How do you complete delete your computer?

[Shrebly]

I have an 'old' laptop that I want to reset completely to the factory settings. When it starts up it gives me about 20 error messages that files can't be found, Shockwave isn't installed and that there are missing files.

I have the discs that came with it but the book doesn't tell me one thing about doing a complete reboot / purge of programs. I am sick of being kicked off the computer by the munchkin so he can do his school work and the laptop would be perfect for him but half the stuff he wants to load won't work because of the "missing" files.

Any help?

 

[Lao Tzu]

i don't know too much about computers (so i would get a second opinion) but you could reformat the hard drive.

 

[nikolai_bolkov]

Reformat the harddrive from the c: prompt, then reboot with the Windows xx CD and re-install the OS. Then you're ready to go. BTW, this will erase everything so make sure you backup files you need to keep.

 

[Rotten]

Hit F8 when the computer is first booting up right after it's done checking the BIOS. You'll have 5 or 6 choices, pick the MS Dos one. At the command line type "Fdisk" and follow the directions. After the drive is formatted reinstall the operating system (Win 95, 98, XP, etc.)

 

[Shrebly]

Thanks to all- with any luck I won't completely screw it up.

 

[manny78]

go in DOS mode and type format C: