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Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Method 1. Consider defragging or using an anti-malware program first. This might help your PC performance so you can avoid formatting. You may also consider re-installing Windows XP.
If you are trying to eradicate a virus, this will not remove all the files. The virus may still be present after re-installing. Check to see if your PC manufacturer included a restore-disk. Most brand name manufacturers include a disk that can restore your computer to the state it was the day you purchased it. If you have a restore-disk you can save yourself from having to reformat your computer.
Write down or print out all instructions you need to reformat. Once you begin the process you will not be able to access files on your computer or the web.
If you have a printed copy of the necessary steps and troubleshooting procedures you will be able to reference them as needed. Back up your data.
All important data should be backed up before starting this procedure. Remember that all hard disk data will be lost when you reformat. Check out this article on how to backup your data in Windows XP. Ensure that you save that backup to a CD, thumb drive, or external drive. Note whether you have the software CDs to extra devices such as printers or software you may have purchased.
If you downloaded them, then ensure that you either can re-download them or backup those files so you are able to re-install them after you reformat your computer. You may also want to note the make and model of your devices. Once inside the Device Manager, you can click on each category to see what devices are installed. Method 2. You may also use the Windows XP Setup disks.
If using the disks you will have to install each disk when prompted during the setup. Press any key to boot from CD when prompted. This prompt will appear shortly after the POST power-on self test. Go to source. Press the F8 key to agree to the Microsoft end user license agreement when prompted to do so. Since there is already an existing Windows XP installation you may receive a prompt to repair it.
Press the ESC key to bypass this option and continue formatting the disk. Select each field that does not say "Unallocated Space. I hope this tutorial helps you learn how to format windows xp. Please take your time as learning how to format a computer looks like an easy task but mistakes can happen. My name is Milica Pantic but everyone calls me Mitz. Hope you enjoy my website and learn everything you need to know in an easy to understand way.. Tips4pc Youtube Channel.
You could put your Windows disc in and do a repair. See this article. There are programs you can get to backup drivers. You can try Double Driver for windows xp to win 7. It takes a backup of drivers into folders and an executable file. I would do both just in case one does not work.. Hello I am having a virus on my PC , using my laptop now to find help. I found your site and I have followed your steps, but my PC does not show any key to boot from cd.
I just see press delete to open BIOS. So you have to go into the bios first and set your computer to boot to the cd first…at the moment it is not going to the cd as the first boot priority. I succeeded in formatting my Windows Xp Professional because of valued instruction given by you. But now the sound system is not functioning. Is there any other methods of restoring the sound system?
Can I use any master CD for it? Yes …all you have to do is find out if your what driver you need for your sound and download this from the manufacturers website…It is free so do not pay or go to a bad website. You can also go to your control panel, into the devices section and update the driver through there.
You will see your sound card with a yellow exclamation mark next to it.. Press the Win Key and the Pause Break key at the same time. System properties will open. Go to the hardware tab and choose device manager. I formated the drive of windows 7 and got the problem for xp to start.
Now only linux can be started and i am not able to even install the windows xp. Please help…. The instructions provided are excellent! I had an old computer that I want to donate, however I wanted to be sure everything was gone from it. Thank you! Now the computer is unable to boot and we are unable to start the pc. Please help. I want to format my PC due to virus. I using windows xp operating system.
Please help me. Make sure you are not prompting the reboot to come from the Hard disk; and make sure your cd is clean. Restart your pc and immediately after restarting hold down f12 or whatever function button gets you to the boot screen. Unless you have another source to get Windows back on your Compaq…. I tried to press any key on keyboard but nothing happpened, my pc just running as usual. Why is this happened?
Do you have a usb keyboard. Maybe you could plug in another keyboard? Sometimes Dos will not see the usb keyboard. Thank you for such clear instructions. I have formatted my hard drive OK.
Can you help me please? Many thanks. Margaret Hodgkinson. Then select drivse in which drive in you have install windows 7 , and start format….. Hi there I am having a problem with reformatting my hard drive I get to the blue set up screen and then want to press ESC to skip the repair and none of the keys respond.
The blue set up screen stays and I have to reboot again. When you start your computer, have the OS cd in and ready. If you do not see this you need to go into bios and change the settings to boot to cd. Amit K.
