I need to reformat my computer, but I dont have a disk?

Question

My computer is running insanely slow (like 5-7 minutes to start up). I thought it could be a virus, but none of the programs I've used (I've tred like 8) have found a virus. I think I need to reformat it but my computer (HP Windows XP media center edition) didn't come with a disk...just system restore points which didn't work.

Is there any way i can download a version from microsoft or something to reformat it? Or does anyone know of a REALLY good virus program that might actually find my virus?

Answer 1

maybe you could system recover it... oh wait you said it didn't work.. haha... sorry i read the question unlike everyone else... sorry dude, I have no clue what to do.

Answer 2

Not knowing what apps you've tried, I'd suggest hitting TrendMicro, McAfee, and Avast anti-virus solutions (just add .com to each) to scan for computer virii. Webroot's SpySweeper, Microsoft's Windows Defender, and AdAware will all help with potential spyware that could be bogging your system down. Likewise, if you look in your taskbar, down by the clock, you can see what might be running. Be sure to click the the little " > " to see everything. You may find a few surprises down there.

When you purchased your computer, it may have come with the ability to create its own disc set. This is common with pre-loaded systems from companies like HP, Gateway and Dell (and you said you have an HP). They refer to this disc set as "restore discs" and if you boot to them, they'll put the whole shooting match back in place, fresh as if it were just bought that day.

If you do not have your restore set, try going through the programs in the START menu to see if there is an app that will create the disc set. Look through the manuals for information on it as well, and/or contact either the computer manufacturer or the retailer from which you purchased the unit. The restore disc build program should be in your programs menu under the HP tools group. The program may not run if a set has already been created.

Likewise, there may be an option to simply execute a recovery. This will be in the same place. Bear in mind that this recovery will be destructive; in other words, copy off anything that you need beforehand!

If all this fails, then look on the side/top/bottom for a multi-colored sticker that has your CD key. It will say something like, "Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition" and "Product Key". You'll need this to do your reinstall. (In fact it may be required even if you are able to use the built in restore options.)

Assuming you are able to find this sticker, and assuming it is in fact for the version of Windows you are running, the next step will be to find an installation disc. Some folks will ask to borrow one on local discussion groups, talk to friends, and hit area computer shops. The manufacturer of your system and/or whoever sold it to you are also good sources for the media and that's where I would recommend you go first.

Now, this product key is absolutely essential -- if you do NOT have a product key or if the product doesn't match what is installed, then it will NOT work. If the operating system was installed legally and came with the computer, then that sticker should be on it somewhere.

The sticker I'm referring to is called a CoA (Certificate of Authenticity). You can see an example at http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/coa.mspx from Microsoft. There is also additional information of use at http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/faq.mspx as well.

HTH...!

Answer 3

From the Windows XP desktop, click Start, All Programs, and then one of the following options:
NOTE: The following options are for HP computers.

HP Tools, and then HP PC System Recovery.

Hewlett-Packard, hp pavilion pc tools, and hp pc system recovery.

PC Help & Tools, and then HP PC System Recovery.

A recovery Welcome screen appears.

Click Yes or OK to continue the recovery process.
The computer restarts to the recovery program. If another welcome screen is displayed, click OK to continue.

Select one of the following procedures, depending on which recovery type you want to perform:


To perform a system recovery, click Next, and then click Yes
*
To perform a destructive recovery, click Advanced, (select Destructive Recovery) and then click Next.
CAUTION: A destructive recovery will format the hard drive. This will delete all the information on the hard drive and reinstall Windows XP and the original software that came with the computer.


Read and respond to each window and screen that appears.

After the System Recovery is complete, the computer restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the PC finishes the setup.
NOTE: It may take a long time to complete Windows setup. This time varies and may take over several hours. Recovery times are most affected by using recovery discs that were ordered from HP and/or the amount of files that were stored in the user account folders (for example, My Documents and the Desktop).

Answer 4

If your system didnt come with the system disks then you must have system restore option somewhere in your computer. if you cant find it in ur computer. then go to google and type the computer series name , and read its menu..
Im sure there will be an option to reset your computer as factory made settings.. so it will be like all default settings..
and about antivirus.. all are okay.. like Norton etc. but i like F-secure very much cos other antivirus programs make system performance a little slow..

Answer 5

There are more reasons for a computer running slow than viruses, reformatting is always last resort, Defragging is usually the first step, a good registry clean will also help, also clearing the pre-fetch folder will help. if you are unsure of any of these steps just google for instructions

Answer 6

Your HP will have a hidden recovery partition ... should be able to find how to access it under "PC Help and Tools" and do a Factory Default Restore ... this will format your C: drive and return it to the way it was when you first bought it :)
Good Luck

Answer 7

Switch to a Linux version, such as ubuntu.

I switched about a year ago. No problems, boots, runs and shutdown all much faster than Windows XP.

Answer 8

Download Nod32 version 2.7.Donot formart ur Pc.
Also download tune up utilities and check whether there are any programs which are running in background ang making ur Pc slow..

Answer 9

You cant download the CD legally but you can order a CD from HP (CD is free you pay shipping). This is done online at HP.com

Answer 10

once you've the operating gadget cd you're prepared to reformat and reinstall the OS. if you're only lacking the drivers cd you'll come across drivers on your gadget on-line, for free.