Format Drive C?

[swaysix]

Hello, my name is Linsey...and im a newbie...


anyway, I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about cleaning up my computer. Right now I have a OEM copy of Windows XP pro...I got a copy after my windows ME kept freezing, but thats beside the point.

My Dell came with windows ME pre-installed (it was the newest windows at the time) but it kept freezing, replaced it with an OEM copy of XP pro and now my computer is completely full of junk (thanks in part to my 14 year old sister) and I've thought about formatting my drive C...but realize I would lose XP being that i dont have the original disc. So the question is, how should I go about getting rid of all the crapola on my computer? and if I format drive C should I reinstall ME?

oh and i've tried manually going in and deleting stuff and doing the add/remove programs...its really not helping much.

Any suggestions?

Thank you so much.

-Linsey

[PresterJohn]

the simplest and easiest way is to start over by deleting the partition.

simply boot with the XP cd and when setup detects your partitions, delete all the old one(s) and create a new one afterwards. then proceed with the install.

as for whether you should use ME or XP? if you don't have at least 256mb of ram, you should probably think about using ME unless there is something very specific to XP that you need or want.

[swaysix]

the simplest and easiest way is to start over by deleting the partition.

simply boot with the XP cd and when setup detects your partitions, delete all the old one(s) and create a new one afterwards. then proceed with the install.

as for whether you should use ME or XP? if you don't have at least 256mb of ram, you should probably think about using ME unless there is something very specific to XP that you need or want.

I dont have the XP cd...

[Hungrycookpot]

hmmm, it still might be worth using XP. I had ME with 128 ram, it was HORRIBLE. Every time i opened up explorer, my computer would go all gimpy, and id have to restart. I finally just got sick of it and slapped XP in there, much better. It was a little choppy, but i eventually put in a 256 in the old machine and it worked great.

[sr71000]

if your computer is decent. maybe a 1 ghz processor atleast and 256 ram i'd go with windows xp. you can get an oem windows xp cd at www.newegg.com for 90 bucks. that is a completely legal version, just like you get when you buy a computer with xp. if it's slower than that...you may want to think about getting 2000. if your computer still isn't fast enough...maybe windows 98se but i really wouldn't go with me. it's probably the worst windows out there (atleast from the semi-recent ones) horrible horrible os imo. anyways. the other thing i'd do is download a copy of maxpow. what it does, is rewrite your whole hard drive with 0's that way it's like buying a brand new hard drive. if you just format there are actually viruses that can come back and reinfect your new copy of windows. this prevents that. http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/Ma...&downloadID=22
that link should take you there. what id do is download that program.....then use it to make a cd. when you download the program, you will actually run the program on your computer.....and that program will make the cd for you. then keep that cd. go to newegg.com and order xp if that's what you're going to use....if that's not what you want...order whatever os you want...once you get it....put that floppy disk in your computer, turn it on, and when it starts a new screan will come up....select your hard drive and click low level format (full) i think that's how they word it. after that's done, put in the xp disk and start the computer...then just follow the instructions and you're well on your way to an almost brand new computer lol. before you erase your computer...make sure you can boot from cd's....an easy way to test that is to stick the windows disk you have in the computer. if the computer boots from the cd then your all set...just cancel it and do the low level format using powmax. if it won't boot from a cd... come back here and let us know. good luck

[sr71000]

oh yea...and welcome to timo.

[TechKnickle]

I think she said that she does not have the original XP disk. Do you have a 25-character license number? If so, then you could just grab someone else's XP cd and format your C: partition and the reinstall XP. If you don't have the 25-character (don't get confused, there are two different keys, one has 25 and is in the format of xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx and the other is in the format of xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx) then I really don't know a whole lot more that you could do to your PC as far as cleaning it up.

You can try downloading Spybot search and destroy from www.download.com as well as AVG anti-virus FREE version from www.grisoft.com

Hope this helps you

~Tech

[HeadBand]

ME is horrible even with 512MB of ram

XP runs fine for a few IE windows a PDF and a word doc open along with syncroneyes, a teaching program that can view all the screens, broadcast a quiz, have students chat/ask the teacher a ? and disable the system when you should pay attention with 128mb of ram at school

if you buy XP it is really worth it

[sr71000]

i kno she dosen't have the disk..that's why i said pick it up for 90 bucks at newegg...the other thing is, if you get an oem cd for 90 bucks...you can just buy the 45 buck licenses later if you ever need more copies for more computers.

[swaysix]

oh yea...and welcome to timo.

Thank you kindly

[swaysix]

I think she said that she does not have the original XP disk. Do you have a 25-character license number? If so, then you could just grab someone else's XP cd and format your C: partition and the reinstall XP. If you don't have the 25-character (don't get confused, there are two different keys, one has 25 and is in the format of xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx and the other is in the format of xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx) then I really don't know a whole lot more that you could do to your PC as far as cleaning it up.

You can try downloading Spybot search and destroy from www.download.com as well as AVG anti-virus FREE version from www.grisoft.com

Hope this helps you

~Tech

Where can i find that 25-character license number? I dont remember if I did have one...

[PresterJohn]

>>I dont have the XP cd...

you could borrow the XP cd from your friend again.

if you can't, i would use the CD's from dell to restore the system back to the way it was when you first bought it. that should clean out all the extra junk that's been loaded on since then.

[LeftCoast]

Hello, my name is Linsey...and im a newbie...

[Group Response:] HI LINSEY!

Sounds like the beginning to an AA meeting...


Seriously, download this handy little executable (program) to find your activation key...works for Windows OSs and Office products. Tiny, unobtrusive, and works great!

The amazing, Magical Jellybean keyfinder!

[John Prophet]

this is a cool program here to find out what your XP product key is http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadge...f83244bd35ab6f

[TechKnickle]

Where can i find that 25-character license number? I dont remember if I did have one...

It should be attached to your computer if you have one. Try look on the back for a sticker with that number on it. I think there is software out there to find your product key, but I don't have a link handy. If anyone would be so kind as to give this person a link, I think it would help 'em out.

EDIT: Dang it John and Lefty... You quick posters you

[swaysix]

[Group Response:] HI LINSEY!

Sounds like the beginning to an AA meeting...


Seriously, download this handy little executable (program) to find your activation key...works for Windows OSs and Office products. Tiny, unobtrusive, and works great!

The amazing, Magical Jellybean keyfinder!

haha i was wondering if anyone would catch that...you guys are awesome here, thanks for responding so quickly. I love you all.

anyway, so i've got my product key...and my friend has an XP disc..now what if i cant find the original discs for my printer, scanner...etc? can i just download drivers online ? We moved and they are in a box that is currently MIA.

And another question...I use a cable modem...will it totally screw up my internet connection or ..?

thank you guys again, every last one of ya

[LeftCoast]

Yeah, just DL the drivers from the various websites (better than the originals, as they are updated versions). You might be surprised how many drivers XP has "on file", so you may not even need to DL any at all...).

Your cable modem shouldn't be a problem at all, just plug and you're in (don't bother with the install disk for it; if it doesn't work right away, unplug the modem (electricity) for a minute, then plug it back in...kinda "reboots" it. Also, make sure to enable XP's firewall before going online to get your security/antivirus updates, as you can get a trojan/virus just that quick. (Enable by Start->Control Panel->Network and Internet Connections->Network Connections. Right-click on LAN, click properties, go to advanced tab, and make sure the box is clicked.)

Also, check out this great OS guide/Tweaks guide. Don't be put off by his mullet; he's pretty good! Especially check out his services configuration section for XP. It'll be important for you to turn off what you don't need to conserve your resourses.

If you have more questions, just ask!