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General discussion

reformatting my computer

Jan 13, 2005 10:28AM PST

I have a boot disk, I have Win 98 and Win XP, but I don't know exactly how to reformat! I know you restart with the boot disk in, but then I'm lost...I don't know what commands to type in and then when to install 98 and XP. PLEASE PLEASE help...my computer needs a good start over!

Discussion is locked

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Hmmmmm. . .
Jan 13, 2005 10:42AM PST

If you want to update/upgrade to XP, you need to look at the MS site and see if your PC can handle it. There are minimum requirements for XP. In a nutshell, you need at least at 600 MHz processor, 256 Meg of RAM, and at least a 10 Gig HD with lots of space available.

Also, your device drivers such as video, sound, printer, scanner, modem, etc. may need XP updates.

Go here http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/sysreqs.mspx

The site will tell you that lower requirements will work, but don't believe it.

Good luck,

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I already have XP
Jan 13, 2005 10:44AM PST

I just want to reformat, wipe everything out, and put everything back on. Just a fresh start. My computer has been through heck the last year! I wanna give it a fresh break!

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Oh, by the way. . .
Jan 13, 2005 10:45AM PST

You don't need to reformat with the W98 to upgrade to XP. XP will do that for you. You may need the W98SE CD for verification for the XP upgrade to work, but if W98 is already on the PC, XP will see it and run.

Now that I look at your question again, exactly what are you trying to do?

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humph
Jan 13, 2005 10:48AM PST

just want to reformat (not even sure its called that), wipe everything out, and put everything back on. Just a fresh start. My computer has been through heck the last year! I wanna give it a fresh break! Does that make sense?

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Install XP
Jan 13, 2005 4:47PM PST

To completely set up a new operating system you need to boot from the XP disk.
This means you have to have your CD/DVD drive as first boot, to do this you have to enter the BIOS and set your CD/DVD drive as first boot.
To enter the BIOS, when you first boot up you will see a splash screen with writing on it.
This will tell you how to enter the BIOS ( IT will say to enter the BIOS ( or set up ) press delete/ F1 or F2, then you have to find the boot section.
your mouse may not work in the bios so use the up / down arrows and the enter key to select your CD/DVD drive as first boot then press F10 to exit and save the changes.
Insert your XP CD in your drive and format the drive then install windows.
You will also need your motherboard driver disc and graphics disk,and if you have a PCI sound card you will need the disk for that.
If you have a sata hard drive you will also need to install them at the prompt.