I have a computer that is a few years old. It was given to me from someone who used to allow anyone and everyone use it. I'm almost positive it has viruses, spyware, trojans... etc. I want to completely wipe it out, and start over. I want to get rid of the O.S. and install a new one, and everything else. I don't want to just uninstall everything, run a new antivirus, and a default factory settings disk; I mean I want to wipe this thing clean. If you know how to do this, please let me know. Thanks!
2007-03-27 15:41:14 · 8 answers · asked by Mr.L 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
Get yourself a Windows XP CD
In your computers bios set it up so that it will make the cd drive the first boot device.
With the XP cd in your computer start it up and hit enter to start from cd when it prompts you to do so.
It will then guide you through the steps to format your hard drive and do a clean install of Windows XP. Then you can add all the sofware you want later after youve had xp isntalled first.
2007-03-27 15:54:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will either need the CD restores that come with the computer or perhaps if it is an XP then it may have the factory restore on a separate drive.. usually the D drive.
You should try the system restore first tho.
Go To:
start
programs
accessories
systems tools
system restore
This process is completely reversable. And does not remove your personal files. Just go back one checkpoint at a time until your puter is working good again. You may need to reinstall some programs but this is the easiest and safest way I have found to correct most problems.
E
2007-03-27 22:47:25 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, here we go, there is a thing called a soft reset, and that's when you hold it about waist high and drop it. Then there's what called a hard reset, that's when you hold it out a second story window and drop it. But no really, you need to format the hard drive and install a new OS and that should take you back to a clean slate. That is the first starting point to restore a computer to brand new.
2007-03-27 22:46:49 · answer #3 · answered by Alan P 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can just 'format C' - then reinstall the OS or install the restore CD. There are 3rd party software companies that provide 'cleaners' , etc - but Formatting C: will get rid of any problems.
2007-03-27 22:45:40 · answer #4 · answered by longhats 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you click on Run and type format c:
That will wipe everything off of the hard drive so you can start fresh.
Another way is to click on My Computer. Highlight the c drive. Click on File, click on format.
2007-03-27 22:45:54 · answer #5 · answered by farahwonderland2005 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Step 1: Get a new OS.
2007-03-27 22:47:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, in the start up menu u have to see which key is system recovery i think is f10 but u have to see i`m not sure
2007-03-27 23:03:37 · answer #7 · answered by reddogangry 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start > control panel > performance and maint. > system restore
it will start back to when it was first bought
2007-03-27 22:46:15 · answer #8 · answered by turner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