Can I reformat my computer with my laptop and a hub?

Answer 1

To do network installs, or stuff similar to what you are trying to do, you will need a router, or another device capable of handling TCP/IP. Usually, you will want to boot up your system from a CD or floppy drive, remotely access it, then format the hard drive. In *nix (UNIX, BSD, GNU/Linux) systems, this is a simple process, in windows I've never tried to do it, although I imagine it would be a bit harder, as it doesn't come bundled with the software needed to do that kind of stuff.

Answer 2

Sorry, but I have no idea what you are trying to do. Normally the process of reformatting does not need a laptop or a hub. You put the Windows CD that should have come into the computer into the CD drive and turn on the computer. It should automatically start the Windows install and format the computer for you as part of the install.

I suspect that what you want to do is to back up data from the computer to your laptop before doing the reformat. Yes, you can do that using a hub or router. Hook each of the computer to the router with w network cable, and then in the Control Panel of each run the Networking wizard. It will set them up so you can backup from the first computer to the laptop.