re:reformat?

psi · 05-15-2003, 06:27 AM

What is the best way to reformat? Going to the cmd propt? If so what is the command? Also I have a additional HDD, will it wipe it out? I have used the restore CDin the past, but I always have to weed the junk out of it after I use the recovery CD

TIA

cyberrico · 05-15-2003, 10:20 AM

You can't do it from a command prompt. In Me, 98/95 you have to put a floppy boot disk in and reboot. Your system will boot into a DOS mode. From there you type command format C: /q to do a quick format on the C drive.

In XP, you have to put the CD in and boot to the CD. It doesn't go into a dos mode, rather it is done from an install menu. You have to select the option that allows you to wipe everything out before you install. I think NT and 2000 are the same.

Restore/Recovery CD....Is this something that came with a computer you bought at the store from a major brand?

Typically these recovery CDs are an image of what they install on your system with all the junk on it that boots with your system. Don't do that.

If those instructions are too vague, tell me what your os is and I'll give you detailed step by step instructions.

LPDad · 05-15-2003, 12:12 PM

Easiest way, no matter what operating system you have:

Use the Tools disc that came with your Harddrive (or download it from the HD Mnfr website).
Make a floppy (follow instructions)
boot off that floppy
you can then do all sorts of tests and stuff specific for your harddrive...like Partitioning..and FORMATTING.
Simply format (and partition if you want), then take the floppy out and REBOOT with your Windows Install disk..and install your OS.

psi · 05-15-2003, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cyberrico
You can't do it from a command prompt. In Me, 98/95 you have to put a floppy boot disk in and reboot. Your system will boot into a DOS mode. From there you type command format C: /q to do a quick format on the C drive.

In XP, you have to put the CD in and boot to the CD. It doesn't go into a dos mode, rather it is done from an install menu. You have to select the option that allows you to wipe everything out before you install. I think NT and 2000 are the same.

Restore/Recovery CD....Is this something that came with a computer you bought at the store from a major brand?

Typically these recovery CDs are an image of what they install on your system with all the junk on it that boots with your system. Don't do that.

If those instructions are too vague, tell me what your os is and I'll give you detailed step by step instructions.

I have XP so The best bet is just to use the XP CD?and yes the recovery CD is the one that came with the computer.Also my extra hard drve will be ok right?

rastagard · 05-15-2003, 06:56 PM

If your extra hard drive is a seperate partition (ie D: drive) then it should be OK. If in doubt, just remove it or unhook the cable..........

cyberrico · 05-15-2003, 07:07 PM

Ya, I agree, the D drive will be fine even if it was a partition on a single drive.

Ya, just use the xp cd and you'll be fine.

LO There! · 05-15-2003, 07:09 PM

best to do as RG has said. just in case

also give your drives a name, example, C: = main , d: work.
best of luck :tupe

RipperRoo · 05-15-2003, 08:38 PM

before anyone else posts, what operating system/version of windows are you using?

Quote:

I have used the restore CDin the past, but I always have to weed the junk out of it after I use the recovery CD

do you mean the windows cd, or are you using a 'recovery disk'
that reinstalls windows allong with all the software/drivers in the bundle that came new with your pc (eg compaq, or hewlet packard).
if this is the case most of the instalation info will be stored on a hidden partition on your hard drive, so be carefull what you format

05-15-2003, 06:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
psi Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 104	re:reformat? What is the best way to reformat? Going to the cmd propt? If so what is the command? Also I have a additional HDD, will it wipe it out? I have used the restore CDin the past, but I always have to weed the junk out of it after I use the recovery CD TIA

05-15-2003, 07:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
LO There! JUST4fun Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Birmingham, UK, Earth. Posts: 948	best to do as RG has said. just in case also give your drives a name, example, C: = main , d: work. best of luck :tupe __________________ Click4 PCTT-RADIO *View New Posts[] *Your Time !*

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05-15-2003, 10:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
cyberrico Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 327	You can't do it from a command prompt. In Me, 98/95 you have to put a floppy boot disk in and reboot. Your system will boot into a DOS mode. From there you type command format C: /q to do a quick format on the C drive. In XP, you have to put the CD in and boot to the CD. It doesn't go into a dos mode, rather it is done from an install menu. You have to select the option that allows you to wipe everything out before you install. I think NT and 2000 are the same. Restore/Recovery CD....Is this something that came with a computer you bought at the store from a major brand? Typically these recovery CDs are an image of what they install on your system with all the junk on it that boots with your system. Don't do that. If those instructions are too vague, tell me what your os is and I'll give you detailed step by step instructions.

05-15-2003, 12:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
LPDad Admin & "Fixer" Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Costa Mesa, CA Posts: 2,293	Easiest way, no matter what operating system you have: Use the Tools disc that came with your Harddrive (or download it from the HD Mnfr website). Make a floppy (follow instructions) boot off that floppy you can then do all sorts of tests and stuff specific for your harddrive...like Partitioning..and FORMATTING. Simply format (and partition if you want), then take the floppy out and REBOOT with your Windows Install disk..and install your OS.

05-15-2003, 06:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
rastagard Humble Idiot Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 2,271	If your extra hard drive is a seperate partition (ie D: drive) then it should be OK. If in doubt, just remove it or unhook the cable..........

05-15-2003, 07:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
cyberrico Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 327	Ya, I agree, the D drive will be fine even if it was a partition on a single drive. Ya, just use the xp cd and you'll be fine.