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reyzorback · Jul 21, 2008, 07:39 PM

I want to format my drive c.. but I don't know how and what do I need.. I read some articles in the internet but I can't understand.. can you make it easy for me?. please help..

seahwk83 · Jul 21, 2008, 09:24 PM

Are you trying to format so you can reinstall windows?

Install Window XP from Scratch
Geek to Live: How to format your hard drive and install Windows XP from scratch

reyzorback · Jul 22, 2008, 05:04 AM

Yes I want to reinstall my windows.. but I only want to format my drive c.. do I still back up my data on my drive d? I read geek live and it says something that I need to back up or put all my data off the machine.. does it mean to include my drive d on my back up? Or the drive c only?

I downloaded windows xp service pack 3.. Is it OK if I use that instead of my cd windows xp service pack 2?

seahwk83 · Jul 22, 2008, 08:51 AM

If yoiur operating system is on C, you would not have to backup D but all of your programs may not work if you have have installed them on D - If you just have work files and such on D, you would not have to back them up as formatting and installing on C would not affect D - but it is always recommended to backup all Just in case something does go "wrong" - better safe than look back and say I should have saved them

"i downloaded windows xp service pack 3"

Is this just SP3 by itself or is this Windows XP integrated with SP3 already?

If it is Just Sp3 by itself, you could use the cd windows xp service pack 2 and then update SP3, it depends on what you mean by what you downloaded

reyzorback · Jul 22, 2008, 04:54 PM

thanks.. ill transfer my data in my documents to drive d..

I downloaded this file - windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu_c81472f7eeea2eca421e116cd4c03e2300ebfde

do I need to update it to windows xp sp2? How?

seahwk83 · Jul 22, 2008, 05:22 PM

Install windows first with information provided above and then after windows is installed, you would use the file you mentioned above to update the computer to SP3

So install windows and then SP3 you downloaded

JBeaucaire · Jul 22, 2008, 06:23 PM

After you install Windows, right-click on My Documents, select Properties, then click the MOVE button.

Select-a-destination will popup, and select your D:\ drive, then click OK.

This will permanently locate you're my Documents folder on the D drive so next time you won't have to back it up to reformat/reinstall the C drive.

reyzorback · Jul 22, 2008, 07:44 PM

Thanks a lot.. is there a software that will back up my programs like Microsoft office 2007? I'm planning to format my drive c, but I don't have the installer for ms office 2007.. I'm using only a dial up internet so its going to be a hard time downloading that big file, ms office 2007..

By the way, I do have a ms office 2003 installer, but I want 2007 version..

Thanks

JBeaucaire · Jul 23, 2008, 03:43 AM

Programs just don't work that way. You HAVE to reinstall them since programs of that size install themselves into the WINDOWS system, as well.

Once you DO get your OS reinstalled and all your programs reinstalled, you CAN use a backup program to do a full system backup of a known, new, fresh installation that will include backing up the programs. Restoring this backup WOULD restore your computer back to the point it is with programs and all. But you have to make that backup image after you get your system setup up.

If you have an install KEY for Office 2007, but not the disks, and only on dialup, I believe there are options from MS for downloading the install files. Go to a hotspot (coffee house, library, major hotel lobby) and do it there using the public wifi. Coffee house is a good choice... because it's got COFFEE!!

reyzorback · Jul 23, 2008, 04:41 AM

Hey thanks a lot.. what is that program that can back up all my system?

I need a download manager.. help me choose the right download manager..

JBeaucaire · Jul 23, 2008, 05:09 AM

Even Windows has a builtin BACKUP utility that will create a recovery disk for you:

START > ALL PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS > BACKUP

Use that to "Backup All Information On This Computer"

There are programs like "GHOST" which can create "images" of your system automatically and on a schedule. Lots of options.

Download Manager? Why? I've personally never understood the need for that. Download a file, point to where you want it saved... what needs "managing"?

I don't use them.

On the other hand, I did just recently switch to FireFox as my permanent web browser and I admit it has a kind of download manager built into it, I don't "need" it, but it is there.