[S.M.]

Hi
This is probably a very simple question but anyway...
I've decided to reformat the hard disk but before I do that I need to back up the files, right? What is the safest way of backing up? Saving all the files on a CD? Storing them somewhere on the computer? And what do I actually need to back up? Just the files that I've saved in my folders like my essays and pics?
What does formating actually do? Does it return the computer to its initial state with the initial programs? I really don't want to install the additional programs again and I want to do my best to avoid it.
Someone was talking about dividing the hard disk in two segments, copying everything to one segment and formating the other but I'm not sure how to do that.
And the last question is: do I need to reinstall windows after formating or formating alone will fix up some of the mess?

I'm a WIM ME user by the way.
Thanks

[Munchkin]

Hi,

You do not indicate y u wish to reformat your hard drive. I am going to assume that you have no other solution to your problem.

First, when you reformat a hard drive, you essentially loose all data on that drive, which includes programs, user files, operating system, drivers, etc.

Also, you must have a copy of your operating system, drivers for hardware and all other programs that you installed on the computer after it was initially purchased so that they can be reinstalled. Do not forget to copy your email addresses, favorites folders, etc. used with your ISP.

1) Back up all USER FILES (non-program files) to another medium, either CD, DVD, Zip, or whatever you have available outside of your hard drive. I generally make two copies to be on the safe side.

(I always create a folder called USER FILES and place any files I want saved into that folder. It makes life much easier when wanting to back up files I want to keep. I simply backup that one folder with all the folders and files within it. Within this folder I have another folder called SOURCE in which I keep programs I have downloaded from the internet for which I have no source CD.)


2) If you have the original install disk that came with your computer you should be able to restore your computer to the state it was in upon purchasing the machine and proceed to step 6, otherwise, skip this step and go to step 3.

3) Boot from your boot disk with CD driver support.

4) Format C:

5) Reinstall your operating system and all drivers

6) Reinstall all other programs.

7) Copy your backed up files to your hard drive.

If you will explain why you wish to reformat your hard drive, perhaps there is an easier solution to your problem than having to go through the headache of reinstalling everything.