Reformating/starting clean

[Azbec]

Never redone a computer before, I like step by step instructions. Where might I find something like that.

 

[amdskip]

Is is windows 98, 2000, or XP? Are there files that need to be backed up first? Is there more than one hard drive in the computer?

 

[Azbec]

XP. No I am wanting a clean wipe. There are 2 hard drives, but one is bad I want to take it out.

 

[MTDEW]

Are you posting here on the pc you will be formatting?

Or are you posting here and online with a separate pc, so you have access to these forums if you run into a snag or two?

Might as well post the pc's specs also and whether or not the hd('s) are IDE or SATA.
Are the hard drives partitioned?

 

[MTDEW]

Without knowing how much you do or dont know about pc's, its tough to point you to a guide that will cover every detail the way you may need it to be explained.

If you're completely new to pc's , you most likely will struggle a bit when it comes to some of the terms .

For what its worth, heres a guide i consider pretty good for a beginner.
Just be sure you have WORKING copy of your modem or NIC drivers on a disc!
Just in case Xp doesnt natively support your hardware, that way you're not stuck at the desktop with a clean install and no way to download drivers and updates.

XP Clean Install Guide

 

[montag451]

Make sure you have driver CD's for your hardware, including,
CHIPSET drivers
NIC/Modem drivers -
SATA drivers
After that you'll be able to get on the net and download what you need - better to have it all to hand first though.
And do make sure you use a firewall when connected to the internet

 

[Azbec]

The computer I use now I built from parts ordered from newegg and help from these forms Mechsomthing another... he had a really helpful guide. My old computer I am wanting to upgrade a tiny bit and set up for my wife. I will have to find out the specs of my computer, it is couple years old. It has an ide drive, AMD 2600+ I think and I will be replacing the video card and CD rom. Montag451 mentioned chipset drivers that is one of my main concerns I don't know if I have stuff like that, if I can figure out how to make a boot disk will that be good enough? I will read that guide you linked, thanks in advance.

 

[MTDEW]

Go to the manufacturers website who made the motherboard and they should have the chipset drivers you will need there.

 

[mechBgon]

mechSomethingorother has some security-related suggestions on the Resources page, if that helps with the details about the firewall If you can download Service Pack 2 for WinXP and burn it to CD beforehand, that kills two birds with one stone. It will enable your Windows Firewall, and it will patch the holes that the popular worms are looking to exploit. Keep disconnected from your modem until your firewall is up, and you're off to a great start