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Reformat


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#1
TheBrotherhood313

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Well it seems as though im moving next weekend and im getting a new PC. Im going to give this one to my brother and i want to reformat it for him before i go.
Is there anything i really need to know or is it pretty self-explained?
I do have all the disks that came with the PC by the way :tazz:

Thanks
~Anthony
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#2
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If you have an XP SP1 disc and have installed SP2 you will need to remove it before you can use the SP1 disc to format

Security is a consideration and you may want to use a drive eraser to make it difficult to get any information from the drive
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#3
TheBrotherhood313

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I am running SP1 and have an SP1 disk. I just want to wipe the C drive clean and fresh install Windows.
To do so all i need to do is Reformat, correct?
I believe i can reformat by right clicking the C drive and then clicking Format, right?
If not, i guess i really dont know how :tazz:

Edited by TheBrotherhood313, 30 October 2005 - 02:23 PM.

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#4
Retired Tech

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Boot the PC and keep tapping the delete key until it enters set up, change the boot priority to CD ROM Drive then hard drive, press F10 to save the change, type Y to confirm, then open the CD ROM Drive, insert the XP CD, press enter and it will reboot, look for press any key to load from CD, press enter and follow the instructions to install without repairing

Let it format to NTFS full, (not quick), this will take a minute per GB of hard drive, approximately. You will see a yellow progress bar, it needs to be creating a RAW1 partition on C

After the format, it will reboot and install Windows, you have two inputs to make, one is the regional / language options, check each tab and sub tab, but click apply on each tab if you change anything, before moving on to the next tab, you should get this with 34 minutes or so remaining, then a few minutes later, you need to tick the the network installation, click yes to the default settings

Then it will complete the installation

You will not get to format by right clicking format C as Windows won't remove itself

After the install, load the anti virus programme and firewall, if you use the free ones then save these to disc and load them from there

Install the router / modem software

Update the anti virus and firewall

Then go to Microsoft Update

http://update.micros...t.aspx?ln=en-us

Install all the critical updates and unless you have a good reason, install SP2, it has improved since it was first released
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#5
TheBrotherhood313

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Thanks for the little tutorial, it shall help me a lot. Only 1 little problem. When i keep tapping the Delete key on the startup, it just starts normally. Any ideas why? Maybe its the wrong key, or maybe even something else is wrong.
Any help is appriciated :tazz:
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#6
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Some use F2 to get to BIOS set up

If it isn't that try F1 etc
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#7
TheBrotherhood313

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Hmm. It seems as though anything i press it will just take me to the screen that allows me to select Normal Startup, Safemode, Etc. I cant seem to get to the screen you are telling me to.
On the very begining it says
F2 Setup
F12 [I forgot what this one was, it didnt say BIOS though]
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#8
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Keep tapping F2
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#9
TheBrotherhood313

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Alright nice, finally got it working.
I have Formatted, installed Norton(Grandparents wanted it), got Windows updates, Installed printers and basic programs. So thanks a ton. Now i can leave knowing that my grandparents/brothers PC is basicly back to "new" status :)
I will look into Upgrading it to SP2. I tried, but it just looked for more updates and didnt find any. I went to this link:
http://www.microsoft...p2/default.mspx

Also, now that i formated, the colors seem to be a bit dull. I went into the properties and i cant change them from anything but 16bit. Any ideas?
I mean it was fine before i formatted. Now i cant change the colors or the screen resolution for that matter. Its huge, its at like 640x480 :tazz:
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#10
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Update from here

http://update.micros...t.aspx?ln=en-us

You need all the critical ones

The colours and screen size will likely be the video adapter

Download Everest Home Edition

Run the programme, click + next to computer then summary

Look on right for display / video adapter

Look at the manufacturer’s site for the suitable driver for your Operating System


If you are unable to find it, please post the make and model here before you download anything

Please set a system restore point before you install anything
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#11
TheBrotherhood313

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I didnt know exactly what you needed but here is the Report, hope that has what you need to help
[code=auto:0]--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------------

Version EVEREST v2.20.405
Homepage http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type Report Wizard
Computer HOME
Generator Owner
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2005-11-02
Time 00:19


--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 1
DirectX 4.08.01.0810 (DirectX 8.1)
Computer Name HOME
User Name Owner

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4, 2800 MHz (21 x 133)
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 2400
Motherboard Chipset Intel Brookdale-G i845GEV
System Memory 128 MB (PC2700 DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (12/02/03)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter Intel Extreme Graphics
3D Accelerator Intel Extreme Graphics

