Clean formatting HD for WinXP-How?

[W.Madison]

I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I have,
unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I wanted to
clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only get the option
of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.

I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I tried didn't
work on XP.

I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or didn't
understand it.:-)

Two questions:

1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a boot floppy and
was told the DOS boot disks won't work.

2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home from the
Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try anything
until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to say I will never
purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail version of WinXP
installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.

I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a retail version
of Windows.

TIA for any help.

Wendy

--
W.Madison
http://www.wmadison.150m.com/

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to get a
definitive answer, but most OEM Recovery CDs are designed to
completely eradicate your current installation and return the hard
drive to the same condition (software-wise) that it was in when it
left the factory. Naturally, this process also erases any software
applications you've since installed, and also destroys any personal
data that you have saved on the hard drive. Your OEM Recovery CD
seems to also offer you the opportunity to perform a repair, but this
is rare.

The Quick Format option of your Recovery CD _should_ give you a
clean installation, plus add any "features" and utilities that the
PC's manufacturer thinks you need.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"W.Madison" > wrote in message
...
> I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I have,
> unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I wanted
to
> clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only get the
option
> of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.
>
> I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I tried
didn't
> work on XP.
>
> I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or
didn't
> understand it.:-)
>
> Two questions:
>
> 1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a boot
floppy and
> was told the DOS boot disks won't work.
>
> 2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home from the
> Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try
anything
> until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to say I
will never
> purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail version
of WinXP
> installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.
>
> I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a retail
version
> of Windows.
>
> TIA for any help.
>
> Wendy
>
> --
> W.Madison
> http://www.wmadison.150m.com/
>
>

[W.Madison]

Thanks for the quick answer. What I want to know though, is can I format
this drive and install a retail version of Windows XP instead of the OEM
version that came with it, or would that be impossible without buying a new
hard drive?

I did contact the manufacturer, and they won't tell me anything other than
to just run the recovery disc. And, the so called Non-destructive option
will disable any third party software that is installed. I tried it.

Wendy

"Bruce Chambers" > wrote in message
...
> Greetings --
>
> You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to get a
> definitive answer, but most OEM Recovery CDs are designed to
> completely eradicate your current installation and return the hard
> drive to the same condition (software-wise) that it was in when it
> left the factory. Naturally, this process also erases any software
> applications you've since installed, and also destroys any personal
> data that you have saved on the hard drive. Your OEM Recovery CD
> seems to also offer you the opportunity to perform a repair, but this
> is rare.
>
> The Quick Format option of your Recovery CD _should_ give you a
> clean installation, plus add any "features" and utilities that the
> PC's manufacturer thinks you need.
>
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> --
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
> having both at once. -- RAH
>
>
> "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I have,
> > unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I wanted
> to
> > clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only get the
> option
> > of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.
> >
> > I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I tried
> didn't
> > work on XP.
> >
> > I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or
> didn't
> > understand it.:-)
> >
> > Two questions:
> >
> > 1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a boot
> floppy and
> > was told the DOS boot disks won't work.
> >
> > 2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home from the
> > Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try
> anything
> > until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to say I
> will never
> > purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail version
> of WinXP
> > installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.
> >
> > I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a retail
> version
> > of Windows.
> >
> > TIA for any help.
> >
> > Wendy
> >
> > --
> > W.Madison
> > http://www.wmadison.150m.com/
> >
> >
>
>

[Harry Ohrn]

Wendy there should be no reason why you can't format your hard drive and
install a retail version of XP. You do not have to purchase another hard
drive. Boot with the retail version of XP and follow the instructions here
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
--

