Formatting a laptop

Discussion in 'Software' started by newbie88, Nov 24, 2010.

  1. newbie88

    newbie88 Guest

    Dear Forum,

    Three quick questions for the experts:

    1. What is the easiest way to format a laptop hard drive and reload Windows?

    The laptop currently has a version of Windows in another language. I would like to wipe the hard drive and install a fresh version of Windows XP.

    2. How many 'real' drives does my laptop have?

    In Windows Explorer, I see C: and D:, although I am not sure whether it has one physical hard drive. For the new install of Windows XP, I only want ONE drive. However, I don't really want to muck around with drive partitions etc. I don't really know how to either :)

    3. Is it possible to keep the drivers which are currently installed? If so, how?

    Thank you for you suggestions!

    Newbie
     
    newbie88, Nov 24, 2010
    #1
  2. usafveteran

    usafveteran MajorGeek

    Your laptop has one physical hard drive, which is partitioned into C and D. D is most likely a recovery partition which could be used to restore the system to its original configuration, meaning reinstalling Windows and the other software the manufacturer installed on the computer when it was new. This would include device drivers.

    By installing Windows XP from a CD/DVD, you'll be erasing the hard drive, at least the C partition, and installing Windows and this will not include device drivers except for generic drivers that Windows may initially install. So, you should visit the manufacturer's website and download drivers before beginning this process.
     
    usafveteran, Nov 24, 2010
    #2
  3. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    You should collect all the drivers and burn them to a CD. That way, if anything doesn't work, you can restore the correct driver from the CD.

    I'm not sure how good this is but it is free: http://majorgeeks.com/Double_Driver_d4802.html

    I use a very old, last free version of a drive collector program that works well for me. Since it is old, I'm not sure it will work on anything beyond XP.
     
    plodr, Nov 24, 2010
    #3
  4. newbie88

    newbie88 Guest

    Thank you for all the replies and the suggestions.

    I always find it incredibly difficult to see exactly what hardware is installed!!

    Plodr: Any chance you could email or up me the programme?

    I am loathe to use products which people have not tried themselves. Therefore, I would be grateful to rely on your expertise :)

    Otherwise, I would be open to any other suggestions for useful programmes to save the drivers based on personal experience.
     
    newbie88, Nov 24, 2010
    #4
  5. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    I'll upload it but I can't get to it before Sunday. Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I'm cooking dinner and I have a relative staying through Sunday. My computer room is the spare bedroom so I can not get to my main computer - I'll be using my linux netbook to surf at off times of the next few days.

    Send me a Personal Message (PM) on Sunday reminding me to look for the program and upload it.
     
    plodr, Nov 24, 2010
    #5
  6. newbie88

    newbie88 Guest

    Update: Formatted the PC and installed Windows XP.

    The drivers were obtained from the manufacturer's website without any problem.

    Thanks for the kind offer. However, I won't need the programme now.

    Have a nice weekend.

    Newbie88
     
    newbie88, Nov 25, 2010
    #6

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