NiSm0

hey guys, i just got done backing up all of my files and i was wondering how to go about reinstalling windows... All i have is the windows disk that came in the XP pro bundle. I had ordered my comp through a computer store and they built it for me so im not sure how to reinstall windows. Can someone plz help me with this. thanks - NiZ

gorked

Stick the disk in, and it will give you a couple of options. One of them is reinstall Windows. This will just reinstall the OS while keeping most of your files. Click.

It sounds like you want to reformat while you're at it. Did you want to reformat?

NiSm0

yeah basically i want to wipe my comp of all the **** thats on it now, i cant even count the number of F****** trojans that i have lying around and that darn spyware drives me insane. I wanna basically erase everything in the registry and start fresh...but doesnt reinstalling windows do all of that for me? O ya and is reformatting when u wipe ur hard drive clean? b/c if so then that will be cool.

jcarkeys

During the install process, which gorked pointed out, before files start getting copied, there will be an option to reformat your drive. If you backed up to a seperate partition on the same drive, make sure you select the right partition to reformat. If it's on any other sort of drive or media, just disconnect it just to make sure. Make sure you do a full reformat (not quick) with NTFS, unless you need FAT32 for specific reason, but more likely then not, you'll need NTFS.

Just keep following the rest of the directions, it's fairly easy and quite straightforward, much easier than past versions.

If you need any specific help about the install process, just ask.

EDIT: I see your new message. Yes, reformatting is totally wiping the hard drive of anything. Yes, the windows reinstall reformats, if you follow the steps I outlined above.

NiSm0

ok thanks i will give it a try and let u know how it turns out thanks guys!

Slick2145

Just follow the directions that jcarkeys laid out for you and the once you get to the installation process Windows XP will walk you through the rest of it. It is pretty straight forward and rather painless.

If you want to be able to set your system up with a single user name and are not worried about someone getting directly on to your system and being able to view your files then use FAT32.

If you want to have to log on with a username and password so that someone else can just have instant access you your files or be able to have several users with seperate file systems and have each of their files stored seperatly or if you need anytype of security setups then you need to use NTFS.

Personally I would suggest using NTFS either way due to the extra funtions that you can set it up with in the future.

NiSm0

ok two problems...when i go to reformat the c drive (by right clicking on C and clicking on format) i get an error saying Windows can not format this drive. Close any disk utilities or programs that are using this drive and make sure that no window is displaying the contents of this drive. Then try formatting again.

and on my XP disk (the shiny one that comes with the windows package) It only says install windows XP or install aditional products. I went to both and no where is there anything about a reinstall. when i click on install all that happens is a list of console commands appears in a text file. so i went to dos to the command prompt to try and execute them and that didnt work... someone please help me, all i want is a clean new computer =( what do i do?

Slick2145

Quote: Originally Posted by NiSm0 ok two problems...when i go to reformat the c drive (by right clicking on C and clicking on format) i get an error saying Windows can not format this drive. Close any disk utilities or programs that are using this drive and make sure that no window is displaying the contents of this drive. Then try formatting again. and on my XP disk (the shiny one that comes with the windows package) It only says install windows XP or install aditional products. I went to both and no where is there anything about a reinstall. when i click on install all that happens is a list of console commands appears in a text file. so i went to dos to the command prompt to try and execute them and that didnt work... someone please help me, all i want is a clean new computer =( what do i do?

Put the XP disk into the drive, close it and reboot your system.

Your system should start up and do a BIOS check and then scan the drives. After it scans the CD rom it should tell you to "press any key to boot from CDROM." At that point press any key and it should load up the windows installation.

If it does not allow you to boot from the CD-ROM then you will need to go into the BIOS and change the boot order so that it will boot from the CD-ROM before the HD.

piscikeeper

Quote: Originally Posted by NiSm0 by right clicking on C and clicking on format so i went to dos to the command prompt

1)Windows won't format the drive while it is use.Since you are booted into windows,windows itself is what is using the drive.
2)Close.Leave the disk in your cd drive and re-boot.Hit delete (or the appropriate key/combo) and enter the bios.Set cd as the first boot option,save,and exit.
This will boot XP from cd and give you the option to do a new install.

Krostillian

Mosy computers purchased complete with operating systems come from the factory with a restore disk. That puts the computer back to the state it was in when you got it. If you have that, just put it in the drive, boot and follow the online instuctions.

TekXoID

Exactly what you need to do.