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Thread ID: 27848	2002-12-04 03:47:00	Reformatting a laptop?	Mark Veldhuizen (2570)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
103217	2002-12-04 03:47:00	I like to reformat, set up my computer the way I like it, I always have. One of the first things I usually do is partition my drives (3 gigs for MP3's, 10 gigs for windows (c:\), the rest for games\apps). My laptop will arive monday, from Dell, preloaded with Windows XP. What I want to know is, are there many differences with reformatting/installing windows in comparison to a desktop? I shouldn't think so, but I'd like to be sure. So, when monday rolls around and I have my laptop, loaded with XP and probably 500 useless applications, how safe is it that I reformat and repartition? Here are some concerns: 1) I will not be install Windows XP because they may have only given me a recovery disk, or repair disk...Dell did not tell me which type of XP they are giving me, other than Home Edition. 2) I will not be able to activate my Windows XP, because my laptops activation code was already sent when POST-INSTALLED. Then, I will be stuck. 3) I may lose all the drivers to the graphics card, TFT monitor, touchpad, etc. I have reformatted my computer dozens of times - nothing better than wiping it all clean and starting again. Having a CDRW, I can backup files quickly, so there is no reason not to...on a desktop. I have many worries I could seriously muck things up on my laptop after a reformat. (#3 being a primary concern). Oh, and don't say "Just don't reformat" because I usually am forced to, being a fiddling sort of guy. I always end up corrupting half my Windows by fiddling with Hex editors and such, it's all in good fun when I have the "format c:\ format d:\ format e:\ - restart - f:\win98\setup.exe"	Mark Veldhuizen (2570)
103218	2002-12-04 03:48:00	for #2 I meant PRE-INSTALLED.	Mark Veldhuizen (2570)
103219	2002-12-04 04:33:00	Wow. Fixing it before it's had a chance to be broken. :D Watch out for special drivers for laptop-specific hardware. The BIOS setup programme is often a programme on the HD, rather than in ROM (or in addition to). Look out for hidden partitions (Invisible to MS).	Graham L (2)
103220	2002-12-04 04:34:00	First thing, you should ask Dell these questions. Secondly, while laptops come preloaded, its not always pre-installed. The difference being that the OS will install (under your control) when you first turn it on in some cases. Compaq's were like this, Toshiba were not. In both cases a restore CD with the OS and drivers was supplied. I really cannot understand your concern re activation. Are you saying you will be going to severely modify the hardware immediately, that it may refuse to activate if re-installed? I would guess not, so any activation code would either be the first or the same as the first. In either case activation would be seamless, with either a new code or a repeat code being issued. Its hard to change enough hardware items on a laptop to trigger activation. If its reloaded from a restore disk, then the restore will put those "500 useless apps) back on? Add/Remove programs works well? In a previous post you were asking about modem connections in France. Be aware you are buying a laptop with a NZ approved modem in it, rather than worry if the plug will fit (cables are cheap), you perhaps need to find out (from Dell) if the modem is permitted / will work there?	godfather (25)
103221	2002-12-04 05:21:00	1. The recivery disc. Is that it resets ur partitions to one too. So u will not have 3 partitions as u like. 2. Since its a recovery CD. There is no need to re-activate. Its done for u. 3. Drivers will be done auto, when u redo the recovery disc. To have 3 partitions, u will need to have ur own CD (in the install format - not reovery disc). If u do this however it will void ur warranty since u are not using the original software by DELL.	rayonline (2134)
103222	2002-12-04 05:26:00	I don't know if it will be a recovery disk but i'm pretty certin thats what it'd be. Thanks for your help, the voiding warrenty part angers me...does this mean I cannot repartition? I love having 3...damn. I heard about "Parition Magic" and all em but I have seen nothing but mess when friends have used them - the easiest has always been partitioning on a clean hardrive then installing OS.	Mark Veldhuizen (2570)
103223	2002-12-04 05:28:00	>you perhaps need to find out (from Dell) if the modem is permitted / will work there? Hmmmm...I have never thought of that. It's just a 56k dialup, nothing too special, i suppose i better ask Dell. Altho I bet once I mention France they will tell me to buy their International Warrenty or whatever...	Mark Veldhuizen (2570)
103224	2002-12-04 05:38:00	parition softwares may work..... i can guarantee its a recovery disc. you will still have hardware replacement warranty. it just voids any s/w related problems u may have. they will also not provide help to u ....	rayonline (2134)
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