Windows XP format

[Mjack70]

Hello,

I am in need of some help. What is the best way to format my dell laptop without a restore cd? I tried formatting it with the windows xp cd and it tells me it's going to swipe the c: drive but when it's done. the profile is still there and also programs icons are still showing up in the program files even though the application is no longer installed.

Please help.....

 

[linney]

Check you answers to the Setup and Format options presented to you as you navigate through all the prompts. It sounds like you may have chosen an option to retain things rather than actually deleting the partition, and formatting the partition, and then creating a new partition, which of course (choosing those) would clean out everything from the selected partition.

HOW TO: Partition and Format a Hard Disk in Windows XP (Q313348)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q313/3/48.asp

Read the paragraph,
"How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup."


For more help (shows enlargeable screenshots) go here.

http://www.petri.co.il/install_windows_xp_pro.htm

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

 

[84127]

Yes, you can format the c: drive with the windows xp cd, but you should boot your computer from the cd.
I dont konw what is the profile.

 

[Mjack70]

Thanks guys for your input. I will try it again and let you know.

 

[linney]

A slight error in my reply, I wish to correct.

The line "deleting the partition, and formatting the partition, and then creating a new partition" should be deleting the partition, then creating a new partition, and formatting that partition.