Reformating???

[akyriaco]

Can someone tell me how to reformat my laptop without using a boot cd. I know
it can be done so that the computer is back to the way I bought it. Is there
a web site or someone that can give me the steps for doing this.

 

[Richard in AZ]

| Can someone tell me how to reformat my laptop without using a boot cd. I know
| it can be done so that the computer is back to the way I bought it. Is there
| a web site or someone that can give me the steps for doing this.

It totally depends on the Make and Model of the computer.
Each manufacturer has his own technique.
Go to your PC manufactures support page, or READ the manual.

 

[akyriaco]

It is a Gateway MX3562 and there support page doesnt help me. All the gateway
people I spoke to wouldn't help they just refered me to a pay for support
phone number.

 

[John Inzer]

Can someone tell me how to reformat my laptop without using a boot
cd. I know it can be done so that the computer is back to the way I
bought it. Is there a web site or someone that can give me the steps
for doing this.

======================================================
Maybe this article will be useful. And you can search for more
at the Gateway Support site.

Full System Restore (Destructive) Using Gateway System Recovery Windows XP
Hard Drive
http://support.gateway.com/s/SOFTWARE/Medialess/MLXPMC0/MLXPMC0su13.shtml

Good luck.

--

J. Inzer MS-MVP
Digital Media Experience

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk

 

[HeyBub]

Can someone tell me how to reformat my laptop without using a boot
cd. I know it can be done so that the computer is back to the way I
bought it. Is there a web site or someone that can give me the steps
for doing this.

In spite of what you "know," you cannot use the operating system to reformat
itself.

You do not need to reformat to restore the computer to its original
condition.

Every computer sold with a pre-installed operating system has a method for
restoring the system to its original condition. This method may involve
manufacturer-supplied CDs, a hidden restore partition on the hard drive, or
some other mechanism.

Check the manual that came with your computer - the technique for
rejuvenating your machine WILL be there.

 

[Paul]

It is a Gateway MX3562 and there support page doesnt help me. All the gateway
people I spoke to wouldn't help they just refered me to a pay for support
phone number.

The Gateway site is pretty bizarre, in terms of its setup.

A destructive restoration is described here. It uses a recovery partition
on the hard drive, to wipe out C: and start over again. User data
on C: will be deleted.

http://support.gateway.com/s/SOFTWARE/Medialess/MLXPMC0/MLXPMC0su13.shtml

"Note: All your personal data files and applications will be lost"

There are other options mentioned on this page. There is a non-destructive
option.

http://support.gateway.com/s/SOFTWARE/Medialess/MLXPMC0/MLXPMC0su15.shtml

I suspect you should be describing in more detail, what is wrong with
the system, to get advice on which option to use. For example, if you
have malware on the system, the non-destructive option might not be
enough. In which case, you'd want to back up any important personal
files. If a system refuses to boot, and you have personal files that
need protection, you can remove the hard drive from the laptop,
and connect it to another computer. There are various adapters
for the purpose. But before going overboard, perhaps you could
describe what kind of mess you're facing.

Paul