Reformatting of computer

Hi.

I want to reformat my PC (desktop), however I find that it is different from lappy.

In lappy, there are rebootable disk, afew disks for Xp. Directions simple and clear.

However for my desktop, it has only 1 disk for microsoft.
I am kind of confuse how to reformat it.

Anyway, the CPU is self assembled by others around 2 yrs ago.

AMD processor.

Please help.

Thank you.

 

Hi

Go to your BIOS, and set the CD drive as first boot priority

Put the XP install disc in the cd drive and boot from it

 

1) Turn on the computer
2) Boot from the disc, which I assume is an OS disc
3) Install Windows
4) Install additional device drivers

If you have any questions or troubles, please feel free to send me a private message (click on my username) so that I will return to your thread.

 

Hi.

This is the disc which i think is for the pc.





Anyway, where is the cd key?

N normally how long is it?

 

The CD key should be in that pamphlet. It should be attached to the back

It has the words "Product Key" on the sticker.

Do you mean how long will the reinstall take?-usually between 1 and a half to two hours depending on your PC and how many drivers you'll need to install.

The Product key is 25 charicters long in 5 character groups.

If you cannot find the product key, and the PC is still bootable, you can use the Magical Jellybean Key Finder to find your product key and write it down prior to reformatting the machine.

Good Luck

 

If that OS has been installed, it's probably on the back, or bottom of your machine. If that package hasn't been opened (I can't tell), it should be on there on the packaging. Depending on provided paperwork from the builder, it also may be typed on your package list, or billing statement.

 

Hi all.

My is AMD processor. Abit different from intel when entering the BIOS system.

Press del to enter BIOS set up?

Press tab for vPOST. No idea what is that.

After this image, the pc will go on running microsoft already.

 

Make sure you have your Product Key before you begin setup! Without it you won't be able to complete installation

Also, make sure you backup all your documents, photos, etc...

As for the BIOS, does it tell you to press "del" to enter BIOS setup? If so press the delete key. If not, look on the screen-before you see the Windows XP logo w/ the green bar, the specific key(s) that need to be pressed to let you access the BIOS should be displayed.

Once there navigate through each section using the arrow keys looking for something along the lines of "boot order" or "boot priority" Change that to make the CD drive the first device on the list, followed by your hard drive.

Don't touch anything else, just push the keys required to exit the BIOS and save your changes. (the "exit" key is usually listed at the bottom of the BIOS screen)

 

I use RockXP for getting windows keys. It is Vista Compatible. You can get it here.

 

On my laptop I also have F9 to set boot priority ,but in desktops I think you have to do it manually.
So dell to enter BIOS after the first screen, then look for BOOT order or priority or something.
Make sure the first in the list is cd/dvd by using the "+" key in most cases to change it, and that the second priority is the hdd..
After that reboot with the cd inside and it will have an option to FORMAT, use that.