Dumb Question : Format my PC

Dolby

Dolby

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How do I do this ... ?

I know this sounds really silly, butI'm not very technical (learning from you all though!). Anyway, with my older version of Windows I'd simply boot from the CD and get given the option of

a) Install over a previous version of Windows
b) Repair installation of Windows
c) Format and install new version

Option a) and b) would leave all data intact, while c) would clear EVERYTHING. However with this version (an OEM version of XP Prof SP2), I don't seem to get that option. I can either replace my existing windows, upgrade my existing Windows or repair - all options keep my existing data. How else can I format ... ?
 
select Replace probably, there is nothing to lose if you want to format anyway

otherwise you can boot with some other boot cd which allows you to run some DOS commands, and then you do "format c:" or whatever and there you go, or wipe out the partition with fdsik, don't remember the exact syntax though
 
Yea - tried that .. it replaces windows with a brand new copy, but all my data and other cr@p it still there. I feel better formatting than simply deleting. Thanks though
 
ok then, use another bootable cd with DOS or live linux CD (knoppix or whatever)

I really hate when windows is trying to be too thoughtful ... hence the reason I am still on win 2000 ...
 
Can you load the recovery console? (Type R at the first window)
If so, select your Windows installation and type your password (leave blank if you don't use one)
Type MAP, press enter (Note the drive letter you want to format)
Type format x:<space>/fs:ntfs and enter (x=drive letter you want to format)
Type y to confirm then type exit and enter to restart.
 
zeb said:
Can you load the recovery console? (Type R at the first window)
If so, select your Windows installation and type your password (leave blank if you don't use one)
Type MAP, press enter (Note the drive letter you want to format)
Type format x:<space>/fs:ntfs and enter (x=drive letter you want to format)
Type y to confirm then type exit and enter to restart.
Click to expand...
did you try this yourself? the other day I was trying to move files around in the recovery console, and I was getting access denied all over the place, and yes I was logged in as admin
 
Boot from your Windows CD, then when it reaches the Setup Menu, press Enter to setup Windows. Then press F8 to accept the EULA, you should then see a list with all the partitions on you harddrive. Then select the one you want to format and press D to delete it. AFAIK you'll then have to confirm that you want to delete it. You should then be back at the screen showing the partitions. Press C to create a new partition, and AFAIK you'll be taken to a screen where you have to select its size. Then when thats done, you'll be back at the list. Now select that partition you just created and press Enter to set Windows up on it. Then I think you will be asked what File System you'd like to use, and after you've chosen one, the drive will be formated and files copied to it. Then you just continue with the normal Windows Setup. ;)
 
swordfish1 said:
did you try this yourself? the other day I was trying to move files around in the recovery console, and I was getting access denied all over the place, and yes I was logged in as admin
Click to expand...
Yup. I've had no access problems so far, touch wood.
 
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