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Intel 82801DB ICH4 - AC'97 Audio Controller [A-1]

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(r) 82801DB Ultra ATA Storage Controller-24CB
Disk Drive ST340014A (40 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100)
Disk Drive Lexmark USB Mass Storage USB Device
Optical Drive 24X10X40 CD-RW (24x/10x/40x CD-RW)
Optical Drive SAMSUNG CD-ROM SC-148A (48x CD-ROM)
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 34514 MB (32119 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse PS/2 Compatible Mouse

Network:
Network Adapter D-link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB Adapter (192.168.1.100)

Peripherals:
Printer Lexmark 6200 Series
Printer LexmarkFax
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [A-1]
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [A-1]
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [A-1]
USB2 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - Enhanced USB2 Controller [A-1]
USB Device D-link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB Adapter
USB Device Lexmark 6200 Series
USB Device Scan
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Mass Storage Device
USB Device USB Printing Support
USB Device USB Printing Support


--------[ DMI ]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ BIOS ]

BIOS Properties:
Vendor Dell Computer Corporation
Version A05
Release Date 12/02/2003
Size 512 KB
Boot Devices Floppy Disk, Hard Disk, CD-ROM, LS-120
Capabilities Flash BIOS, Shadow BIOS, Selectable Boot, EDD, BBS
Supported Standards DMI, APM, ACPI, ESCD, PnP
Expansion Capabilities PCI, USB

[ System ]

System Properties:
Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
Product Dimension 2400
Serial Number 85ZLK51
Universal Unique ID 44454C4C-3500105A-804CB8C0-4F4B3531
Wake-Up Type Power Switch

[ Motherboard ]

Motherboard Properties:
Manufacturer Dell Computer Corp.
Product 0C2425
Version A01
Serial Number ..CN1374045803TD.

[ Chassis ]

Chassis Properties:
Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
Serial Number 85ZLK51
Chassis Type Space-saving

[ Processors / Processor #1 ]

Processor Properties:
Manufacturer Intel
External Clock 533 MHz
Maximum Clock 3600 MHz
Current Clock 2800 MHz
Type Central Processor
Voltage 1.8 V
Status Enabled
Upgrade ZIF
Socket Designation Microprocessor

[ Caches / Cache #1 ]

Cache Properties:
Type Internal
Status Enabled
Operational Mode Write-Back
Associativity 4-way Set-Associative
Maximum Size 8 KB
Installed Size 8 KB
Error Correction None

[ Caches / Cache #2 ]

Cache Properties:
Type Internal
Status Enabled
Operational Mode Varies with Memory Address
Maximum Size 512 KB
Installed Size 512 KB
Error Correction Single-bit ECC

[ Memory Devices / DIMM_1 ]

Memory Device Properties:
Form Factor DIMM
Type SDRAM
Type Detail Synchronous
Size 128 MB
Speed 333 MHz
Total Width 64-bit
Data Width 64-bit
Device Locator DIMM_1

[ Memory Devices / DIMM_2 ]

Memory Device Properties:
Form Factor DIMM
Type SDRAM
Type Detail Synchronous
Speed 333 MHz
Total Width 64-bit
Data Width 64-bit
Device Locator DIMM_2

[ System Slots / PCI1 ]

System Slot Properties:
Slot Designation PCI1
Type PCI
Usage Empty
Data Bus Width 32-bit
Length Long

[ Port Connectors / PARALLEL ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Parallel Port PS/2
Internal Reference Designator PARALLEL
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type DB-25 pin female

[ Port Connectors / SERIAL1 ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Serial Port 16550A Compatible
Internal Reference Designator SERIAL1
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type DB-9 pin male

[ Port Connectors / KYBD ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Keyboard Port
Internal Reference Designator KYBD
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type PS/2

[ Port Connectors / MOUSE ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Mouse Port
Internal Reference Designator MOUSE
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type PS/2

[ Port Connectors / USB1 ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type USB
Internal Reference Designator USB1
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type USB

[ Port Connectors / USB2 ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type USB
Internal Reference Designator USB2
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type USB

[ Port Connectors / USB3 ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type USB
Internal Reference Designator USB3
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type USB

[ Port Connectors / USB4 ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type USB
Internal Reference Designator USB4
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type USB

[ Port Connectors / USB5 ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type USB
Internal Reference Designator USB5
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type USB

[ Port Connectors / USB6 ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type USB
Internal Reference Designator USB6
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type USB

[ Port Connectors / ENET ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Network Port
Internal Reference Designator ENET
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type RJ-45

