reformatting hd and reinstalling windows

synchro

i got a computer at home running on windows me
i need to reformat the HD and reinstall windows
i dont have a clue where to even start can you please help me
thank you so much guyz

AnCapaillMor

Reinstall ME or install a new XP.

kaimera

get a windows cd > xp if yer machine can handle it or else go windows2000.

pop in the cd and restart yer machine.

your pc should be set to boot from cd before your hardrive so press a button when asked to boot from the cd.

follow the instructions on screen till you get to the Previous Windows Installs.

hit ESC to continue.

should be on the partition screen > press 'D' to delete your old windows partition. Press 'L' to confirm. All data will be lost at this stage.

hit 'C' then to create a new partition for windows. If it was me, I'd create two partitions in the space but personal preference really.

format using ntfs file system [quick format if it's XP your installing]

let it do it's thing and restart.

keep the cd in but dont press a button this time > let your pc boot normally.

now just follow the onscreen prompts.

pred racer

Are you sure you need to format? often a reinstall over the old os will cure most probs, you should try this first.
If not use your boot disk(floppy) allow your pc to boot to a dos prompt
type in format c: after this is finished run the setup from your ME cd.

aidan_walsh

pred racer wrote:

Are you sure you need to format? often a reinstall over the old os will cure most probs, you should try this first.
If not use your boot disk(floppy) allow your pc to boot to a dos prompt
type in format c: after this is finished run the setup from your ME cd.

Its usually a better idea to format, since that will clear all the junk out. Upgrade installations have been known to be somewhat less than tidy sometimes.

pred racer

aidan_walsh wrote:

Its usually a better idea to format, since that will clear all the junk out. Upgrade installations have been known to be somewhat less than tidy sometimes.

Yes I agree, But if you dont know how to format, and a re-install solves your problems, its worth a try for the sake of 30 mins.

commited

ME is an awful OS so please dont install it!

Go to XP or Win 2k if you can. If not, get your hands on a Win 98SE copy.

synchro

im gonna put on ME for the time being
listen lads i cant get into thte reformating menu its just giving me the option to install ME each time
any ideas thanks

BopNiblets

AAAGH! You have two threads! Kill him! Break his legs!

As I said in the other thread, if the ME CD isn't giving you the option to format, something like Acronis Partition Expert will do the job from a boot CD (or floppy? anyone else know if you can format form a floppy?), there may be freeware options available but you'd still have to burn a CD to boot from, I hopes you got a CD burner and software.

Capt'n Midnight

kaimera wrote:

get a windows cd > xp if yer machine can handle it or else go windows2000.

Don't forget you can only do that with a NON OEM copy of XP or 2000 that is not installed on another PC. License and all that.

You should have an option to make a boot/ system disk in ME if you right click on a floppy. This may have the FDISK program or Format. - use of either removes all data/settings from your system forever

Before you wipe ME make a note of the names of your sound card and video card and any cards you have added as it can be painfull finding drivers again.

Anyone know if you can do a driver export in ME as preparation for reinstall.