I have a Dell 4600 series with Windows XP and I want to reformat my computer and I know there are different ways to do so. I'm not looking to run some anti-virus programs or anything like that to fix the problems. I want to completely start from scratch. What's the best way to do it?
2007-12-26 03:20:35 · 4 answers · asked by Cole Cash 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
go to a hard drive mfg'ers site and download their utility to install a drive. among the options is a choice to zero-out all the data on the drive.
Maxtor's site has MaxBlast that I have used for that purpose....
2007-12-26 03:23:51 · answer #1 · answered by Eric A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you first start the computer, watch the screen. If the computer has not been changed or mucked with, on the screen you may see something that says F11 system restore or something to that effect. Many times the info needed to restore the computer is already on there. Another way is if you have the windows XP disc or system restore disc from DELL, you can put that in reboot the computer and start windows setup from the CD. If the computer does not recognize booting from the cd you will have to change the computer setting in the BIOS to check for a bootable disc when it starts.
2007-12-26 03:29:18 · answer #2 · answered by dahopdawg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dell computers come with all the files in a hidden directory to restore your computer to factory setup. If no one has formatted the hard drive since purchase, the best way is to restart the computer and as soon as the DELL screen appears, hold
"Dell PC Restore by Symantec" window should appear.
Click "Restore"
Click "confirm"
Click "Finish" when you get recovery successful message.
2007-12-26 08:35:22 · answer #3 · answered by Wiz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best is:insert the Windows xp cd in your cd-rom then enter in bios system by pressing del button when computer is in ms-dos then select boot device cd-rom (only this) then save your changes in bios. the computer will restart and when will appear the message:"Boot from CD-Rom , press any key to boot", press the space key then the installation of windows xp will begin by checking your hardware configuration then follow the instruction of theinstallation. I hope this helps you.
2007-12-26 03:39:10 · answer #4 · answered by cipy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