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Tags: computer software, personal technology, doing a format on windows xp
 I know that a lot of people out there pay a lot of money to reformat their hard drive. A format is like a fresh start and it'll make everything seem like it was brand new. So what exactly do you need before you embark on this journey of cleansing? You'll need your Windows installer CD, driver installers and all the essential things that you'd like to reinstall.
The first step to doing a format on Windows XP, as with any format that you might want to do, is to backup all your files. If you don't know how to backup your files then you should just save the programs that you want to keep unto a memory stick, a dvd or an external hard disk, or you can read up on how to backup your files.
Now, formatting your hard drive can be easy or hard depending on which which one you want to format.
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If you want to do your C drive, you're going to have to several things. This is what you pay other people to do for you.
If you're computer is on, put in your Windows installer CD, then restart your computer. Make sure you've already backed up all your files before doing this. When your computer starts you will be asked if you want to boot from the CD. Boot from the CD and you will now see a blue screen.
With the arrow keys, highlight the 'C:' drive and then press D to delete and confirm your decision by pressing th 'L' key.
Once it's gone highlight the empty partition and press C to create a new partition where you'll install Windows. You should give it the maximum amount of space.
It will ask you how you want to format the drive, so select the NTFS option, but don't choose the quick format option. After that it will start installing Windows into your computer and everything should be reletivley simple. Just install it the way you'd install a regular program and keep giving the information it asks of you. When Windows is installed, start installing the drivers and all the other stuff you want put in because you now have a clean slate.
Now if you're formatting one of the other hard drives of your computer, you'll have an easier time. As always make sure all the data within the drive has been backed up. Right click on the drive and then click on the format option. Just follow the directions and you'll be all set.
And that’s all you need. No money spent, no severe problems. Chalk this up as one of the new reasons why you won't switch to Windows 7.
About the author
Jego Goldstein is a successful Computer Analyst who has been testing and developing software for many years. Learn how to master Microsoft Excel with this VIDEO COURSE . Click here for more information about Easy Excel Basics.
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