Harry Ohrn - MS MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"W.Madison" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the quick answer. What I want to know though, is can I format
> this drive and install a retail version of Windows XP instead of the OEM
> version that came with it, or would that be impossible without buying a
new
> hard drive?
>
> I did contact the manufacturer, and they won't tell me anything other than
> to just run the recovery disc. And, the so called Non-destructive option
> will disable any third party software that is installed. I tried it.
>
> Wendy
>
> "Bruce Chambers" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Greetings --
> >
> > You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to get a
> > definitive answer, but most OEM Recovery CDs are designed to
> > completely eradicate your current installation and return the hard
> > drive to the same condition (software-wise) that it was in when it
> > left the factory. Naturally, this process also erases any software
> > applications you've since installed, and also destroys any personal
> > data that you have saved on the hard drive. Your OEM Recovery CD
> > seems to also offer you the opportunity to perform a repair, but this
> > is rare.
> >
> > The Quick Format option of your Recovery CD _should_ give you a
> > clean installation, plus add any "features" and utilities that the
> > PC's manufacturer thinks you need.
> >
> >
> > Bruce Chambers
> >
> > --
> > Help us help you:
> > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> >
> > You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
> > having both at once. -- RAH
> >
> >
> > "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I have,
> > > unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I wanted
> > to
> > > clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only get the
> > option
> > > of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.
> > >
> > > I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I tried
> > didn't
> > > work on XP.
> > >
> > > I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or
> > didn't
> > > understand it.:-)
> > >
> > > Two questions:
> > >
> > > 1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a boot
> > floppy and
> > > was told the DOS boot disks won't work.
> > >
> > > 2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home from the
> > > Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try
> > anything
> > > until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to say I
> > will never
> > > purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail version
> > of WinXP
> > > installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.
> > >
> > > I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a retail
> > version
> > > of Windows.
> > >
> > > TIA for any help.
> > >
> > > Wendy
> > >
> > > --
> > > W.Madison
> > > http://www.wmadison.150m.com/
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[W.Madison]

Thanks, Harry. I plan to buy a retail version soon. I had paid extra money
for a retail copy that I wasn't given. The OEM versions suck.

Wendy

"Harry Ohrn" > wrote in message
...
> Wendy there should be no reason why you can't format your hard drive and
> install a retail version of XP. You do not have to purchase another hard
> drive. Boot with the retail version of XP and follow the instructions here
> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
> --
>
> Harry Ohrn - MS MVP [Shell/User]
> www.webtree.ca/windowsxp
>
>
> "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Thanks for the quick answer. What I want to know though, is can I format
> > this drive and install a retail version of Windows XP instead of the OEM
> > version that came with it, or would that be impossible without buying a
> new
> > hard drive?
> >
> > I did contact the manufacturer, and they won't tell me anything other
than
> > to just run the recovery disc. And, the so called Non-destructive option
> > will disable any third party software that is installed. I tried it.
> >
> > Wendy
> >
> > "Bruce Chambers" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Greetings --
> > >
> > > You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to get a
> > > definitive answer, but most OEM Recovery CDs are designed to
> > > completely eradicate your current installation and return the hard
> > > drive to the same condition (software-wise) that it was in when it
> > > left the factory. Naturally, this process also erases any software
> > > applications you've since installed, and also destroys any personal
> > > data that you have saved on the hard drive. Your OEM Recovery CD
> > > seems to also offer you the opportunity to perform a repair, but this
> > > is rare.
> > >
> > > The Quick Format option of your Recovery CD _should_ give you a
> > > clean installation, plus add any "features" and utilities that the
> > > PC's manufacturer thinks you need.
> > >
> > >
> > > Bruce Chambers
> > >
> > > --
> > > Help us help you:
> > > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> > >
> > > You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
> > > having both at once. -- RAH
> > >
> > >
> > > "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I have,
> > > > unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I wanted
> > > to
> > > > clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only get the
> > > option
> > > > of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.
> > > >
> > > > I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I tried
> > > didn't
> > > > work on XP.
> > > >
> > > > I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or
> > > didn't
> > > > understand it.:-)
> > > >
> > > > Two questions:
> > > >
> > > > 1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a boot
> > > floppy and
> > > > was told the DOS boot disks won't work.
> > > >
> > > > 2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home from the
> > > > Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try
> > > anything
> > > > until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to say I
> > > will never
> > > > purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail version
> > > of WinXP
> > > > installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.
> > > >
> > > > I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a retail
> > > version
> > > > of Windows.
> > > >
> > > > TIA for any help.
> > > >
> > > > Wendy
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > W.Madison
> > > > http://www.wmadison.150m.com/
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Harry Ohrn]

It really sucks when a vendor promises and then doesn't deliver.

