When you format with a Windows Cd it is always best to
start fresh. If it is a new computer then you will have to create a
partition, however if it already has windows on the hard drive, you will
have to delete it. To delete the previous copy of windows you will need to
delete the partition on your hard drive where it is stored.
This will mean that you will loose all the
information and data that was previously on that section of the hard
drive. Obviously you should backup your important data.
If there is a copy of Windows XP on your computer and you wish to
overwrite it you will have to press the escape button when
prompted. Do not install Windows XP in another directory unless you know
what you are doing. Just overwrite the previous version as you should
have backed up your data anyway.
To Delete the partition that windows is on
you have to select it by making it blue. Then you can press the
letter D on the keyboard. You will have to press the letter L
to confirm that you want to delete this partition.
If there is more than one partition with other
data on it , you can either leave it there or delete it as well. If you
leave it there, create another partition to replace the one you deleted, and
install Windows to this one. Therefore the other partition will still have
it files intact.
Notes:
When you first start deleting partitions it
can be a bit scary, however it is not a problem if you have everything
backed up anyway.
You can format any other hard drives or
partitions while still in Windows. You cannot format the partition that
holds Windows unless you start from scratch with the install cd. Read
how to format your spare hard drive.
I have a 400gb hard drive divided into two
200gb partitions. When I format my computer I only delete the first 200gb
partition with Windows on it. All the other data has been backed up onto
the second 200gb. Of course I have another backup hard drive just incase
the whole thing packs up on me.
Mitz Pantic wrote this article and others for
tips4pc.com
Browse for more articles that are written in an easy to understand interface
and get FREE
computer help.
Keep all this information at your fingertips to follow
the steps by step instructions and tutorials. You cannot buy a book like
this anywhere!
