How to Reformat Hard Drive?

WinLinux · #1 12-29-2003, 07:09 AM

Hi. I am Peter. I have been running into problems with Windows XP, like missing system files, and errors popping up all over the place, and incredibly slow loading.

Currently I have Windows XP Home Edition (Service Pack 1), and I want to reformat my hard drive, and start off with a clean slate (with a new OS). But I havent a clue how to reformat my hard drive.

I have already backed up whatever I want to keep, and I found out that I need a boot disk in order to reformat it. But could someone give me some indepth instructions.

Thanks.

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Operating System
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1 (build 2600)

Processor
2.00 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
8 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache

ESALADUANE · #2 12-29-2003, 08:11 AM

The Elder Geek has an excellent set of instructions for doing a clean install of XP. You do not have to reformat your hard drive first. Formatting is included in the installation process and you can do it with your XP installation CD.

http://theeldergeek.com/clean_instal...windows_xp.htm

s7p9a2m4 · #3 12-29-2003, 12:03 PM

Why do you need a boot disk? Is your computer not capable of booting from cdrom? The XP cd can do all formatting and partitioning. The Elder Geek site is excellent.
http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/O...allxphome1.htm

look4cd · #4 12-29-2003, 03:00 PM

There is another way if the computer won't boot from the cd. It may not be the shortest but it works.
Use Fdisk, delete the partitions if any, format and install the smallest possible version of win 98. then insert the winxp disk and ask for a new installation. when prompted choose to install in the same partition.XP will ask if you want to convert to ntfs. Yes sure... Since 98 can't work with ntfs winxp will format and go for a new and fresh install. It also give you the choice to delete previous ntfs partitions that FDISK can't see, eventually.