How to Format a Gateway Computer
Gateway has long been a popular choice for home computers, and Gateway laptops and desktops are widely used throughout the world. While these computers tend to be quite reliable and easy to use, there are times when the best course of action is to format the hard drive and start over from scratch. Serious problems, like infection with a boot sector virus or a corrupt operating system, can be difficult to fix without a reformat of the computer's hard drive.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Make sure you back up your personal data before formatting the hard drive. Formatting the drive will erase all of the data it contains. You can use an external hard drive, a thumb drive, or an online backup service to save your data.
-
2
Make sure you have the restore CD that came with your original system. If you do not have the restore CD contact Gateway by calling them or logging on to the Gateway website. There may be a nominal fee for the replacement CD, but it will be much easier to restore your PC to working condition if you have the CD available. The restore CD will help you reformat your hard drive and reload the drivers that orginally came with the PC.
-
-
3
Insert the restore CD in the CD or DVD drive and restart your computer. Your Gateway computer will automatically boot from the CD.
-
4
Follow the on screen instructions to continue the format and restoration process. You will need to click through several warning messages saying that your computer's hard drive is about to be erased. Click through those messages and allow the hard drive to be formatted.
-
1