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"W.Madison" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks, Harry. I plan to buy a retail version soon. I had paid extra money
> for a retail copy that I wasn't given. The OEM versions suck.
>
> Wendy
>
> "Harry Ohrn" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Wendy there should be no reason why you can't format your hard drive and
> > install a retail version of XP. You do not have to purchase another hard
> > drive. Boot with the retail version of XP and follow the instructions
here
> > http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
> > --
> >
> > Harry Ohrn - MS MVP [Shell/User]
> > www.webtree.ca/windowsxp
> >
> >
> > "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Thanks for the quick answer. What I want to know though, is can I
format
> > > this drive and install a retail version of Windows XP instead of the
OEM
> > > version that came with it, or would that be impossible without buying
a
> > new
> > > hard drive?
> > >
> > > I did contact the manufacturer, and they won't tell me anything other
> than
> > > to just run the recovery disc. And, the so called Non-destructive
option
> > > will disable any third party software that is installed. I tried it.
> > >
> > > Wendy
> > >
> > > "Bruce Chambers" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Greetings --
> > > >
> > > > You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to get a
> > > > definitive answer, but most OEM Recovery CDs are designed to
> > > > completely eradicate your current installation and return the hard
> > > > drive to the same condition (software-wise) that it was in when it
> > > > left the factory. Naturally, this process also erases any software
> > > > applications you've since installed, and also destroys any personal
> > > > data that you have saved on the hard drive. Your OEM Recovery CD
> > > > seems to also offer you the opportunity to perform a repair, but
this
> > > > is rare.
> > > >
> > > > The Quick Format option of your Recovery CD _should_ give you a
> > > > clean installation, plus add any "features" and utilities that the
> > > > PC's manufacturer thinks you need.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Bruce Chambers
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Help us help you:
> > > > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> > > >
> > > > You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
> > > > having both at once. -- RAH
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I have,
> > > > > unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I
wanted
> > > > to
> > > > > clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only get
the
> > > > option
> > > > > of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.
> > > > >
> > > > > I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I
tried
> > > > didn't
> > > > > work on XP.
> > > > >
> > > > > I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or
> > > > didn't
> > > > > understand it.:-)
> > > > >
> > > > > Two questions:
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a boot
> > > > floppy and
> > > > > was told the DOS boot disks won't work.
> > > > >
> > > > > 2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home from
the
> > > > > Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try
> > > > anything
> > > > > until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to say I
> > > > will never
> > > > > purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail
version
> > > > of WinXP
> > > > > installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.
> > > > >
> > > > > I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a
retail
> > > > version
> > > > > of Windows.
> > > > >
> > > > > TIA for any help.
> > > > >
> > > > > Wendy
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > W.Madison
> > > > > http://www.wmadison.150m.com/
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Rich/rerat]

Wendy,
Before reformatting and reinstalling XP, you may want to go to the =
website(s) for all the hardware you have in your PC. To download the XP =
drivers for those items, such as modem, graphic cards, etc... =20

--=20
Rich/rerat

Add MS News Server to your OE with news://msnews.microsoft.com/
(RRR News) <message rule>


"Harry Ohrn" > wrote in message =
...
It really sucks when a vendor promises and then doesn't deliver.

