How to Reformat an HP Computer
If your HP computer is not behaving as it should, running slow, boots erratically or not at all, crashing, giving you the blue error and restart screen then it may be time for reformat. Doing this is good and bad. Good because you get a fresh start like when the computer came from the HP factory, but it creates a lot of work since you will need to back up everything. That is, if you are lucky enough to get to Windows to be able to do so.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Back up everything you want to save. This does not mean programs and software, but rather, the data such as photo, documents, backups from software such as Quickbooks or Microsoft Money and all of your videos and business data.
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2
Locate the items you wish to back up or run some software such as retrospect to help you in this process.
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3
Insert the CD, DVD, USB flash drive or connect the portable hard drive. Make sure your backup is directed to this drive letter on your computer. Hint: look in my computer for where your media is connected. Often it will have a brand name after it.
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4
Go into your start menu in your HP and locate the restore or recovery function. If it is not in there, it could be in your system tools. If you have an older HP computer you will need to restart Windows and insert the CD or DVD that came with your computer.
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5
Watch for the screens to prompt you in recovery or reformat process. The HP recovery software console will warn you that you are about to erase everything. You want to do this and create a new partition for Windows to be installed and your data to be restored in.
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6
Allow the HP reformat process up to an hour to complete. Watch for Windows to reinstall itself. Install 2 to 3 CDs if needed or prompted by your HP computer. This is not necessary for using the built-in HP software recovery in the start menu.
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7
Restart your computer when your HP recovery software prompts you. You may have to do this a few times. Set up Microsoft Windows as if you are doing it for the first time. Again the screens will prompt you.
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8
Reinstall your printer or recover your backup from any software you used. Make sure you test your Internet connection by plugging it in. This should work if your networking card or HP wireless card in a laptop computer works properly and drivers were reinstalled.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Consult a professional if you think this is above your skill level or there are problems with hardware such as fan or hard drive or you hear noises.
Go online to HP if you need a recovery CD. This contains Microsoft Windows.
Sometimes you need to repeat the process if the reformat does not complete properly or only partially.
If you do not have a CD or built in recovery software you may be better off doing a manual reformat and installing a new or upgraded copy of Windows.
