How to Format a XP Computer

When you format a computer you are starting over with a clean slate by erasing all data stored on the hard disk. You may want to format a PC to wipe all your personal data from the hard disk if you plan to donate or give the PC away. You may also need to format the PC due to a virus or system error to return the PC to its original state.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP installation disk
• External hard drive or USB Thumb drive
• Driver installation disk
• Third party software installation disks

Instructions

1. Make your back up. Copy things like My Documents, Desktop and Favorites folder. Check for other folders on your hard drive for other files you wish to preserve. This step is only necessary if you need to restore the data to the newly formatted PC. Be sure to copy any needed data to an external storage device or CDs. Thumb drives and external USB or fire-wire hard disks are best as they usually will be large enough to handle all of your data, making back ups faster and easier. Be sure to check your back up media, to insure your data is preserved before going to the next step.

2. Insert the Windows XP installation disk and reboot the PC with the disk in the CD-ROM drive.

3. Press the function key to take you to Start up options or Boot menu options. The function keys are different for different PC models. You may also need to enter the system BIOS. Press the Function key to open the Setup. Once in Setup look for Boot Sequence and change the default boot option to CD-ROM. Save your changes and Exit the Setup. The PC will now look to boot from any boot-able disk inserted in the CD-ROM drive at start up.

   If you are successful you will see a message: Press any key to boot to CD......
   Be sure sure to press a key to begin booting from the CD to start the format process.

4. Press F8 to agree to the license agreement. Setup will begin to search for installed version of Windows XP. Choose the disk/partition where you would like to install and select D to delete the partition. This will begin the hard disk format and all of your data will be lost. If you are donating the PC be sure to delete all current partitions to remove all data from the PC. Now create a new partition where Windows will install XP, choose the file system NTFS and format the disk. Watch the status bar as it formats the drive. If you are donating the PC without any software stop after this step and remove your Windows CD. The hard disk is now erased and formatted for any future operating system install. If you are reinstalling Windows XP continue the setup.

5. Restore the PC so it's fully operational. After the setup completes remove the Windows XP installation disk and log on the the PC. Check to see which Device drivers are needed by going to the Control Panel and opening System. Click on the Hardware Tab to open the Device Manager. If needed now insert your drivers disk to reinstall any hardware not recognized by Windows XP. After this is completed you must reinstall any software you purchased after you bought the PC.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure your back up data is sound before beginning. Once its gone its gone for good.

• Plan to spend about two hours to complete this process, less if you do not reinstall Windows XP and quit after the disk is formatted.

References

• Microsoft Support