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Thread ID: 56720	2005-04-13 09:52:00	Format Hard Drive and Install Windows XP, How to	Kaygee (7876)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
344492	2005-04-13 09:52:00	:help: I am a new subscriber, reasonably new to computers - with a big problem. Windows XP is installed but several files are lost/corrupted and are not able to be repaired by trying to reinstall/repair from the original CD. Some Window functions do not open and other software, including the anti virus, will not run (and Windows will not let me uninstall it to redo). Have removed all needed data files and have formatted a separate second hard drive (My Computer/Disk D/File/Format) which now holds only one file moved from the main first drive - Disk C.) I now want to format Drive C then do a fresh install of Windows XP from the original CD. There is no going back now as I have deleted as much as I can, including Windows updates and parts of other software. In Control/Add-Remove there is one "uninstall Windows XP" but not sure if I should use this at this stage. Someone told me to have this there indicates that there is another Windows system (such as 98) on the computer but that is not so - just have XP. Did have 98 but the store took that out and loaded XP for me when I purchased XP. What I need is the method that is used after a new p.c. build when the system is first loaded up? I started knowing that I had an article from an Aussie magazine (Windows XP,February edition) supposedly giving step by step instructions. I have changed the bios to boot from CD but that just comes up with the Windows install window and doesn't allow me to format or change the file system - now Fat32 and I have put NTFS as recommended on the second hard drive). So the article has not helped me get to first base! What more can I add, I have the option to take the p.c. to a store but, as a learner, would like to attempt it myself. So I am looking for a teacher - a patient one to guide me. Thank you 'teachers'.	Kaygee (7876)
344493	2005-04-13 10:15:00	Just follow the windows XP install instructions. It will give you the option of formating the drive. Select NTFS from the list. Good luck	Davesdad (923)
344494	2005-04-13 10:22:00	Actually it will find the hard drive, then ask if you want to use the current parition. You can at this stage, re-partition it as well. If happy with current partitions, then format it, it will only give you the choice of NTFS if it is over a certain size anyway.	pctek (84)
344495	2005-04-13 20:25:00	"I have changed the bios to boot from CD but that just comes up with the Windows install window and doesn't allow me to format or change the file system - now Fat32 and I have put NTFS as recommended on the second hard drive" kaygee Having reformatted a few times now from the XP CD I know that the choices the disc presents can be confusing and daunting......it gets easier with practice..... lol! You were on track above......select the Install Windows XP option first then carefully read and understand each of the options presented. The steps are logical and not irreversible until the second to last which is the reformat prior to the reinstall of XP.	brig (1359)
344496	2005-04-13 21:12:00	One final thing, part way through installing XP, it will reboot, when its booting up again, it will say 'Press any key to boot from CD' or similar. Just leave it and let it go through the motions of booting from harddrive; or you will end up back at the beginning	Myth (110)
344497	2005-04-14 04:31:00	Many thanks to all - Davesdad, pctel, brig and Mythix. I have got started and the fresh install of XP went as suggested up to selecting the file type - that done . it said that as there was an OS already on the hard drive (and it was not wise to have 2 OS's etc etc) it could not install and need to exit. So this was before the needed option to format the hard drive so as to get a clean install. As I have 2 hard drives and have formatted the smaller one, could I install XP on this drive (Drive D) and then be able to format the main drive - then do a second install on the newly formatted C drive - then delete from Drive D??? A long way round, but would that work. If that were so then I expect I have to do something (not the faintest idea what) to make Drive D to be, temporary at least, the main drive? Or - what is the process for installing XP on a brand new drive - which would be the position IF I were able to format the main drive some other way? Last time I tried to format C drive it said NO as it has the OS on it? Maybe if I put in a new drive (or a used but formatted one) would be easiest (?) and if that were so is the "install XP" the same - or do you have to use the Bios or Dos to install? I know some of the names but not the functions!. I'll look forward to some further thoughts from all. Cheers.	Kaygee (7876)
344498	2005-04-14 04:37:00	I have got started and the fresh install of XP went as suggested up to selecting the file type - that done . it said that as there was an OS already on the hard drive (and it was not wise to have 2 OS's etc etc) it could not install and need to exit. So this was before the needed option to format the hard drive so as to get a clean install. Selecting the file type?? The first thing it will do is a check of your system. The first thing it stops and asks is the part where you can delete, format etc. When it stops here, delete the partiton and then recreate it.	pctek (84)
344499	2005-04-14 09:28:00	Hi "pctek" and I need convey my gratefull thanks for your replies - the last one caused me to try again and be a little bit bolder as when I had earlier come to that screen I was unsure what to do - you last message gave me confidence to attempt what I had begun to think was impossible. The drive is formatted and the XP install is complete leaving just the post installation things to attend to. Looking back now it seems easy - so my next learning task will be to find out how to install windows on a newly built computer - I guess starting something like installing drivers for the motherboartd etc etc. Thanks again "pctek" - your reply did two things - fixed the problem and gave me the confidence and wish to learn more of this pc business. Good luck. Kaygee.	Kaygee (7876)
344500	2005-04-14 09:36:00	"pctek" - I meant to mention that I had intended to partition the hard drive - one part for Windows only - the other part for own data etc. Is that a good idea? I was on a high knowing that then I was at last going to get the OS going that I gave away this partitioning so as not to mess it up. Also I understand that you can do this later and that there are several programs that enable you to do this. What would be the ratio to use 50:50 or 40:60 and if you know of a program that is ideal, I would be interested to have your views. Cheers Kaygee	Kaygee (7876)
344501	2005-04-14 11:48:00	"pctek" - I meant to mention that I had intended to partition the hard drive - one part for Windows only - the other part for own data etc . Is that a good idea? Yes, it is a good idea . It means that in the future you can reformat your Windows partition without losing your personal data . I was on a high knowing that then I was at last going to get the OS going that I gave away this partitioning so as not to mess it up . Also I understand that you can do this later and that there are several programs that enable you to do this . There are, but the free ones can be a little tricky for novices to use . Parition Magic is more friendly but it is expensive . If you don't mind repeating the Windows installation again I would suggest that you start again and do the partitioning before you format and install Windows . That won't cost you anything but your time and the more you do it the easier it becomes . What would be the ratio to use 50:50 or 40:60 and if you know of a program that is ideal, I would be interested to have your views . I can't see where you have said what size hard drive you have but for Windows XP allowing 10GB is plenty if you don't have many programs to install and you want to install them on the same partition as Windows XP . If you have lots of programs then allow 20GB to 30GB or the 40:60 ratio where 60% is allowed for your data . If you want a separate partition for your programs you can get away with 6GB for Windows and maybe 20GB for your programs . The rest can be used for your data . That will mean creating three partitions . With Windows XP you can create just your first partition and format it and install Windows then create the remaining partition/s and format them later on in Windows Disk Management . The forum has an excellent FAQ on Partitioning that may be of some help . Link to FAQs is at the top of this page . Oh, one more thing: you will need to install the motherboard drivers straight after installing Windows regardless of this not being a new computer . They still need reinstalling . Keep it up, you are doing well . :)	FoxyMX (5)
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