General Chat

Scroll down .............................................................. Mum's pc (June nr Preston) has got the gremlins it just won't download anything on the internet, she just has a nice white blank screen grrrrrr.... we have saved all documents and pictures etc, but now I think the best thing to do now would be to re format ................... I have seen this done but have never actually done it myself before .................... Please can anyone explain briefly how to do it? Thanks Gaynor Ann ..................... p.s I have done 'system restore' but that didn't change anything.

Gaynor I my self don't know, usually my hubby or my son do mine, as hubby is in hospital he can't help, but when BJ gets back from work I will ask him to contact you and walk you through it, he is working untill 5pm, so it will be later on, if you get your answer before then don't worry, good luck. Bev

Which Windows version are you (not) running?

Hi Mum uses XP.... I have backed everything up for her so she won't loose anything. I am the same .... my son usually does it for me - but he lives in Denmark now, I have watched him do it on several occassions but just want to be sure before I take the plunge. Gaynor Ann :-)

gaynor contact me on msn keith

This should work then.... 1. First, make sure that your computer is set to Boot to CD. This is a different procedure depending on your computer. When your computer first boots look for an option to enter the BIOS settings. Under the BIOS settings find the 'Boot Order' and make sure the CD-ROM is set to boot first. 2. With the Windows XP CD in the CD-ROM drive, save your BIOS settings and exit. 3. If you've done everything correctly you should be asked to 'Press Any Key to Boot from CD'. 4. After installing the necessary setup files, Windows XP will display your partitions. Delete any existing partitions by selecting the desired partition with the arrow keys, press D to delete and then L to confirm the deletion. 5. You should now have only one option, 'Unpartitioned Space'. Press Enter to install Windows XP to the unpartitioned space. 6. When asked how you would like to format the partition, select 'Format using the NTFS file system'. 7. After the partition is formatted, Windows XP will begin installation. The computer will reboot. While the computer is rebooting, please do not touch any keys. 8. Enter your product key. If you are reformatting using a Windows XP CD that came with your computer, the product key may be located on a sticker somewhere on your computer case. 9. When asked for Network Settings, choose 'Typical Settings'. 10. Windows XP will now complete installation. Upon completion you will need to re-install the drivers for your hardware (Modem, Sound, Video, etc). Many PC companies such as Dell, Gateway, and HP will include a 'Driver Installation CD' will the computer. Simply insert the CD and follow the instructions. 11. Next turn on the Internet Connection Firewall. Instructions to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall can be found here. 12. Reconnect your computer to the Network. 13. Run Windows Update by opening Internet Explorer, then clicking on Tools -> Windows Update. Follow the on-screen instructions for installing critical updates. 14. Restart your computer. (borrowed from a website as it was too much to type lol) Message me if you need help with any of this.

Before reformatting, have you tried running ADAWARE and doing routine maintenance? Judy

couldnt have put it better mesen keith xx

Judy.... just going to quickly run adaware but if that doesn't help then I'll follow Tracy's instructions..... do you agree Keith? :-)

Run Adaware in safe mode.....take note of any .exe programs it finds as they would need to be removed manually.

Here we go then - fingers, knees and eyes crossed..... well those are the polite body parts anyway ;-)

Hmmmmm...... yes well...... what can I say. I have re formatted the pc.... it was actually Windows ME, THAT has reformatted no problem (I think) I tried to add XP but it doesn't want to play - so... Mum was happy to stay with ME. The biggest problem now is that I can't get it connected to Broadband.... We have 3 pc's networked (thank goodness the other 2 are ok) but I have absolutely NO idea of how to sort that little lot out. I put the cd in for the wireless connection but it just gave me written instructions that didn't match up. Hey Ho... its off to the garden I go.... cos I'm fed up with it now after 3-4 hours. Mum's on her lappie for now and I don't know what will happen with the pc. Just wanted to say though.... thanks for teaching me how to re format a pc at least.... I DID learn something new. Gaynor Ann :-)

Glad it's (kinda) sorted :) Maybe the broadband disk is for XP only? I'm puzzled as to why XP wouldn't load for you. If you or your mum need anymore help, PM me. I'll be only too happy to (as long as it's not from 25/6-14/7 whilst I'm on honeymoon) :)