reformat xp

[hatteras1530]

want to reformat hard drive. just got new cd version 2. not done a format
forever
like to know the procedure. got drivers saved on external drive.

 

[Big_Al]

hatteras1530 said this on 2/9/2009 10:38 AM:

want to reformat hard drive. just got new cd version 2. not done a format
forever
like to know the procedure. got drivers saved on external drive.

If you mean format the hard drive that XP is on, and reload XP then:
Put CD in Drive. Make sure that the CD is one of the first Boot
devices in your BIOS settings.
Boot! You should boot from the cd and load the XP install wizard.
Read the help and questions. There will be an option to pick a drive
and format it. Then XP will be loaded.

The rest of the work is restoration from backups.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

want to reformat hard drive. just got new cd version 2. not done a format
forever
like to know the procedure. got drivers saved on external drive.

I'll assume that you have backed up all your data.

It's very simple once you boot from your CD. However, don't just format.
Instead, when you get to the part of Setup where you're asked where you want
to install, choose the partition and delete it. Then, re-create it, and
then format it. In your case, since the drive is likely older, don't do
the quick format as the full format verifies the disk.

Deleting and recreating the partition ensures that nothing is left behind to
cause you grief.

HTH
-pk

 

[Jim]

want to reformat hard drive. just got new cd version 2. not done a format
forever
like to know the procedure. got drivers saved on external drive.

Assuming that your CD contains XP with SP2 included (NOT THE SP2 UPGRADE):

Change the BIOS to boot from the CD first
Disconnect all devices not needed for the installation. All you need are
the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, the CD, and the target hard drive.

Insert the CD. Boot the computer.
The installation will reformat your hard drive and install XP.
If at any time, you receive this message "Press any key to boot from the
CD", do not press any key.

When the installation finishes, shut down the computer.

Reconnect all of the devices, change the BIOS to boot from the hard drive
first.

Find the CD which contains motherboard specific drivers, etc.
Reinstall thes items.

Reinstall the AV software

Reconnect ot the network.

Obtain SP3 and install it.

Obtain all fixes since SP3 and install them.

Recreate all of your accounts. Recover the data for these accounts.

Reinstall all software packages.

Finally, after killing one afternoon (or so), the machine will be useful.

If this seems like a lot of tedious work, it is.

Jim

 

[Bruce Chambers]

want to reformat hard drive. just got new cd version 2. not done a format
forever
like to know the procedure. got drivers saved on external drive.

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP Home installation CD. You'll
be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as
part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order
of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then the backed up data can be restored and applications
re-installed from their original installation media.


--

Bruce Chambers

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