Reformatting computer

dominatrix1 · 17 Jan 2007 at 12:14

It has got to the stage where i really need to re format my computer, i have 2 hard drives and obviously do not want to lose all my media. which is kept to 1 hard drive anyway. What steps do i need to take to format c drive, any things which are vital and need to download before hand??

AFK_Matrix · 17 Jan 2007 at 12:26

Not really, all you need is a bootable CD of Win XP. Go to the BIOS change the Boot order so your CD/DVD drive is first then save settings and reboot. U will then get the blue setup screen of XP. When you get to the screen showing your partitions I would delete them, then create new ones and then install xp.

If you have a 2nd HDD with information on then open up the PC and unplug it!!! Then there is absolutely no way you can delete its partions and format it.

rpstewart · 17 Jan 2007 at 12:53

AFK_Matrix said:
If you have a 2nd HDD with information on then open up the PC and unplug it!!! Then there is absolutely no way you can delete its partions and format it.

Yup, that's the best advice in this situation.

Solaris · 17 Jan 2007 at 12:57

Dont forget to plug it in after windows is installed tho

Captain Fizz · 17 Jan 2007 at 13:20

dominatrix1 said:
What steps do i need to take to format c drive, any things which are vital and need to download before hand??

I would copy C:\Documents and Settings\<Your username> to the 2nd drive too.
At least Desktop/Favorites/MyDocs from there.

I find www.autopatcher.com essential for rebuilding.
Be careful with the options though, don't just click next.

Run through them and decide what you do and don't want.