I need to format my hard drive...

[everdred12a]

I need to format our Desktop computer's Hard Drive (it's borderline inoperable from all of the downloading my brother does), but I don't know how to go about doing it. I used the search function, but came up with nothing. Also, just to clear things up before I do it (I'm no computer whiz), once I put in the OS disk, it's all fairly obvious how to install it again, right?

[Puritan]

Huzza! Time for formatting! *Rubs hands together* For some reason even I don't understand, I love doing this type of thing.

If you restart your computer with the OS disk in the drive it usually gives you the option to delete the partitions on a hard drive and recreate a new partition, formating the hard drive. And from my experience it is pretty easy to install the OS if you have experience installing anything else. Just make sure to patch and install virus scanners IMMEDIATELY after reinstalling Windows if that's what you're using, not doings so is a really bad idea.

[everdred12a]

Just make sure to patch and install virus scanners IMMEDIATELY after reinstalling Windows if that's what you're using, not doings so is a really bad idea.

I understood everything up to this point. What is patching?

[Puritan]

Go to windows update (it's in the start menu or at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ ) and install all the high-priority updates. Go back several times (you may have to restart you computer multiple times) to ensure you are completely up to date. These updates (patches) take care of a number of security risks. They're not perfect, but definately better than not patching.

[everdred12a]

All right. Thanks, I appreciate it!!

[Warrior4Christ]

Huzza! Time for formatting! *Rubs hands together* For some reason even I don't understand, I love doing this type of thing.

You're not the only one.

It goes without saying that you should backup any data you wish to keep. And double check and triple check that you have everything before you say 'I do' (want to delete/format partition, that is).

[tripperdan99]

Be sure you have any data that you value backed up. Things that you normally don't think about like email, bookmarks and most anything that you've saved under "My Documents"

Windows XP has a back up tool but I've had mixed results with it. I would encourage the good o'l drop and drag method to your CD burner, flash drive, etc

Also make sure you have your 25 digit Key for input when you reimage your machine.

When you bring your system back up to speed a couple of moments to prep your system will go along way to preventing a "premature" death of your system.

One thing is to create a restore point once your system is freshly reimaged. You can go back to this (with in reasonable time frame, usually about 6 mths or more).

Also get a good Antivirus. There is a free one called AVG that is very good.

Next download Microsoft's AntiSpyware program.

And certainly run the Windows Update. A DSL is almost a must here. You might want to visit a friend that has it if you don't have DSL or cable.

You might want to consider running a repair, though I can't remember if XP Home has that. Let me know your OS and I'll check the steps for system repair.

You also might want to get the program called "Hijackthis" but be careful using it.

td99

Yea, I'm a recovering analytica who does computers all day. I baby sit about 4000 machines.

[everdred12a]

What's the 25 digit key code? The OS is XP Home. Also, will the computer be net-ready after I format the hard drive? I'm currently using my laptop, which *has not* been screwed up by my brother's downloading habits, but will it affect my wireless internet?

[Puritan]

The computer may be net ready, but make sure to visit the computer manufacturer's website to obtain any drivers for your computer's modem and LAN card before formatting. The 25 digit code is the windows product key. If may be on a sticker attached to your computer, or on a cd case or card that came with your computer. Make sure to find that before reformatting. Unless your laptop is being reformatted (it sounds like it isn't) you shouldn't have problems with your wireless internet, it should go through a router which will be unaffected by the format.

[tripperdan99]

for the desktop computer that your brother messed up, you CAN NOT use the same key that you have on your notebook. kepish?

For a desktop, I would make sure if it's a dell or compaq (very propriatory systems) that you have the driver CD (thx puritain for reminding about this)

If it's a clone, I really wouldn't worry about it too much except for the NIC interface (if the NIC, ah, network card, is built on to the motherboard).

You might want to try to download Microsoft's Anti-spyware program on the messed up computer and run that a couple of times. The get the Ad-aware program and run it too. You might be able to salvage this without reformating.

I get the feeling that this is new territory for you and sometimes it can be a rough journey, ifyouknowwhatImeanVern.

td99

[Shao Feng-Li]

I think all you have to do is run and command prompt and type "format c:"

[TurkishMonky]

or just reinstall windows/linux, and delete the partitions, then create new ones

i formatted one computer's hard drive i had like 4 times in a day, just trying out different os s... (i finally ended up on .... Win 98 )

[everdred12a]

I'm sorry for going off topic here, but my CAA is looking strange (for me at least), and I couldn't think of another place to go with this. Almost all images on the site *are not* displayed; avatars, the little bubbles next to each forum that tells you if there are new posts, and the 'New Thread' and 'Reply to Thread' buttons are gone as well (but I'm still logged in, obviously). I'm using quick reply right now. However, CAA is the only site that is doing this... is this happening to anyone else? If not, does anyone have any ideas that could fix it?

EDIT: Upon switching browsers (I'm using IE! OH THE HUMANITY), the site works fine, but does anyone know why the site wouldn't be working properly on Firefox?

[tripperdan99]

Try FireFox just to make sure, if you're using IE

and vise versa

More than likely an IE issue.

td99

[everdred12a]

No, Firefox is what's giving me the problem, not IE. But I'm going to move this to a new topic now that I'm using IE...

[Locke]

Did you update Firefox? An update came out a few weeks ago.

[everdred12a]

That problem was resolved. I still don't know exactly why what happened happened, but I got it fixed.