windows

[mill]

Hello people, I forgot how to reformat windows, can someone refresh my memory please.

[katzdvd]

Insert the XP CD, reboot, boot from CD, follow prompts...

[mill]

Thanks Katzdvd, thats what i tryed the first time,and it starded to install windows and i stop, because i though the last time i did it i got the option to do a clean install?

[katzdvd]

Read thru the install screens carefully, you will be given the option to repair or clean install. When you choose clean install, it will warn you that there is an existing copy of windows that you are about to erase.

That is what you want!

[mill]

Thats just it .It just started to install when i selected clean install, it did not give me the warning, so i stop it, maybe i didnt wait long enought?

[PrinceBytore]

Has been a while since I've had to do a reformat but I believe after all the startup stuff is loaded from the disc you have an option to start setup, repair current setup, or delete partition. To do a new format you would want to delete the partition first then create a new partition and do a new install, I think

[katzdvd]

you have an option to start setup, repair current setup, or delete partition. To do a new format you would want to delete the partition first then create a new partition and do a new install, I think

mill - check out the screen shots in the link, it's easy to miss if you haven't done it in awhile.

http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/windows/instructions/reformat.htm

[Chewy]

I did it 4 times today checking out a problem computer with 2 different hard
drives and 2 install disks

good link katz, always read the bottom of the screen

and make sure the right drive is selected, better yet disconnect any and all data drives

[katzdvd]

and make sure the right drive is selected, better yet disconnect any and all data drives

Yep, that's best! We all know what can happen if you don't do that!

[Chewy]

a quick d and a l and I deleted a 160 gig data partition

I started to double chack everything after that

windows will default to install on an ide pata drive before a sata

[mill]

Thanks , will try again. For some reason my printer acting funny, it only prints some of the info and not all thats needs printed,thats the reason im going to reinstall windows.

[katzdvd]

mill, why don't you try a system restore before going drastic with a reformat? BTW, that sounds like a hosed printer driver, or even clogged carts? may not be as bad as you think.

[mill]

I have system restore turned off, I tryed uninstalling and reinstalling printer and still no luck. And it not just like its low on ink and skipping print it leaves out key wording i guess you could say. For example if i were to print this page it would print everything except are corespondence?

[katzdvd]

I have system restore turned off

I usually leave system restore turned on for my C partition, but turn it off for the others. I guess your only option at this point is a clean install. Make sure you back up your data.

BTW, is the printer problem your only issue? If that is all that is wrong, I still am not sure that a reformat is in order, unless you have already run the XP Cd & partially wiped out the OS.

[mill]

Its the only issue. But I have 0 patient. Thanks for your help.