 | Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years. Thanks, CNET Support |
I am trying to reformat my hard drive, but my computer did not come with a restore disk or anything. Will I still be able to do it?
Discussion is locked
But "formatting" or "reformat" does not involve installing an OS. So success is assured for formatting.
-> If you need to install an OS, then you'll need a CD.
Can you share what make/model machine this is? For instance those HP and Compaqs that didn't come with restore CDs have a menu item to create the CDs. Hint: make 2!!!!!
Bob
Its an eMachines Model T2984.
What I need to know is how to get it back to like the day that I bought it. I know nothing about computers though, so bare with me.
I'm not there so you should explore all the menu items on the manual.
Again, formatting is drop dead easy. Installing an OS is not if you don't have restore CDs.
A few more items though:
1. Why do this? Many common problems can be cured without formatting.
2. Formatting the drive prior to installing XP is not the XP way. I could supply examples showing XP offering partition and formatting during the install. But my point here is, I don't format the drive prior to installing XP because I want XP to do that step.
3. If you do format the drive and don't have the XP CD or restore CD, then it will be costly. Try about 200 to 400 bucks.
Bob
On these new Compaq and HP PCs, it will let you make 1 restore CD or DVD set and that is it. You can of course copy those disks. I don't know why they don't let you make another set if needed. Also on those systems you have the option of doing a full retore from that restore partiton provided the HD is not totally dead.
Of course Bob I know you knew most of this I just didn't know if you knew they would only make one copy.
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic