Reformatting Computer

[vmacman]

Recenly i did a system restore for windows xp and now when ever i start up it says that there was an errorr. I decided to reformat my computer but after it shows up the black screen it doesnt say boot from CD which is my xp cd. Can anyone help me to reformat my computer ?

 

[mechBgon]

Getting the computer to boot from CD is a hardware issue. Can you provide this info:

A) brand and model of the computer, if it's an off-the-shelf one, or

B) brand and model of the motherboard, if it's a custom/self-built one.


Also, your Windows CD is genuine, is that correct? What level of Service Pack does it have (if you know)?

 

[vmacman]

My computer is Epox EP-9NPA+ Ultra nForce 4 Ultra
amd 64 3200
1 gig corsair dual channel
x800 xl


also its service pack 1

 

[mechBgon]

Try pressing the ESC key when the motherboard has put up its first POST screen. On EPoX boards that may call up a one-time boot menu where you can command it to boot from CD. If you want it to always look to the CD-ROM drive for bootable CD's, then go into the motherboard's BIOS and set the boot sequence that way.

Reason I ask if your CD is legit, is that we sometimes see people who have non-legit, non-bootable CDs and of course nothing will make them boot because they ain't bootable in the first place If that's not the issue, then great

Since your CD only has SP1, your fresh Windows installation would be vulnerable to direct attack by worms. If you do not have a router to firewall your computer from getting fondled by strange computers over the Internet, then consult this page for one possible plan of attack (basically, have a Service Pack 2 installer ready to use before you let the computer have a network connection, so it's firewalled + patched in advance).

 

[vmacman]

thx to mechBgon for the help!! BEfore i reformat my computer do u know why my computer is acting like this? When i was playing CS i pressed My computer and it crashed. After it crashed a windows pop up saying i should send the eroor. It kept popping up evverytime i started up windows so i did a System Restore. Now wheever i start it up everything is like a brand new windows backround. And whenever i do something to my desktop like pasting short cuts downloading everything will be deleted after i restart. Do u know hwy its acting like this or should i just reformat and everytthing will be back to normal?

 

[mechBgon]

You're not using the Guest account, are you? I favor nuking it and starting over, at any rate

 

[engineereeyore]

Sounds like your computer is never shutting down "safely." I would try making some changes and then set a restore point. Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tool->System Restore. Then try rebooting and see if your changes are still in effect. If not, computer = hossed. If it works, then try turning off system restore. Right click My Computer->Properties->Restore. And then make a couple changes and restart. If changes are still in effect, you should be good. If not, again, computer = hossed. Though, as mechBgon says, it may just be easier to reload.