Re: Help...Reformat the harddrive in XP

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From: Harry Ohrn (harry---_at_webtree.ca)
Date: 03/04/04 

Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 01:36:39 -0600

It is always prudent to backup important data as a format will essentially
wipe your drive. If you plan to reinstall Windows XP, which I infer that you
want to from your question about backing up drivers, you'll find that XP
will most likely find your hardware during the reinstall. However some
devices might not be detected. For example your sound card or video card
might not have drivers on the XP CD. If this is true you will need to
install those after you've installed XP. Often computer manufacturer's will
supply CDs with their product at the time of sale. These generally have the
drivers required. However this is not always the case especially if your
system is older.

Before you format assuming your system is running install this freeware app
AIDA32 http://www.aida32.hu/aida-features.php?bit=32 and run it. Then look
in the Computer section's Summary. It will give you a breakdown of your
system's hardware and there are often links to drivers for your hardware.
Visit the sites and download drivers specific to XP for your devices then
burn these to CD. Follow the instructions here for how to perform a clean
install http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm As you see you
will be able to format prior to reinstalling.

If you simply want to format the drive then you can look at the instructions
here for How To Format http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm 

-- 
Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp
"Uppi" <uppi1@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
news:7F2DE4A7-219E-4E9B-9D2D-B8CFC11CA95A@microsoft.com...
> How do I reformat the harddrive in XP.  Do I need to save any drivers or 
> any other programs...?

Relevant Pages

  • Re: XP installation error when installing devices
    ... Don't make the reinstall more difficult than necessary, ... that could be fixed with a format and install? ... vents, etc and the computer is not over-heated, a crash ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)
  • Re: Question re: formatting HD to reinstall XP
    ... Peter there maybe some slight worries about particular drivers depending ... Once you have install xp once you will wonder why on earth you spent hard ... >> screens carefully) The next option will be to format the drive. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.customize)
  • Re: new hardware
    ... I have a BIOS update waiting and I will format my two XPs. ... if you install a MB from a completely different ... the drivers need to be removed and new ones installed. ... > As far as a reinstall after a BIOS update, a BIOS flash updates the software ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Reinstalling OS on D4550
    ... factory install of Windows XP Home since March 2003. ... System Restore and a complete reinstall from the OS CD. ... as a slave drive) in case I run into trouble with drivers for peripherals ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: How long does it take to re-install Vista and the Dell programs/drivers?
    ... windows, install all the drivers specific, etc...> ... Geek Squad charges $249 for an onsite OS reinstall. ... This is with drivers and critical updates only and *no* ... outside pricing for this pc stuff but when I do, ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)