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Thread: reformat hard drive

  1. #1
    Junior Member
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    Apr 2001
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    reformat hard drive

    I need a detailed explaination of how to reformat my hard drive and then how to instal CD drivers so I can reload windows. I am new at computers and don't understand DOS.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Commandos's Avatar
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    Jan 2002
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    what Operating System are you using?
    Commandos

  3. #3
    Junior Member
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    Apr 2001
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    Windows 98

  4. #4
    Member
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    Jan 2000
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    Fredericksburg, VA
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    For a clean slate install:
    Make a Startup Disk using START/SETTINGS/CONTROL PANEL/ADD-REMOVE PROGRAMS.

    Backup any data you want to save on removable media like CD-R.

    Boot sytem using the Startup Disk.

    Use FDISK.EXE to delete old partition and create a new one.

    Use FORMAT.EXE C: /s to format the hard drive.

    Load WINDOWS from the install CD.

    Reload all other software and restore your backup data.


    To just reintall Windows in the current environment:
    Load Windows from the install CD on top of what is there now. It will not disturb your data and most of your applications will still work if not all. Reinstall those programs that do not function correctly.
    Last edited by tbhoover; 05-15-2002 at 12:59 PM.

  5. #5
    Ultimate Member Imperion1's Avatar
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    Since your new at computers. First thing we need are system specs.
    If you have a large hard drive, you have the option of having either 1 large partition or several smaller partitions (users preference). You would use fdisk to partition the drive.
    For 1 large drive, boot with the setup floppy. Use the option to boot without cdrom support. At the a:/ prompt type fdisk
    Press y for Large Disk Support (Fat32). Choose option 1 to create a primary partition. Press the Enter key when asked for partition size. This will use the entire size of the hard drive creating 1 partition. Choose y at the next prompt, this will make the drive bootable. Exit out of fdisk.
    Turn the power off for 5 seconds then turn it back on. Make sure the setup floppy and Windows 98 cd are inserted into their respective drives. Choose to boot from cdrom. Windows will run a few tests then tell you the drive is not formatted. Let windows format the drive. From here, just follow the prompts. Install whatever you want when windows gives you the option of install items.

  6. #6

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