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Tutorial: How to reformat your hard drive and install/reinstall Windows

Discussion in 'Guides and Tutorials' started by korrupt, Jul 5, 2006.

  1. domrix004 Newcomer, in training

    Help!

    I have a questions sirs',..
    If i will reformat my laptop.. the OS will also be removed? even though it is built in,, because when i bought my laptop.. it already had a Operating system which is W7,,. and now.. i would want to reformat my laptop....

    KINDLY HELP.. PLEASE..
    Thanks a lot to whomever you are that's going to help me...=))
  2. joeretired Newcomer, in training

    I'm in the process of reinstalling XP sp3. Ran into a snag about product key. I had to order a license key. The interesting part about this is the saleswoman told me that when you replace a hard drive as I did, and try the old product key, the mother board indicates that it is invalid, and that a new license is needed. I'm not sure if this true or not but I offer this up in case anyone is fighting the same battle.
  3. mailpup TechSpot Special Forces

    Simply replacing the hard drive should not require a new product key. BTW, this information probably doesn't belong in this tutorial thread.
  4. captaincranky TechSpot Addict

    Yeah well, it's hard to find good help these days. The reverse is true with pre-built computers and OEM product keys. If the motherboard fails, the corresponding copy of Windows dies with it. Unless, it is replaced with an OEM board of the exact same type, from the original manufacturer. Restore discs will install the OS into whatever HDD it finds, in either IDE Channel 0 master, or the SATA 0 port of the mobo. (Dependend obviously, on the type of HDD interface in use).

    One issue you can run into with "tatooed" OEM boards, is sometimes they won't accept a standard Windows disc foe an install, but rather require the factory issued "restore discs", for the exact same model.
  5. Archean TechSpot Paladin

    What is the make/model of your notebook? Chances are it may contain a recovery partition containing OS with factory defaults on it, so if this is the case, you can simply use prescribed system recovery and follow the steps described in their material.
  6. aungmoe Newcomer, in training

    Install Windows 7 on XP laptop

    If I would like to reformat my hard drive of the laptop, running Windows XP and install Windows 7, shall I follow the same steps or are there any different steps?
  7. Archean TechSpot Paladin

    If you have a legal copy of Windows 7, there is no issue with going ahead and formating your HDD then installing the OS.

    However, please ensure that you have backed up all your necessary data before proceeding with the formating and installation.
  8. hyp40 Newcomer, in training

    Stuck in reinstall Windows XP

    I have followed your instructions - which have been very clear. I am currently stuck as it says "Display Settings - To improve the appearance of visual elements, Windows will automatically adjust your screen resolution." I can't press the OK button as my wireless mouse and keyboard stopped working during the reinstall. Help please!!
  9. BigBadBob Newcomer, in training

    Bob Roe

    Hi,
    I am relatively novice and trying to reformat an XP hardrive.

    The instructions are fabulous, but I get lost # the Format instruction after hitting ENTER to install Windows on "the unpartitioned space" and do not understand (ntfs) nothing comes up to guide fromatting.

    Thanks,
    BigBadBob
  10. BigBadBob Newcomer, in training

    Korrupt

    I get lost after coming to hit ENTER to install windows in "unpartitioned space" Nothing comes up for format and not sure what (ntsf) is.
    Thanks,
    BigBadBob
  11. BigBadBob Newcomer, in training

    howard_hopkinso

    Get lost after step9. Nothing directs me to select format and do not understand (ntsf) file.

    Thanks,
    BigBadBob