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    Reformatting HDD without losing windows

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Guildwoodpearce, Aug 19, 2008.

  1. Guildwoodpearce

    Guildwoodpearce Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is it possible to do so? my brother has a gateway notebook that is filled with spyware and adware, but he doesn't have a system restore disc or windows xp disc.
     
    Guildwoodpearce, Aug 19, 2008
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  2. Dook

    Dook Notebook Virtuoso

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    No. If you reformat, all data is gone. Thats the whole purpose.
     
    Dook, Aug 19, 2008
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  3. andyasselin

    andyasselin Notebook Deity

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    they chance that util to burn recovery disk still on laptop and can make new set recovery disk you might want to check for that

    also laptop might have feature to recovery laptop from hard disk
     
    andyasselin, Aug 20, 2008
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  4. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    Format = Erase all Data.

    Windows will go poof.

    This is why you should use partitions and keep all of your data on a seperate partition so you can format the windows install and start fresh without losing the data.

    As for installing windows, its not hard and you can create recovery image disks if you have a lot of things on your computer that you may not want to install again.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Aug 20, 2008
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  5. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    check the gateway website for support documents for his model. Some laptop makers put the restore cd on a hidden partition on the hard drive. If he has that, he could burn/transfer/save everything important onto other media, then run the restore partition to reinstall the OS to just like the day he got it.
     
    Primes, Aug 20, 2008
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  6. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    He should be able to call Gateway and badger them into sending him a restore disc. They usually will send those, especially if he can prove he's the one who bought it.
     
    Pitabred, Aug 20, 2008
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