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Formatting XP

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by rohasha28, 2006/04/01.

  1. 2006/04/01
    rohasha28

    rohasha28 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi All!

    I had a question. I want to format my Windows XP computer in order to start from scratch again. I have the windows xp CD and key. How would i FORMAT the computer? I remember in windows 98se I would start the computer is MS-DOS mode and enter the command C:\Format C:. Now however I cant do the same with Windows XP. Are there some precautions I need to take with this? How can I clear the hard drive of EVERYTHING including the OS and reload XP back on again?

    Thanks for your replys!:) :cool:
     
    rohasha28,
    #1
  2. 2006/04/01
    Zander

    Zander Geek Member Alumni

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    Zander,
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  4. 2006/04/01
    rohasha28

    rohasha28 Inactive Thread Starter

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    What is a Partition

    Hi Thanks for the above link it is extremely helpful, but I have to ask, what is a partition? I currently have a 12 GB hard drive, so which file system (ex. NFTS, FAT, FAT32, etc.) should I be using [on that note, how do i check which one I currently have].

    Thanks!
     
    rohasha28,
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  5. 2006/04/01
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    A hard disk is just that, a blank disk with the potential to be used to store data, a mass storage device.

    Partition: To divide memory or mass storage into isolated sections. In DOS systems, you can partition a disk, and each partition will behave like a separate disk drive.

    A drive can have all the data on one large partition or the drive can be split into several partitions, e.g. one partition for the operating system and programs and other partitions for simply the storing of files.

    The partition with the operating system installed on it is called a Primary partition. A partition used only for file storage would be an Extended partition. An extended partition can be divided into several separate "drives ", which will have drive letters assigned by the operating syste.

    Format: means to prepare a drive so that it can have data written to it.

    Whne formatting, for xp, you have the option of using FAT32 file system (as in win95-98) or NTFS file system. Use NTFS as it is more secure and more efficient and faster than FAT32.

    Boot from the xp cdrom and you will choose the partition to install xp onto and next screen you choose what to format it with, either ntfs or fat32. Choose NTFS (but NOT a quick format).

    The xp installer will tell you what kind of formatted drive exists already.
     
    TonyT,
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  6. 2006/04/01
    skeet6961

    skeet6961 Inactive

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    don't worry about it if u intend to use a single partition ;) ... win xp will do all the work from the installer disc. u SHOULD delete current partitions and then let xp create a new one. this would be 'clean' in that u destroy the old and bring in the new ;)

    when u reach the blue screen partitioner of xp's installer - it comes right after the 'f8 - i agree' part - then u'll 'see' a list of current partitions. note that one of the options is to DELete them. u'll need to confirm a few times on system partitions but ... i WOULD purge them entirely. then u'll end up w/ xp showing no partitions. hightlight the 'free space' - which should be 100% of the disc - and hit enter. xp will create one partition and offer to format it. choose ntfs here and 'full format' if u'r not working w/ a new disc.

    and i'd choose ntfs on all partitions unless u've some reason not to do so. ntfs is default i think as well.
     
    skeet6961,
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