Format this... :)
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
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From: Claremore
Format this... :)
Hello all... 
Been having MORE pc problems, and I have decided that since there isn't too many important things on this pc, I will just format the drive and reinstall everything I need. Question is... I've never done this before, I know that I need a dos boot disk so first thing, how can I make one?
Second, what is the command to format the drive?
Is there anything else I should consider? I've got all of my original disks, but I don't have the Windows updates on disk, should I burn these to a disk before I format? Is this even possible?
And last thing, how long will this take??
Thanks,
STan
M/B: SIS, I think (I didn't build this one)
Proc: AMD 2200, clocked down to 1.6g (heat reasons)
512 MB ddr (266?)
Been having MORE pc problems, and I have decided that since there isn't too many important things on this pc, I will just format the drive and reinstall everything I need. Question is... I've never done this before, I know that I need a dos boot disk so first thing, how can I make one?
Second, what is the command to format the drive?
Is there anything else I should consider? I've got all of my original disks, but I don't have the Windows updates on disk, should I burn these to a disk before I format? Is this even possible?
And last thing, how long will this take??
Thanks,
STan
M/B: SIS, I think (I didn't build this one)
Proc: AMD 2200, clocked down to 1.6g (heat reasons)
512 MB ddr (266?)
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Any 2000 or XP cd will be bootable, so you don't need a floppy. During the installation process, it will ask you if you want to format your primary partition.
I'm not sure if Windows saves the updates files if you download it from windowsupdate.com.
Do you have a broadband connection? It shouldn't take long to download them again.
I'm not sure if Windows saves the updates files if you download it from windowsupdate.com.
Do you have a broadband connection? It shouldn't take long to download them again.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
To reformat, you can use the Command Prompt (start, run, "cmd"). Just type in "format c:" to format the C: drive... or replace c with whatever letter drive you're reformatting.
If you don't want to use the command prompt, you can just double click My Computer, and then right-click on the C: drive, and click format... then just follow the prompts.
*do not type quotes where you see quotes in this post, just type the words within them.
**Traxxis assumes all responsibility of reformatting hard drive. Special rates for qualified buyers only. Does not apply in Wash. D.C. or Guam. Offer subject to change.
If you don't want to use the command prompt, you can just double click My Computer, and then right-click on the C: drive, and click format... then just follow the prompts.
*do not type quotes where you see quotes in this post, just type the words within them.
**Traxxis assumes all responsibility of reformatting hard drive. Special rates for qualified buyers only. Does not apply in Wash. D.C. or Guam. Offer subject to change.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: MA
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: North Carolina
when you make the boot disk, insert it in the floppy drive, restart, type "format c: \s" at the command prompt
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
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From: Claremore
Nope, running on dial-up at the house location. 
I could d/l them at work though on the b-band and burn them, would this work?
Ryan, thanks for the disclaimer...
Tim, if this keeps up, I just may take you up on that, heck, I'm in Verdigris, just down the hill from you. Thanks, I'll get in touch if I can't figure it out. I build alot of pc's, but I've never had to format a drive because anytime I build a pc, it's a new drive. Ignorance...
Rich, going to check that site out right now. Thank you.
Bvon, how do I make the boot disk? Or should I just use the XP Pro disk as a boot? Not understanding....
STan
Thanks.
I could d/l them at work though on the b-band and burn them, would this work?Ryan, thanks for the disclaimer...
Tim, if this keeps up, I just may take you up on that, heck, I'm in Verdigris, just down the hill from you.
Thanks, I'll get in touch if I can't figure it out. I build alot of pc's, but I've never had to format a drive because anytime I build a pc, it's a new drive. Ignorance... Rich, going to check that site out right now. Thank you.
Bvon, how do I make the boot disk? Or should I just use the XP Pro disk as a boot? Not understanding....
STan
Thanks.
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Logistics Pro
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Originally Posted by Traxxis
I could d/l them at work though on the b-band and burn them, would this work?
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http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...35-SP2-ENU*****
download the service pack 2 and you will get 99.9% of windows updates
download the service pack 2 and you will get 99.9% of windows updates
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,680
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From: Montreal Canada
Originally Posted by andym
I'm not sure if Windows saves the updates files if you download it from windowsupdate.com.
i have XP and windows does not save the updates. after i reinstall the OS from the CD-rom i have to update everything again. this is easy you'll get a prompt to go visit windows, bill does the rest
i keep the setup***** files of programs i use in one direcory on my D:\. After i reinstall the OS i'll do the same my programs. then reboot and my comp is ready to go again
otherwise everytime i click on a guitar tab i want to look at, a document i saved in Adobe, a tv show my g/f downloaded, my comp doesn't recognize the extension, i have to stop what i'm doing and reinstall and reboot.. it makes me really angry (self-edited for content)
Last edited by websthes; Oct 1, 2004 at 06:38 PM.