Re: Best way to reformat HD.

PVR wrote:
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.




After backing up any important data (no point in backing up the Program Files folder, everything will be to be reinstalled from the original media, anyway.), simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm


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