Need help formatting my hard drive so I can upgrade Windows.?

Question

I want to upgrade my version of Windows. I want to format my hard drive and then install the new version of Windows. Is there anything I should do before I format? I have all important files backed up on my desktop.

Answer 1

Ray gives good advise - but I have a question for you - you said "I have all important files backed up on my desktop". You need to backup to a CD or external drive. When you format, items on your desktop will be gone. Backup everything in My Documents too.

Read each point in Ray's answer. MOST IMPORTANT: Run Belarc first and print it. Get drivers for all hardware and burn to CD.

If you are going to upgrade to Vista, make sure your hardware can support. ALL hardware, even printers and other external. There are some serious compatibility issues.

Answer 2

Hi,
This is simple just burn all your important files to CD / DVD then when you are sure you are ready put the Windows disk into your CD drive and switch your computer Off (CD still in drive) then switch your computer back On, it should now boot from the CD (if your BIOS is set correctly) then just follow the option Menu to reformat your drive and do a clean install.

Answer 3

If the cd does not pick up when you restart with it in, hit F8 or del before the hp, dell logo appears. Also if you look at the logo, in on of the corners it will tell you the right key to press to get into BIOS. When in there go though the tabes to boot. move the CD to the first on the the list and HD second.

Answer 4

Back it up your information and settings.

Run Belarc Adviser: Print out results.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
Locate all your drivers and software disks and keys.

For Internet Explorer:
Install and run: BackRex Internet Explorer (free)
http://www.backsettings.com/internet-explorer-backup.html
BackRex Internet Explorer Backup is a backup and restore tool for Internet Explorer. It allows you to backup favorites, history, proxy settings, fonts, dialup accounts, autocomplete passwords and cookies.

For Firefox:
Install and run: Firefox Extension Backup Extension (FEBE)
https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/2109/
"FEBE backs up your extensions, themes, and (optionally) your bookmarks, preferences, passwords, cookies and just about everything else Firefox offers."

Create a directory such as "Firefox Backup" and "IE7 Backup" for each browsers backup data in your "My Documents Folder".
This way whenever you backup you files you will also backup your browsers settings. Repeat logged as each users.


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

Windows XP Backup Made Easy
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx

Windows XP Professional Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=55820edb-5039-4955-bcb7-4fed408ea73f&DisplayLang=en

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