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General discussion

okay my computer needs reformating and I need HELP

by tina0424 Mar 3, 2009 5:30PM PST

ive usually had someone else do it for me in the past, and right now im on the verge of ripping out all of my hair trying to figure this out.
My computer is a toshiba satellite A100 series, and i think it has 1G of ram. Ive tried putting in the discs that I got with my computer (the recovery discs) but it opens a bunch of files in a window that make no sence to me. my opperating system is vista basic. someone please help! and let me know if there is something else i need to give out to better help slove the problem

Tina

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Re: reformatting
by Kees Bakker Mar 3, 2009 5:57PM PST

The idea is simple:
1. Put in the recovery disk. If you only have one, that's the one. If you have 2 (like my sons Toshiba) start use the one labeled Windows. The other one comes later.
2. Reboot.
3. It will boot from the CD. Now ask the questions about what to do.

If anything doesn't go according to plan, post again.

Kees

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got the windows disc
by tina0424 Mar 3, 2009 6:33PM PST

so do i really want to install it? the problem is i want to erase everything on my computer (I think thats reformating) and start fresh

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That's the right way.
by Kees Bakker Mar 3, 2009 6:39PM PST

One of the options (possibly the only one) is deleting everything before installing (that's called a clean install).
It could be that there's option to keep your data (documents, pictures, music) also. That really depends on what exactly Toshiba put on the disk. But your surely will have to reinstall all your programs. That's not surprising, after a total erase.

It's possible you first have to proceed past the partition manager, asking if you want to delete the current partition, make one or more new ones and format them, but that won't be necessary. Just keep the current configuration.

Kees

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.............wow
by helljack6 Mar 4, 2009 12:57AM PST

Most likely your toshiba has a single disk restore process. During this restore process within the first or second screen, you will receive a popup box and there will be an Advanced button at the bottom. Clicking on the Advanced button brings you to another set of options, one of which is a Destructive Restore which will reformat your hard drive, all data on it will be lost, and your computer will be reinstalled back to factory when the process is completed.

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