Reformat?

[Amatuar]

Hi! I have run into all sorts of problems with my PC so I
decided to reformat it. But after I reformated, the old
files and programs are still around(except they can't be
used anymore). Also I can't get into games, some problems
with the display adapter(works fine when I first got the
PC). Can anyone tell me in details, how to reformat my PC
(XP home edition)? Will reformating solve all issues?

 

[Stephen Johnson]

You need to install Windows by booting the cd, not running it from windows. And during the part of
setup where you select the partition, delete the one that's already there. That will ensure you're
starting with a clean slate.

Stephen

 

[Plato]

Hi! I have run into all sorts of problems with my PC so I
decided to reformat it. But after I reformated, the old
files and programs are still around(except they can't be
used anymore). Also I can't get into games, some problems

Sounds like you need to zero fill and start from scratch.

 

[Amatuar]

Thanx for your suggestion. But that's exactly what I did.
Any other suggestions?

-----Original Message-----
You need to install Windows by booting the cd, not

running it from windows. And during the part of

setup where you select the partition, delete the one

that's already there. That will ensure you're

 

[Alex Nichol]

Hi! I have run into all sorts of problems with my PC so I
decided to reformat it. But after I reformated, the old
files and programs are still around(except they can't be
used anymore).

You did not in fact reformat - just dumped a new installation on top of
the old. You do it as part of a reinstall of the system after booting
the XP CD direct. Enter Setup, and after the license agreement take New
Install. When it asks you to confirm where, hit ESC; select and
*delete* the current partition and make a new RAW one to be formatted at
the next stage

 

[Stephen Johnson]

If files were still there from your old system, then you didn't delete the partition and start over.
If you are using a data recovery program to view the files from your old installation, then you may
want to "low-level format" your hard drive.

Note here for all the criticisms I'm gonna get: By "low-level format" here I mean the standard way
the term is used, not the literal meaning. For all those who don't know, real low-level formatting
is what the manufacturer does at the factory. The process involves setting the sectors and stuff.
What I mean is actually zero-byte erasing your drive. You do this using a utility that came with yor
hard drive, or with a utility you can download from the MFG's website.

Stephen