c:/format

[Josh125]

Ok guys I think, ok I know, it's time to format the hard drive. I keep getting errors that ask me if I want to debug the system and the computer is running dog slow. I get the gist of the format, but how do I go about it with XP? Do I have to call up microsoft and get a new key code? Are there programs that will do all of this for me that I can buy?

First I guess I should save all of my docs., mp3 and what not. Is there a way to say my bookmarks in explorer?

[hubris007]

ack. Format? Man, save yourself the trouble, just buy a new one.

[zenguitar]

This isn't a big deal at all and I do it all the time. Of course on one hand I'm a computer specialist.

Anyway, yes back all your stuff up first, .doc, mp3's. To save your favorites just copy the files in the favorites folder for your profile to a floppy or some other means of storage. I won't go into all the details but they are located here. c:\documents and settings\YOURNAME\favorites. Just put them back in the same spot after reinstalling windows.

To do windows reinstall boot off the windows xp cd-rom (put the cd-rom in the drive and restart the computer) your computers bios needs to be setup to do this but just try first and see, it maybe already set. Then go through the setup process and make the choices to reinstall windows, not repair, etc. I always use the NTFS formatting choice and do the full format rather than the quick.

You will need your windows cd-key number about halfway through the process. If this is a store bought computer it's most likely on a label already stuck on your computer somewhere.

I hope that helps some. I don't have a lot of time to go into further detail but it should be rather easy to find a website with instructions on reinstalling XP that you could print out before hand.

I hope that helps.

[Josh125]

Hubris - Well I don't have the 60 bucks or so to buy a new one. By the way, I grew up in Mt. Carmel - just down the road from you.

[Josh125]

Thanks Zen, I will give it a try and maybe call up Dell.

[zenguitar]

Josh, I did a quick look and these pages seem to have a fairly decent explanation although I did a really quick skim to check so don't hold me to that.

Reinstall Windows (http://pcworld.shopping.yahoo.com/yahoo/article/0,aid,111652,00.asp)

You will need to reinstall drivers for some of the hardware if windows does not do it for you. You can get the drivers from Dell's website or just use the cd's that came with your computer.

I will definitely tell you that your computer will run better. I have not come across a computer that I did a reinstall on that didn't run better afterwards.

[Soltaker]

never done it before :bigeyes:

[pnosko]

Originally posted by Josh125
Is there a way to say my bookmarks in explorer? File/Import and Export brings up a wizard. You can export both your favorites and cookies (separately) and import them after you re-install.

[Josh125]

Thanks guys for the information, this might be the weekend project.

[NTidd]

BEFORE you go reinstalling windows it may be easier to fix the actual issues. Have you scanned for adware and viruses? Are you running on SP1? I used to have to format my drive about every 6months until XP, I can usually keep things from getting to messed up. But if you decide to reinstall, make sure you have a valid xp disc, valid key and back up the data that you want to keep.

[NTidd]

O yes, also you favorites and other misc. settings are located c:\documents and settings\(username)\.

Edit: Eh, zenguitar beat me...nevermind.