wow, dell ftl... can any1 tell me how to reformat my computer? ive tried booting up my computer off the cd drive with xp proffesional in, and it didnt do nething. i tried clicking format on the c drive, and nothing... i even set it to only start up with the cd drive and turned the other off...and it still boots up normally... gg? help me please!!
Go to Start > All Programs > Accesories > System Simbol (or something like that) type in 'format c:' NOTE! If you do this, your computer will be completely formatted, and you will lose all your files. EVERYTHING.
Put the CD in your computer and then turn it on. When the dell screen shows continuesly press F12 When the dell screen goes away a screen should come up that has your boot options. select the CD or DVD drive and follow the instructions for Windows Setup.
yep, follow matt's thing and roxas, that isnt possible. When windows is running, it does not let you format C:\
it doesnt let me do that matt. i tried that and i would select the thing, and it would simply say the same thing again as if i never chose an option.' and yes, ive already backed up my stuff roxas
If you selected the cd drive and it didn't work then either Your disc is bad(Scratched or not bootable) or f you have two drives your putting it in the wrong drive. Other than that it should boot no problem.
If your computer is too old if you have a startup floppy disk you can format off that aswell. I have a Windows ME one I use to do it when I need to.
Or, maybe the copy of Windows isn't legit. All Dell PC's come with a restore disc that is used to bring the PC back to the way it was when it was first purchased. That's your best bet buddy. Unless you feel like hunting down another copy of XP (preferrably an OEM upgrade through your local retailer), that will be your best bet. Don't try and download a copy of XP. Not only is it n00bish, but it is also illegal and you won't be able to receive any updates, get the new software (i.e. IE7, DX10, etc.).
actually some come with recovery partitions there was this whole bullshid debate about that a while back you know... Merged Post: I advise you to switch to 98SE or 2000
ok i got it done thx mattman, didnt realize it had to be put in dvd drive anyways...now i cant get the internet on it...any help? oh, and now i have xp profesional
you need a driver for your ethernet card, rather onboard or not. if you can get on your computer youre using now, go to support.dell.com and look for your type of computer and get your drivers
call dell lol i have had to reformat like 3 times nad its hell... i find just calling them is usually pretty easy... for help and tips