[ Port Connectors / MIC ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Audio Port
Internal Reference Designator MIC
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type Mini-jack (headphones)

[ Port Connectors / LINE-OUT ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Audio Port
Internal Reference Designator LINE-OUT
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type Mini-jack (headphones)

[ Port Connectors / LINE-OUT ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Audio Port
Internal Reference Designator LINE-OUT
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type Mini-jack (headphones)

[ Port Connectors / LINE-OUT ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Audio Port
Internal Reference Designator LINE-OUT
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type Mini-jack (headphones)

[ Port Connectors / LINE-IN ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Audio Port
Internal Reference Designator LINE-IN
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type Mini-jack (headphones)

[ Port Connectors / HP-OUT ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Audio Port
Internal Reference Designator HP-OUT
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type Mini-jack (headphones)

[ Port Connectors / MONITOR ]

Port Connector Properties:
Port Type Video Port
Internal Reference Designator MONITOR
Internal Connector Type None
External Connector Type DB-15 pin female

[ On-Board Devices / AC'97 Audio Controller ]

On-Board Device Properties:
Description AC'97 Audio Controller


--------[ Overclock ]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CPU Properties:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4
CPU Alias Northwood, A80532
CPU Stepping D1
Engineering Sample No
CPUID CPU Name Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
CPUID Revision 00000F29h

CPU Speed:
CPU Clock 2790.59 MHz (original: 2800 MHz)
CPU Multiplier 21.0x
CPU FSB 132.89 MHz (original: 133 MHz)
Memory Bus 166.11 MHz

CPU Cache:
L1 Trace Cache 12K Instructions
L1 Data Cache 8 KB
L2 Cache 512 KB (On-Die, ECC, ATC, Full-Speed)

Motherboard Properties:
Motherboard ID <DMI>
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 2400

Chipset Properties:
Motherboard Chipset Intel Brookdale-G i845GEV
Memory Timings 2.5-3-3-7 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

SPD Memory Modules:
DIMM1: Micron Tech. 4VDDT1664AG-335C3 128 MB PC2700 DDR SDRAM (2.5-3-3-7 @ 166 MHz) (2.0-3-3-6 @ 133 MHz)

BIOS Properties:
System BIOS Date 12/02/03
Video BIOS Date 05/12/20
DMI BIOS Version A05

Graphics Processor Properties:
Video Adapter Intel 82845G/GL/GV Graphics Controller
GPU Code Name Brookdale-G (Integrated 8086 / 2562, Rev 01)
GPU Clock 200 MHz


--------[ Power Management ]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Power Management Properties:
Current Power Source AC Line
Battery Status No Battery
Full Battery Lifetime Unknown
Remaining Battery Lifetime Unknown


--------[ Sensor ]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sensor Properties:
Sensor Type HDD

Temperatures:
Seagate ST340014A   
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#12
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Please set a system restore point

Download from here, click run, then open when it has downloaded

http://downloadfinde...dition&lang=eng
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#13
TheBrotherhood313

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Thanks once again :tazz:
I just noticed the audio wasent working now though -_- Formating is more work than i thought, and now the PC actually seems slower, maybe that will ware off?
Anyway, the graphics are fine now, all im wondering about is the audio and general PC speed.
Anyway, thanks for your help. You have been very quick and helpfull so far, maybe you can help me with these later today when you get time :)
No real rush, i have a few days before i hand this computer off for good.
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#14
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Please set a system restore point then download and install audio drivers here

http://www.majorgeek...vers_d4400.html

Download from the location nearest you

Are the graphics running now
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#15
TheBrotherhood313

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Yes the graphics are working, one little problem with them i think, may be standard though.
On the Welcome screen, it says "Welcome" and it looks fine, then it "cracks" it gets fairly pixilated around the edges. And then the word "start" on the start menu looks the same way. Also on icons around the edges it looks a little like that. It would be nice if everything was just smooth :tazz:

Here are screenshots.
Start Button:
Posted Image
Start Menu Name:
Posted Image

About the Sound. I installed what you told me to and still nothing. I try to play an .mp3 and it automaticly re-directs me to a microsoft site that says this:
Windows Media Player Error Message Help

You've encountered error message 80040256 while using Windows Media Player. The following information might help you troubleshoot the issue. 

 

You do not have a sound card installed on your machine, the sound card is not set up correctly, or another application is using the sound card
Now if you can tell me why and if i can fix it, it would be greatly appriciated :)

Edited by TheBrotherhood313, 02 November 2005 - 05:43 PM.

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