How to format and install windows on my laptop?

mpj88 · 2 Apr 2009 at 14:51

Basically the dvd drive in my laptop has decided to cack up, so how can i format and install a fresh version of windows on it?

Can i use a Flash drive or external hdd? Also have seen options to boot from LAN but dont know how that would help.

Another option is, the external hdd enclosure is for 3.5" hdd's however i could connect the blu-ray drive from my dektop to the sata connectors and then plug it in using the usb. Would this work?

Any help would be appreciated as its in desperate need of a format!
Thanks

knowlesy · 2 Apr 2009 at 14:52

usb stick

http://www.msfn.org/board/install-USB-WinSetupF-t120444.html

that will tell you everything, I did it myself a month ago its exceptionally easy !

I used my usb 8gb (got everything off it and formatted it)

you have to format it using there program its on the top right and then you need the files of an xp / vista cd (strait copy and paste really) and then it does its stuff and sticks it on your usb

otherwise

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17985857

bledd · 2 Apr 2009 at 14:54

was about to post the same link..

basically read all the instuctions carefully

have a usb drive handy, and format it using the HP format tool (included)
then use the tool to do the rest.

mpj88 · 2 Apr 2009 at 14:59

Thanks for the quick replies

will have a bash later.

p.s. do you recon it would work with an external hdd? as i dont think i have a flash drive big enough for a copy of a windows dvd at the moment!

bledd · 2 Apr 2009 at 15:10

forgot to ask, do you mean XP or Vista?

if it's Vista or 7, then it's about 15x easier than the above way!

open cmd.exe
type the following..

diskpart
list disk
select disk X (where X is the usb stick)
clean
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format fs=fat32
assign
exit

now copy your Vista/7 dvd contents to this drive (or mount your ISO and extract the contents to the usb drive)

reboot
boot from usb

iirc, this has to be a usb stick..

knowlesy · 2 Apr 2009 at 15:27

mpj88 said:
Thanks for the quick replies will have a bash later.

p.s. do you recon it would work with an external hdd? as i dont think i have a flash drive big enough for a copy of a windows dvd at the moment!

yeah but id make sure that it was empty just to make sure nothing does go wrong

mpj88 · 2 Apr 2009 at 15:31

kool, thanks for all the input, yeah was planning on using windows 7 (Currently Vista) as have had success with it on desktop and seems quicker!

knowlesy · 2 Apr 2009 at 15:38

welcome to the club !!!!

mpj88 · 2 Apr 2009 at 15:41

hehe, was using 7000 and have been for a while but having just seen the threads im downloading 7068 now!