erase your drives (clean) and install the OS like it came from the factory.

Just don't forget to back-up what you want to keep!

Answer 9

I can't provide specific help but I wanted to let you know your question is great.

I recently bought a program called Drive Cleaner online (via download) and it does a great job of cleaning everything. It seems to leave my laptop squeaky clean...