Renewing a Computer

[Yugl]

You can tell from the title that I don't have much experience with computers. That said, I was wondering how difficult it would be to completely refresh a computer if I have the initial installation disk. Is this a task I need experience to do, or is it simply read and follow the instructions?

[SubzeroDiabolos]

You mean formatting your PC?

Formatting your PC with windows XP.

[Yugl]

Oh this looks like what I need. Thanks.

Edit: Actually I think I need to know the difference between Repair and Reformat. I think I might need the former. Oh and whats a partitian (SP)?

[SubzeroDiabolos]

Searching youtube really isn't hard.

Turn volume down a bit, quality is horrible.

EDIT: I almost forgot about this if you already don't know about it, Ccleaner does wonders.

[mootsfox]

If you can use a forum, you can reformat windows.

Just put the disc in, it will walk you through it.

You should not lose your files in a repair. You will lose them in a reformat. You can do both from an OS level, just shove the disc in your drive and auto run will walk you through it.

[Yugl]

If you can use a forum, you can reformat windows.

Just put the disc in, it will walk you through it.

You should not lose your files in a repair. You will lose them in a reformat. You can do both from an OS level, just shove the disc in your drive and auto run will walk you through it.

Cool, thanks for the clarification.

[Cephius]

Always always always back up your data regardless of which one you're doing. Any major disk/OS operation has the potential to ruin your data. You should be doing regular backups anyway, but definitely do one before attempting a repair.

[Ratatapa]

If you can use a forum, you can reformat windows.

Just put the disc in, it will walk you through it.

You should not lose your files in a repair. You will lose them in a reformat. You can do both from an OS level, just shove the disc in your drive and auto run will walk you through it.

I have to disagree a little

I have had this instance then when i did an installation repair i kept all my files exept the files in document and settings that got full deleted (since i think repair play in local settings in there and all)

So you can just back up your file into C: (make a folder) and you should be fine

[Cephius]

I have to disagree a little

I have had this instance then when i did an installation repair i kept all my files exept the files in document and settings that got full deleted (since i think repair play in local settings in there and all)

So you can just back up your file into C: (make a folder) and you should be fine

A repair should only reinstall the core operating system files, it shouldn't touch your documents and settings folder.

[Shuemue]

He possibly created a new user account?

[Yugl]

Well I think I just need repair? There are some pop-ups about "Image cannot be displayed properly.exe please check windows installation disk" or something to that effect. It sounds like I just need to repair the computer.