How do I reformate a computer?

I've been given an old PC as a project. I've got loads of old software but don't know how to start.

Comments

  • first you should backup data on this computer,and then pop the windows source CD in.Reboot the computer and load the OS. Windows will ask you to select the filesystem before format begins.You should select NTFS filesystem except you want to use windows95/98^_^

  • If you have a windows xp disk you can pop it in and it should boot up to it and begin the setup program. During setup it will give you a chance to format the disk.

    Heres a good site that will help:

    http://www.5starsupport.com/tutorial/xpinstall.htm

    Also, if you don't have a windows disk and you still want to format it you can create a bootable disk from http://www.bootdisk.com/ and they have links to some helpful resources too.

    Hope that helps.

    Good luck!

  • if it uses dos insert your disk and type the directory and file name (example: A:\\example.exe) if it runs windows 3.1 then insert your disk and find the file cabnet. click on it, the rest is pretty straightforward. if it is so old that it uses basic then learn basic and the commands spicific to the computer. (IBM basic is probably what you want to learn as it is the most generic of the many types. if it is not covered in that then email me at [email protected] with the brand and operating system.

  • get a windows EBD on floppy then do an Fdisk

    delete partition reboot and fdisk again and rebuild partion again then format c:/s

    this is called low level format it guareentees no virus will be hiding it also will check for hdd errors

    or use linux and this will tell you how much life is in hard drive

  • That's a tough one.

    It depends on which OS's you have.

    But you will need a 'bootable' OS CD/DVD.

    In which case just follow the instructions.

    Alternatively; Use a formatting program like MaxBlast, and start from there.

  • First of all you will need the license windows CD and cd key just pop it in and format the disc follow all the commands and once you have windows back up install all of your drivers.

  • right click on any of the drives there is a format option

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