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I need a step by step guide on how to format a PC. I'm having some damn issues with my computer and the local dude is charging up the ass to fix it
Formatting your PC
- Thread starter the_alcatraz
- Start date
Shouldn't be a problem, but you need to say what type of PC you have and what operating system you're using. Here's a good starters link for reformatting XP:
How to partition and format a hard disk by using Windows XP Setup program
How to partition and format a hard disk by using Windows XP Setup program
Need a step by step for a Win 7 machine...also, do I need to get all the damn drivers again?
Pretty much what Dial said. If you need to backup your information your best bet would be creating a bootable USB so you can access your files. If your hard drive is completely screwed you probably won't be able to access anything though.
You'll definitely need the install CD and yeah, you'll have to download all the drivers again.
You'll definitely need the install CD and yeah, you'll have to download all the drivers again.
Where the hell am I going to get Win 7 Ultimate again?
WoodyO
New member
You don't have the install disc from the original purchase? Even if you bought a computer with it pre-loaded (like a dell(, they'll give you a little sealed envelope with the disk.
Have you tried System Restore and have you done it from safe mode?
If not, restart your PC. While it is booting up, hit the F8 key a few times. When prompted, have it boot up in "Safe Mode".
From "Safe Mode" run System Restore and pick a date from before you starting having trouble. If that works for you, it's a hell of a lot easier than reformatting.
If not, restart your PC. While it is booting up, hit the F8 key a few times. When prompted, have it boot up in "Safe Mode".
From "Safe Mode" run System Restore and pick a date from before you starting having trouble. If that works for you, it's a hell of a lot easier than reformatting.
There might be a restore image. Then again, why did you install stuff on the PC? I tend to put my stuff on the cloud (ie Dropbox, Sugarsync, Google Docs) so I don't have to worry about this type of stuff. I used to re-install my PC once a year. Now I don't do it at all.
Headholio
New member
So you don't keep anything on your HD?
I've thought about cloud storage, but currently just have stuff on my HD and back up on a portable HD.
How much do you pay for cloud storage?
fuck guys this seems a little complicated
WoodyO
New member
PC's are simple. What's the problem with yours that you feel the need to wipe the hard drive?
I can sell the shit out of a PC, on paper, I can explain everything to you about a PC and how it works and which one to buy etc...i've been in computer and IT sales for a very long time
When it comes down to it, and actually opening up a PC and doing work, I'm not that knowledgeable.
My computer keeps shutting down randomly and sometimes when i restart it, it goes into safe mode or it doesnt restart properly
also, this same ghey ass background keeps coming up everytime i restart the computer no matter how many time i restart it
also im having connection problems and overall functionality problems
I have an ASUS Republic of Gamers workstation class laptop, i7 1 TB HDD, 8 GB RAM DDR3, 1 GB DDR5 dedicated Graphics card, laptop was purchased at over 1500$ a little over a year ago.
WoodyO
New member
My opinon would be that wiping the hard drive would do nothing. That's a hardware issue. Pop it open and check that your fans are working properly. Check the fan on your graphics card as well.
Sounds to me like the HDD is starting to go. They're pretty easy to replace; even on a laptop. But with the new drive, you'll need a bootable version of Windows 7 to resinstall the operating system.
If it's an upgrade version, you'll also need a CD of an older version. AND, it can be a nightmare if the Windows 7 CD does not have the proper drivers to at least get your display and internet working.
Maybe you should break down and pay the professional.
Maybe it's a battery issue?
Do you have the same issues when it's plugged in?
sometimes, but not always.
More likely the HDD. You can try a full refomat which will mark the bad spots on the disk and not write data to them (don't use the quick format option).
If you have the Windows 7 disk, that should do it for you.
But if the HDD is phyisically going bad and not reading/writing properly, it'll have to be replaced.
If you have the Windows 7 disk, that should do it for you.
But if the HDD is phyisically going bad and not reading/writing properly, it'll have to be replaced.
fair enuff. thanks guys
