formatting C:

[hafunui]

I have a virus problem and have to resort to start all over again. i want to format c: and re-install windowsXP. but i dont know where to start!
first, how DO i format the dirive c:? (this is the only hard drive i have)
Is there anything i should know before even trying?
Anything will help!

 

[acidbrain]

1. 3. Install and fully update an anrivirus software and try cleaning your PC. You might get lucky and won't have to reinstall. If this doesn't work and you have to do it anyway try this:
2. If you want to keep data on your hdd try using deltree.exe (you can find it on a win98 cd) and copy it on your root dir (C:\) . Reboot your pc booting from a 98/me/ cd.
When it's done it looks like this: A:\ , then type c:\ and deltree c:\windows , deltree c:\progra~1 . Theese command will delete only windows and program files, ALL the other files remain... Then you can reboot using a winxp cd and follow the installation steps.
3. If you want to install and keep no data boot up your PC using a XP cd, press a key when it asks you and follow the steps. Further on, you will have a formatting option.
Good luck.

 

[gpalmer711]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];Q313348

and

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/honeycutt_02october07.mspx

Should see you right

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[hafunui]

ok, so i boot up with the XP installer CD in the drive. I booted from disk, and eventually i got to a par where it it said somthing about a damaged installer. i could either exit, repair or continue with out repairing.

what do I do?

 

[linney]

Read the paragraph "How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup" in Greg's first link. This will wipe everything and reformat your drive and reinstall XP for a clean start.

For more help (shows enlargeable screenshots) go here.

http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/OS/InstallXPPro/installxppro1.htm

You could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates (no problem if you substitute them with SP2) but your files and programs will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

You could have another try at cleaning up the mess.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

Giant AntiSpyware free trial or online Scan.

http://www.giantcompany.com/