format and reinstall pc?

**nerd** · 07-04-2010, 01:53 PM

my old desktop is so screwed but i dont want to throw it out yet so i thought formatting and reinstallint the os, it its easy enough would be the best way to go. any ideas on how to do it and what files i would have to back up? iv backed up what i think is important like assignments and photos, is there anything else i should consder? also i dont think the computer came with an xp cd(got it from harvey norman) can i still reinstall the os? the main reason i am doing this is because it is slow and buggy and the driver software is corrupted (i dont know how).

**Speedy Gonzales** · 07-04-2010, 02:30 PM

If there's a restore partition on it, use that. Or create the cd's / dvd for it. If its got the option. Hopefully its got the partition. Or you'll have to buy windows, if you want to reinstall it

**nerd** · 07-04-2010, 09:05 PM

aaw thats not too nice. do most pc's come with a restore disk? i dont think it can run anything better than xp and if they do i might as well look for it

**Sweep** · 07-04-2010, 09:12 PM

Harvey Norman PCs usually have a hidden partition with the operating system on the hard drive. You won't see that partition in Windows ( 'cause it's hidden ).

So what make and model is it?

**nedkelly** · 07-04-2010, 10:22 PM

when I reinstalled my parents pc I did a hard disk copy onto a drive the same size just in case something went wrong.

**fred_fish** · 07-04-2010, 11:15 PM

You could just download a new OS, without paying for it.

**gary67** · 08-04-2010, 06:53 AM

There is a friendly tech from Whangarei on this forum he might be able to help you out with a disc or a copy of a disc, just look for Cyabro

**Driftwood** · 08-04-2010, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by fred_fish

You could just download a new OS, without paying for it.

How does that work?

**KarameaDave** · 08-04-2010, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by Driftwood

How does that work?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

**pkm** · 08-04-2010, 03:14 PM

What pc is it?

If you can still run the OS I would install BELARC advisor or similar, pick up all the serials for software including XP. That way all you need is an actual XP CD to re use your old key.

Id be even more careful with the backup and just drop the entire profile onto a usb hard drive via puppylinux or bartpe live cd.

You can always use ubuntu or linux MINT for awhile until you get XP sorted.

Also, as others said look for a recovery partition. Using PUPPYLINUX you will see straight away when the desktop loads- a smaller partition with odd files on it that you may not have seen before.