--=20

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"W.Madison" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks, Harry. I plan to buy a retail version soon. I had paid extra =
money
> for a retail copy that I wasn't given. The OEM versions suck.
>
> Wendy
>
> "Harry Ohrn" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Wendy there should be no reason why you can't format your hard drive =
and
> > install a retail version of XP. You do not have to purchase another =
hard
> > drive. Boot with the retail version of XP and follow the =
instructions
here
> > http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
> > --=20
> >
> > Harry Ohrn - MS MVP [Shell/User]
> > www.webtree.ca/windowsxp
> >
> >
> > "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Thanks for the quick answer. What I want to know though, is can I
format
> > > this drive and install a retail version of Windows XP instead of =
the
OEM
> > > version that came with it, or would that be impossible without =
buying
a
> > new
> > > hard drive?
> > >
> > > I did contact the manufacturer, and they won't tell me anything =
other
> than
> > > to just run the recovery disc. And, the so called Non-destructive
option
> > > will disable any third party software that is installed. I tried =
it.
> > >
> > > Wendy
> > >
> > > "Bruce Chambers" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Greetings --
> > > >
> > > > You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to get a
> > > > definitive answer, but most OEM Recovery CDs are designed to
> > > > completely eradicate your current installation and return the =
hard
> > > > drive to the same condition (software-wise) that it was in when =
it
> > > > left the factory. Naturally, this process also erases any =
software
> > > > applications you've since installed, and also destroys any =
personal
> > > > data that you have saved on the hard drive. Your OEM Recovery =
CD
> > > > seems to also offer you the opportunity to perform a repair, but
this
> > > > is rare.
> > > >
> > > > The Quick Format option of your Recovery CD _should_ give =
you a
> > > > clean installation, plus add any "features" and utilities that =
the
> > > > PC's manufacturer thinks you need.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Bruce Chambers
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Help us help you:
> > > > http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> > > > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> > > >
> > > > You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count =
on
> > > > having both at once. -- RAH
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "W.Madison" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I =
have,
> > > > > unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I
wanted
> > > > to
> > > > > clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only =
get
the
> > > > option
> > > > > of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.
> > > > >
> > > > > I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I
tried
> > > > didn't
> > > > > work on XP.
> > > > >
> > > > > I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or
> > > > didn't
> > > > > understand it.:-)
> > > > >
> > > > > Two questions:
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a =
boot
> > > > floppy and
> > > > > was told the DOS boot disks won't work.
> > > > >
> > > > > 2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home =
from
the
> > > > > Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try
> > > > anything
> > > > > until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to =
say I
> > > > will never
> > > > > purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail
version
> > > > of WinXP
> > > > > installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.
> > > > >
> > > > > I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a
retail
> > > > version
> > > > > of Windows.
> > > > >
> > > > > TIA for any help.
> > > > >
> > > > > Wendy
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > W.Madison
> > > > > http://www.wmadison.150m.com/
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Jeff Hayes]

"W.Madison" > wrote in message
...
> I run Windows XP Home on a P4 2.0GHz, 40GB HD, 256MB RAM. I have,
> unfortunately, an OEM version of XP Home. This past weekend I wanted to
> clean install my WinXP, but with the Recovery discs, I only get the option
> of Non-destructive recovery or Quick format.
>
> I know how on every other version of Windows, but what ever I tried didn't
> work on XP.
>
> I searched the Internet, but either didn't find what I need or didn't
> understand it.:-)
>
> Two questions:
>
> 1. How do you do a full format on WinXP Home? I didn't get a boot floppy
and
> was told the DOS boot disks won't work.
>
> 2. If I do a full format can I simply restore my WinXP Home from the
> Recovery CD's that came with the computer? I was afraid to try anything
> until I got answers, and my tech support sucks. Needless to say I will
never
> purchase from them again, I had paid extra to have a retail version of
WinXP
> installed on an empty drive but did not get that after all.
>
> I don't want to be stuck without a computer until I go buy a retail
version
> of Windows.
>
> TIA for any help.
>
> Wendy
>
> --
> W.Madison
> http://www.wmadison.150m.com/
>
> ok you can do a repair without recovery ok this is Jeff recovery is the
last option not the best ok only when you really need recovery you should
use it