Re: Best way to reformat HD.

You can't format the C: drive from within XP, you will need to do it prior to install. It is also pointless saving program files because you will be re-installing XP and will also need to re-install your programs. The only files you need be bothered about are documents that you have created. This can include letters, accounting files (if you have any) excel files etc.

For the next step i suggest you visit my website http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

On my site click the Win FAQ button and take a look at questions 7 for formatting and 85 for installing XP from a retail copy CD of XP.

If you don't have a retail copy, your computer hsould have come with either recovery disks or a recovery partition. I suggest you read your PC's user manual to see how to re-install the operating system from recovery disks or a recovery partition. If you have recovery disks or a recovery partition you 'do not' need to format the drive. The recovery disks/partition will do all that is necessary.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
http://vistasupport.mvps.org

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"PVR" <peterv666@.adelphia.com> wrote in message news:Tcedne78aLJoPN3YnZ2dnUVZ_oOdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I need to reformat my HD. Is there a recommended "best" way to do this? Right now I am planning on a backup of the 'Program Files' and 'Documents and Settings' folders followed by a format from the Command Prompt.

The reason for this is I seem to have picked up a malware which the experts cannot solve. I am assuming a reformat will remove whatever is causing my problems. Then I shall reinstall Windows XP from the distribution CD followed by reinstalls of software and a restore of the backups.

Is this OK?

Peter.


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