I have just been given an old PC. How do I format the Hard Drive so the PC is like new?

Ta

Depends on what you are planning on doing with it? If you are putting Windows on it it will boot from CD and format for you.

Before you do anything make sure you have a working boot disk and a OS to put on afterwards.

Which version of Windows is currently installed, if any? Which version of Windows do you want to install? How many hard drives do you have and how many partitions do you want?

Basically, I want to wipe everything and re-install windows 98. Whats the best way to do this?

The best way is to not install Win 98...and install 2k at least....but pref XP.

Originally posted by JamesRich
Basically, I want to wipe everything and re-install windows 98. Whats the best way to do this?

Ok, first you need to create a bootup disk for Windows 98. If you're using Win 98 now, that shouldn't be a problem, you can do it via the control panel. Go to Add/Remove Programs and click the "Start Up Disk" tab and click the "Create Disk" button. It will create a boot disk on a blank floppy for you with CD-ROM support.

Once this disk is created, leave it in the floppy drive, put your Windows 98 CD in and reboot the PC. Make sure your BIOS checks for the floppy drive for boot ups before booting to your hard drive (I think this is the default so if you've not messed with the BIOS this shouldn't be a problem, and if you have then you should know how to change it back). When it boots the floppy, select "Start with CD ROM Support".

After a short while you will be presented with a DOS prompt, probably A:\. Type in 'format c:' and agree for it to be wiped. It will format the drive and then reboot. Again, select "Start with CD ROM Support" and at the prompt enter 'd:\setup.exe'. (where d = the drive letter of your CD drive). This will run the Windows 98 set up which is all on screen and self explanatory.

PS. Remember to back up any important data before doing the above as it will wipe everything and start again.

Thanking you :thumbsup:

Did everything go OK or is your absence a sign that your PC has messed up?

Did everything go OK or is your absence a sign that your PC has messed up?

Looks like he is no longer with us...R.I.P

as sum1 who doesnt have a clue about formatting computers i suggest u get an expert to do it! lol

i once tried myself and ended up coruppting the hard drive and having to get a new one :rolleyes:

Originally posted by x_LoUiSe_x
as sum1 who doesnt have a clue about formatting computers i suggest u get an expert to do it! lol

i once tried myself and ended up coruppting the hard drive and having to get a new one :rolleyes:

The learning is the best part! It might not seem like it at the time, but getting it wrong is usually a good way to learn and when you come through it all you're able to easily do things for yourself in the future.

Originally posted by t020
The learning is the best part! It might not seem like it at the time, but getting it wrong is usually a good way to learn and when you come through it all you're able to easily do things for yourself in the future.

Hit the nail on the head, my motto word 4 word....gives you a bit of a buzz knowing that you have learned summit new as well....I knew sod all about pc's last year, i knew how to use them and that was as far as my knowledge went...I passed the ECDL last year and have just carried on from there...a new thing every day keeps PC world away....lol

Originally posted by BobDaBuilder
Looks like he is no longer with us...R.I.P

I'm still here!!!!!!!!

I followed t020's advice and tried to "create disk". It kept asking me to insert win 98 start up cd, which I did, but it wasn't having any of it. After 45 minutes of inserting my fist through the monitor screen, i decided to give it up as a bad job. I downloaded a windows cleaner type program and got rid of most of the stuff that way.

Thanks for your conern though :thumbsup:

Originally posted by JamesRich
I'm still here!!!!!!!!

I followed t020's advice and tried to "create disk". It kept asking me to insert win 98 start up cd, which I did, but it wasn't having any of it. After 45 minutes of inserting my fist through the monitor screen, i decided to give it up as a bad job. I downloaded a windows cleaner type program and got rid of most of the stuff that way.

Thanks for your conern though :thumbsup:


:lol:

If you still want to go for the full format but can't create a boot up disk, you could probably find a downloadable one online or alternatively PM me if you want me to email you a zip file with all the files to put on a *blank* disk.