[Tankec99]

I would like to format my hard drive and wipe my computer completely clean. I just need a step by step layman's terms explanation on how to do it. I know the first thing I'll need to do is backup all of my important files. I don't need any personal files, so all I'll need is to backup the important drivers and files required for the system to run.

Which files and drivers are needed when creating a backup before formatting a hard drive?

Also, how do I backup these particular files using a CD?

What is the first step in formatting my hard drive once my files have been backed up? Once I initiate formatting my hard drive, when should I put in my back up files CD, and what should I do once my hard drive has been reformatted?

[Lance1]

What make and model is your computer? Do you have a restore partition or a recovery CD? Is it an OEM version of XP?

[Noyb]

Your Compaq should have a recovery Partition .. and the tool to perform a restore back to factory new.
You should also have made your Recovery DVDs

This will be everything you need to run like when it was purchased .. Drivers and all.

Then .. You have to reform all the M$ updates.
The only things you need backed up ..
is all your personal Data .. Email address book, IE favorites ... etc ...
and you will need the CDs to re-install all your Programs

[Lance1]

Interesting Noyb! What in the post made you think it a Compaq?

[Noyb]

Click on the computer monitor icon beside his Tankec99 name.
He has his computer specs in his profile.
I assumed this is the computer he is talking about ... But I have my fingers crossed

Dells also usually have a recovery partition .. same procedure applies.

[Lance1]

O...

[Noyb]

Now .. Were's your specs

[Lance1]

System Specification---26/11/2009 9:01:43 AM


Windows Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

Memory (RAM) 959 MB

CPU Info Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.66GHz

CPU Speed 2664.7 MHz

Sound card C-Media PCI Audio

Display Adapters RADEON 9200 SERIES | RADEON 9200 SERIES - Secondary | RDPDD Chained DD

Monitors 1

Screen Resolution 1024 X 768 - 32 bit

Network Network Present

Network Adapters VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter - Packet Scheduler Miniport

CD / DVD Drives G: HL-DT-STDVDRAM GSA-4167B

COM Ports COM1 | COM2

LPT Ports LPT1

Mouse 5 Button Wheel Mouse Present

Hard Disks C: 37.3GB | D: 232.9GB | E: 21.5GB | F: 6.5GB

Hard Disks - Free C: 9.3GB | D: 137.9GB | E: 2.7GB | F: 6.4GB

USB Controllers 5 host controllers.

Firewire (1394) Not Detected

PCMCIA (Laptops) Not Installed

Manufacturer Phoenix Technologies, LTD

Product Make MS-7071

AC Power Status OnLine

BIOS Info AT/AT COMPATIBLE | 08/10/05 | P4M800 - 42302e31

Time Zone Pacific Standard Time

Battery No Battery

Motherboard MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD MS-7071

Modem Not detected


System Spec
http://www.alexnolan.net

[Noyb]

Put your specs in your TSG profile ... (The Important stuff)
Then we can see your specs by clicking on your monitor

[Lance1]

Done Noyb. I never thought it necessary to post my specs, but on reflection I would guess it's a good thing in the long run.

[Tankec99]

I've figured how to save all of my files to a CD. Now I need to know how to start the reformatting process. I don't even know where to begin. Also, once I've reformatted, when do I insert my backup files CD?

[Noyb]

After you format .. The computer will be like it was when you bought it .. brand new.
Then, You'll have to preform all the M$ updates, install your favorite programs, configure your Email and add your personal Data.

Have you backed up your Email Account settings, Address Book and IE favorites ??