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Thread ID: 59904 2005-07-16 07:09:00 format Gabpoll (7710) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
372678 2005-07-16 07:09:00 I have decided to reformat my 60gb hdd.
It is a Maxtor brand and it came with a good program for doing reformats etc...
But what steps should I take before I reformat my entire hard drive?
Gabpoll (7710)
372679 2005-07-16 07:15:00 If u have windows 2000 or XP, just chuck the cd in go into the BIOS and change the bootdisk to cd . Save the settings then reboot .

Then boot from the cd press a key when the message comes up (when it reboots, DON'T press a key again, let it continue, or it'll reinstall Windows) .

And wait for it to get to the setup/install screen . And format the hdd / install Windows .

This is the only way u can format a hdd with something on it (if its the main hard drive) .

Windows (if u use this), wont let u format within Windows .
Speedy Gonzales (78)
372680 2005-07-16 07:16:00 make sure you have a full copy (install, not repair) copy of the OPSYS you are going to use after the format . . . that's a good place to start, then copy and save on cd's or lots o' flopps the files you are gonna want to use again .

Are you going to use the same OPSYS? You didn't say .

I like to fdisk and clean install about every 6 months too . . the whole thing . . . just burn it all down and start fresh .

and this might ring strange in the ears of everyone who reads this, but I like to fdisk with the 98SE boot disk system first . . then upgrade to XP-PRO . . . . a 98SE format is faster I think . . . .
SurferJoe46 (51)
372681 2005-07-16 07:31:00 Are you going to use the same OPSYS? You didn't say.
yeah the same: windows XP home edition
Gabpoll (7710)
372682 2005-07-16 08:12:00 But what steps should I take before I reformat my entire hard drive?
Have a look in the forum's FAQ section (pressf1.pcworld.co.nz) under Windows Issues. There are FAQs for formatting, backing up your data and partitioning that may be useful.
FoxyMX (5)
372683 2005-07-16 08:34:00 Windows (if u use this), wont let u format within Windows.Technically true, however if you have 98SE on the harddrive and you go into DOS, type format c: /y and voila, no more 98 :D
Did this today :)
Myth (110)
372684 2005-07-16 08:36:00 True, Coz nothing is running in DOS. Speedy Gonzales (78)
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