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Thread ID: 83190	2007-09-22 22:56:00	Formatting Windows XP / harddrive	littledevil (11823)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
594081	2007-09-22 22:56:00	I've got an old(ish) computer here which I want to sell, but being an ex-flat computer I would like to format it properly due to the number of viruses (and possibly x-rated content... :xmouth: ) on the hard drive! I'm not too keen to sell a computer which has viruses on it, or still has some random files hidden on it somewhere. It is a Compaq Presario running Windows XP, which is a licensed version. I don't have the original install CD for this version though so I can't format the whole thing and reinstall XP. Is there any way to format everything - leaving only the bare minimum on there - without having to re-install windows? Then the new owner can start from scratch and install whatever they want. thanks.	littledevil (11823)
594082	2007-09-22 23:06:00	Well you might as well format it if its full of malware / viruses. Not much else you can do, unless you dont want this person to get on the net, or actually use it. Format means everything, there is NO bare minimum. Unless it came with some kind of restore partition, or restore cd's, which will restore it to its original state. If not, someone will have to buy a Windows Cd or install Linux on it, which is free.	Speedy Gonzales (78)
594083	2007-09-22 23:31:00	If the Recovery partition is not there as speedys said - what you can do is if the PC has a Certificate of Authenticity See HERE (www.microsoft.com)to what it looks like. You can then borrow a XP CD from someone, format the drive and reinstall XP using that Code. You then may have to go to Compaqs site and down load the drivers for hardware not auto detected by XP. Suggestion- When enetering a user name to resell- unless you know who its going to enter Owner- good all rounder. You can then activate the new install before selling BUT- You may have to ring Microsoft on 0800 676 334 option 2 after reinstalling and it not activating XP and tell them what happened - as in had to reinstall using the COA on the case as there was no recovery CD and they will then issue you with a new ID code. Be honest with MS and they are usually pretty good.	wainuitech (129)
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