Re: Reformat Hard Drive?
- From: "Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:34:07 -0400
jkl wrote:
Hard drive has become unstable; programs freeze up repeatedly;
programs sometimes don't open; repeatedly get the unbootable boot
volume (despite taking steps to fix that) when starting computer.
Am thinking I will back up data and program files, erase hard drive,
and reinstall programs. Worried that erasing hard drive will
elimante files installed at factory that I can't reinstall because I
don't have them. I have Windows XP Professional disks, so that
shouldn't be a problem, but how do I do the above without ending up
making my computer useless?
What precisely do you mean by "Windows XP Professional disks?"
First, thanks each of the posters here.
Second, the more I read about doing this, the more I think I'm in
over my head.
There is no shame whatsoever in admitting that. If you find the task too
daunting, search for a reputable, local (non-chain) PC repair shop or
tech.
My concern is that reformatting the hard drive and doing a clean
install of Windows XP is going to eliminate everything on my C drive,
including IBM preinstall, etc..
If done the right way, a repair install leaves all your data intact (but
it is still wise to back everything up beforehand, to be safe). A clean
install does wipe the slate clean. That is why it is crucial you back up
all your data and settings. Also you need all the installation
media/files for your programs and all the necessary drivers.
And I don't believe I can back up the stuff on my C drive, right? (I
have already backed up my D drive, which is where my data is stored).
You can back up anything you choose to.
It's a laptop, not a desktop, and to make matters worse, the screen
doesn't work. So I'm connected to an external monitor. But if I
reformat the C drive, I'll lose the program and settings that
enables allows my laptop to work with the external monitor, yes?
Yes. You will lose *everything*. This is why in many cases, it's wiser
to simply fix the problem rather than perform a clean install.
And if that happens, when I try
to boot from the Windows XP disk, I won't be able to see anything on
the laptop screen, so I won't be able to do anything anyway, right?
Correct. It's like tuning on a radio where there is no radio reception.
So, can I simply reformat the D drive? (Assuming for the moment that
the hard drive itself isn't corrupted). And if so, will that really
resolve my problems since those are just data files?
I think you are confusing terminology. When someone uses the phrase
"format the hard drive," they are referring to formatting the entire
physical hard drive. Assuming C: is the partition containing your
operating system and D: is the partition containing your data files (but
keep in mind certain data/settings make their way to C: anyway),
deleting everything on D: won't do you any good whatsoever. To make
matters easier, just use the word "format" when referring to a clean
install. Formatting you disk wipes it clean completely so that you may
reinstall your operating system from scratch. Then you would install the
drivers and updates, reinstall your programs, reload your settings, and
copy your data back.
I guess the make of your laptop is IBM. What is the model/number of it?
What disks do you have? Does it come with a hidden restore partition?
In order to receive better quality help, it's important to provide as
many pertient details as possible. As it is now, it's hard to tell
whether it's a hardware problem or malware. Mention any error messages.
Describe all the symptoms as completely as possible.
(or just take it to a shop :-) )
.
- References:
- Reformat Hard Drive?
- From: jkl
- RE: Reformat Hard Drive?
- From: jkl
- Reformat Hard Drive?
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