Dear Sir, I want to erase all datas from c drive only or I want a clean format for C drive to load again xp. Kindly suggest the steps. Its validity is for 1 yr……even i have the CD for installation….. Need a help, i have the window7 which is not a genuine. I was wanting to copy photos onto CD. I have searched the internet for a solution and found similar problems explained but NO solutions. Is the blank cd compatible with the brand of cd drom you are using?
Can you try another brand disc? Have you used this brand before and did it work? I have had this problem and I sometimes copied the disc and tried again…Sometimes it would fail a few times and then finally I would get a low level format done.. Maybe you could try to take the hard drive out and format it that way.. Then put it in and start again..
If it be the connector cable problem then replace the wire cable with an wire UDMA cable. Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted.
If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you must access from the Recovery Console. When you are prompted, type the Administrator password. You can go into the bios and choice to go to default settings and see if that works…You can also try another connector if you have one…If you format you will lose your files… Also you can take the hard drive out and put it in an external hard drive and backup the files.. I was following instructions and it came up with an agreement and to usef8 to agree.
After hitting enter on firstvscreen shot I do not get second screen shot. Any suggestions? Great Step — by — step guide on how to formatt. I have recently formatted a partition of my HDD to re-install Windows. So the comp goes straight to the setup as though someone is pressing buttons on the keyborad even if i un-plug everything. It like it refuses to go to the set — up after the installation.
Also did you try changing the bios to hard drive only? However, it occurred to me that it might be possible to use the old laptop for doing powerpoints if I could get it working again. My problem is this. In order to get Windows working again, I have to agree to the Microsoft licensing terms.
I have tried a different mouse, and restarting it with the other mouse connected to a different usb port. So how did you format the computer? Did you use the keyboard then? Like pressing enter and so on? When did it stop working? Ok instead of using the up and down button use the tab key…It will move through the fields and when the yes options is selected with dots around it…press the spacebar the select.
Thanks, Mitz, for all of your help and advice. By some miracle, when I restarted the old laptop this morning, the mouse worked and the computer appears to be up and running.
I have not completed tested its functionality, but the immediate problem about which I consulted you is now solved. Please help me….! I probably agree that you need a network adapter driver. If you do not have this installed you will not be able to see the icon for it…Do you have a driver disc or can you search on the internet on another computer to find the right driver? I think it could be a keyboard error or a connection inside your laptop… First I would possiblity upgrade the drivers for these first…They may have generic drivers running them…If that does not work then I would start to look inside.
Please reply a. I hae a quick question though. Do I need to do something to both of them or will it prompt me to format both. The D has plenty of space on it but the C is what is so screwed up.
Any help would be great! If you have two separate hard drives you only need to format C…the other one can be formatted any time. Even if you are using an original, make a copy of it and try that disc. Sometimes there is a problem with the disc and all setup files are not transferred to the computer. How do i install XP when i have 7 installed i try using the disc but it says i need to be logged on as an administrator but i am Help?
It is faster and an amazing operating system…?? If you must install Win XP then restart the computer with the XP disc in the drive and boot to it and start installing. You could also have a dual boot XP and Windows seven…. Thank you so much for this! Mitz,thanks so much for your wonderful and knowledgeable blog. Download Article Explore this Article Steps. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Author Info Last Updated: May 15, You usually get it with your PC, if you bought Windows.
If you don't have the installation CD, you can buy it from Microsoft. You will need the CD for installation. Your PC Bios settings will be displayed. Find boot menu. Press the Enter key at this screen. Consider creating a separate partition at this screen. Do this by pressing the "C" key and defining the size of the partition. Select your desired partition for installation of Windows XP. Press the Enter key. Choose to format the partition. Choose NTFS quick for best results. Run Setup. After formatting, Setup will start copying files on to the hard disk.
Install Windows. You can see the progress of the installation in the progress bar on left panel. Select desired language and regional settings, when prompted by Setup. Enter Windows the key from your disk. This usually comes with Windows Installation disk, written behind the pack. You can also buy a key online from Microsoft. Type a name for your computer. If you wish, you can also type a password to login - otherwise you can leave it empty.
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