How
to Format a PC
Note: This guide is strictly for PCs,
not Macs, and is geared toward PCs with the Windows XP operating system. It may work or be helpful with other versions
of Windows, but is not guaranteed to.
- Make
sure you have all the necessary CDs to restore your system. DO NOT format your hard drive if you do
not have these discs.
- "Back
Up" your personal files (e.g. My Documents folder). All files will be lost once your hard
drive is formatted. You will need
to reload any files from your back up disc that you want on your newly
formatted computer.
- Put
your operating system installation CD (Windows XP) into your CD-Rom drive.
- Restart
your computer and rapidly press F2 to get to the boot priority screen.
- Use
the arrow keys to move to the "Boot" tab.
- Set
first boot device to the CD-Rom drive with the Windows XP CD in it.
- Save
and Exit (F10, I think)
- When
prompted, quickly press any key to boot from the CD.
- Wait
while it loads.
-
Hit ENTER to set up Windows.
- Continue installing.
- Press "D" to delete the main partition.
- Confirm delete.
- Yes to set up Windows XP on new
partition.
- Press ENTER to format the partition.
- Wait while it formats the hard drive
(takes about 30 minutes or more).
- The
rest of the Windows installation process should start automatically, be
easy to follow, and self-explanatory.
