Ok, i have a general question

I have a gateway laptop, and its got some spyware or viruses or something is definetly wrong. I dont need any of the files or programs that are on my computer. So i was just wondering if there was a way and how I could just restart my comp, have it delete EVERYTHING, like i just got it new. Is there a way I can do this, and if so will it help ? IF you know how plz explain it to me in the easiest way possible. Thks

 

What's your operating system, and do you have the (legal, of course) CD?

 

I have windows XP and yes i have the legal cd

 

don't you just insert the xp cd and boot from it, then format your hard drive which will wipe everything then just do a fresh install???

 

tried that...it just installed a second windows operating system. So now i have two windows running. Whenever i boot up my comp I have to choose which one i want to use. They are both the same though...

 

sometimes the setup floppy discs work then, if you do use them (at your own risk!!!) then you'll need to make sure you download the correct ones from the miscrosoft website.
i'm guessing you have xp pro with no service pack addons?

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=55820edb-5039-4955-bcb7-4fed408ea73f&DisplayLang=en

if not then go here -

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/results.aspx?productID=&freetext=setup+disks&DisplayLang=en

then try booting from floppy disks, you'll need 6, and insert your xp cd then you'll be able to reformat your drives in setup.

 

There are two types of installs, one will format and install fresh, the other will just reinstall the Windows folder and leave everything else.

When you boot from the CD (boot cold, do not put the CD while windows is running and restart) be sure to delete any current partitions and create new ones.

If someone else can post a link to a walk-thru of this installation that would be great.

Good Luck.

 

Thinkin about it, krl. Must be a dozen threads here that have the walk-through in them.