Sugestions after format

I'm palnning to format my pc.

Operating system: windows xp pro

anti-virus: Nod 32

do I need anything else ???

 

Backup your important files and burn to a cd.....

Your save game if you have them if you want to continue.....

And try to remember your windows setting.....

and you should be okay.....if you need help just ask....

 

A decent (non-windows) firewall, particularly if you don't have a cable router? You'll probably be doing quite a bit of downloading after the reformat and want to be protected before you go online again.

 

I too am planning to reformat. I have backed up docs, pics, music, money, addy bk & IE faves, etc, and have (I HOPE TO HEAVEN) all the discs from Dell and peripherals (well, I lost HP printer disc ....) including Win XP home, a restore disc, and a driver disc although if I can use my friend's puter to get online maybe I can find more updated drivers.

Anyway, as I Search thru this Forum for "reformat" I am learning stuff, but I echo the original question ... anything I need to be aware of first? Hubby remembers reformatting old desktop once and he said before I wipe all out I should note *paths* for drivers, so I hope to go to Device Mgr maybe and see if that tells me what I need. Stuff like that is what I am afraid of not doing before I start.

Any other warnings?

Thx.

 

It is pretty straight forward Grandmaw. Backup your stuff, format, install Windows, install the drivers, update Windows (very important depending on what service pack your Windows has on the disk), set it up like you like it, and enjoy

The only suggestion I have would be to have another computer handy so you can get on the internet in the rare chance you run into a snag. If you run into any problems, let us know.

E

 

I like to take a screenshot of the desktop before I reformat (using mtPaint or something similar) just so I know EXACLTY what I had going on at that time. I also try to take a screenshot of my root directory (C: drive) 'cuz I put any stand-alone programs there and a shortcut on the desktop. For me, reformatting is a major undertaking 'cuz I have so much stuff to back up. I try to stay on top of it, but things always get out of hand: downloads, music, fun links, cool pics.... it's ridiculous!

hd2k

 

If you have an external hard or slave drive backup the whole thing, even if it is using ntbackup.exe., that way you won't forget anything, and can always restore to a folder, or to original location. Make sure you install to C: if you have more than one hard drive running during the install.

 

Thanks, Fred. I appreciate all the assistance everyone offers.

I am right now on a borrowed laptop which I used so I could consult Major Geeks while preparing and cursi---- I mean , cleaning my own little laptop. I hope I can get on the Internet pretty quickly so as to do the umpteen updates since SP2. I will have to read carefully, as I have AVOIDED IE7; I use IE b/c hubby is used to it, but have heard nothing but moanin' about the 7. I also want to download my ZoneAlarm and AVG Free freshly, as well as the other anti-malware such as ccleaner and Spybot S&D, since some of those may have been corrupted and causing the problems. I am very untechnical, but with some prayer, patience, and geek support -- plus borrowed puter -- I think it will work out.

 

Here's what was wrong: (I paid some folks to figure it out b/c I couldn't even get it to reboot) some Symantec stuff was hanging around tripping up everything else. I *thought* I had done the Removal Tool but guess not.

Thanks again to everyone for all the help. I"m sure I"ll be back before long. ;-)