Formatting Questions

Hey, I Got a few questions about formatting my hard drive
How do I format my pc?
When I format my pc, do I lose Windows?
How would I get my graphics card installed again?
Using the Catalyst CD that came with my Radeon 9550SE?

I Have Tons Of CD-RW CD's so storing my needed stuff is not a problem

Please Help
Thanks, Swat

 

put the windows cd in the drive and restart the computer. follow the instructions, its pretty self explanitory.

yes and all files on the drive

yes


just make sure you backup all the data you want to save. like music, pictures, text documents etc.

 

Ok, Thanks Alot Dude

 

Also, if you want a COMPLETE format (write zeros on the whole HD) you can download a program called DBAN (Darik's Boot And Nuke) and put it on a floppy disk, then boot from that disk. There's several nuking programs out there, but DBAN is my favorite.

After that, do what glitch said to put Windows back.

 

i suggest you create a printout of your system settings (like Internet connection settings, etc.) before you format your drive.

 

What Do I Do With A eMachines Package Disk, That Has All The Shit Programs, Windows XP, and Whatnot Because What You Told Me Isn't Working

 

lol it depends on the system you have ..if you have xp just put in the cd and follow the instructions.. <_<

 

Its easy to format but make sure you got backups..

 

the simple way to format is cd with win xp

 

using the manufacturers disk is teh suck.

 

Then after you've formatted and installed xp and installed all your service packs and install all your drivers and install all of your programs. I would recommend that you make an image of your PC so that next time you won't go through all these steps again. And keep all your drivers in a safe place.

 

Yep, that would be done using Norton Ghost I believe..

 

what he said

except for the gfx drivers.. I'd download em off the website cuz then they will be up to date.