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    Refornatting and reinstalling Windows

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by i_baked_cookies, Nov 25, 2007.

  1. i_baked_cookies

    i_baked_cookies Notebook Consultant

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    Okay, I can get a copy of Windows XP Pro or Windows Vista Enterprise for super-cheap from my college.

    My Acer TM8204 took a massive crap with Windows Vista... there were gigs of files I couldn't delete because of ownership (cmd takeown wouldn't work), and there were corrupted files that checkdisk kept hanging on.

    How should I go about reformatting my whole computer so the drives are totally empty so I can reinstall Windows (havn't decided between XP or Vista yet). I have everything backed up on CDs and memory keys, so I'm not dying here :)

    Thanks in advance.
     
    i_baked_cookies, Nov 25, 2007
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  2. aan310

    aan310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    umm, download Gparted, a linux disk partitioner... format all the disks.... then install windows.

    alternitavly, pop the vista disc in, format the drive (do not quick format) using vistas installer formatter, then install
     
    aan310, Nov 25, 2007
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  3. i_baked_cookies

    i_baked_cookies Notebook Consultant

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    Since my computer is fried, I can't boot to Vista from the hard drive... so I have to boot from the Vista disc. When I do that, it asks me for my key, and it says that this key - the copy of Vista - must be booted from the desktop. But, like I said, I can't get to my desktop.

    My copy of Vista is the Business Upgrade.
     
    i_baked_cookies, Nov 25, 2007
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  4. JCMS

    JCMS Notebook Prophet

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    You can't do a "full" format under vista installer, only quick format. And even, you can just install it without formating (the leftover datas will be unreadable but still there.

    For the upgrade disk, it's bit tricky. When it asks for a cd-key, do not enter anything and press "next", this should install a 30days trial version of Vista (choose vista basic). Once you are on vista basic trial edition, insert you vista DVD and upgrade your installation to Vista Business.

    If it does not work, look for "Vista clean install through upgrade edition" on Google
     
    JCMS, Nov 26, 2007
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