Re installing windows
This is really a simple task these days, most reputable resellers provide recovery disks which re install windows and all the drivers you need. Your computer / laptop will be effectively the same as when you first turned it on.
If you only have a Windows Xp disk and no drivers disk things can get more difficult (Hours spent looking for some obscure drivers on out of date websites) but this is not always the case.
Before backing up your data you need to do the following - You don’t want to re infect a clean install of xp.
Firstly make sure you windows is up to date with all critical patches
www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
Then make sure you virus protection is up to date - Perform a full scan.
Make sure you have got the latest updates for your spyware scanner - perform a full scan.
Best way to back up is to copy all your photos, mp3's etc to either cd or dvd. When you have burn all your cds just test them all !! For the extra few mins its takes you can avoid losing all your holiday snaps cos of a bad burn.
If you dont have a cd/dvd writer why not ? - If you`ve got a standard pc invest in one there cheap
www.ebuyer.co.uk. If you`ve got a laptop without one there more expensive, your best buying an external one using usb check usb compatability 1.1 and 2.
Places you can store data.
You`ve backed up all your data, Now check again !! you always lose something, well I do.
Check:-
My Documents
Favorites (Internet Explorer)
C: (Root)
Desktop
If you've got an external modem, did you need drivers to install it ? have you got them. If not download them off the internet !! Once you've cleared your hardrive without a modem working your can't download anything you need to get going again.
Also check you have any sign in information you might need - I.e. passwords for NTL etc.
The following is from the HP web site but it should be universal for all makes of laptop and desktops wit the recovery software.
Reinstall Windows using the Operating System Disc (OSD).
Windows XP can be reinstalled using the OSD included with your notebook PC. Reinstalling the operating system may be necessary if repairing or otherwise restoring Windows does not fix the problem. Reinstalling Windows is not the same process as repairing Windows.
WARNING: Personal data and software you have installed on the notebook will be lost during the OSD reinstall. HP recommends that you make a backup copy of all personal data before beginning this process. For information on creating a backup copy of your data see Microsoft's Backup Basics.
Follow the steps below to reinstall your operating system:
1.
Connect the AC adapter and turn on the notebook PC.
2.
Insert the OSD into the CD or DVD drive.
3.
Press and hold the Power button for five seconds to turn off the notebook.
4.
Press the Power button again to start the notebook.
5.
Press any key to boot from CD when prompted. The Welcome to Setup screen is displayed.
6.
Press the Enter key to continue. A Licensing Agreement screen is displayed.
7.
Press the F8 key to accept the agreement and continue. The Setup window is displayed.
8.
Press the Esc key to continue installing a fresh copy of the operating system without repairing.
9.
Press Enter to setup the operating system.
10.
Press C to continue using this partition.
11.
Select Format the partition using the NTFS file system (Quick) and press Enter. A caution is displayed that formatting this drive will delete all current files.
* To cancel this procedure press the Esc key on the keyboard.
* To continue with reformatting your hard drive press the F key on your keyboard.
12.
The reinstallation process begins and may take several minutes to complete. The notebook restarts into Windows after the process is complete.
NOTE: When prompted for the product key, refer to the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity located on the bottom of the notebook.
When Windows is going again - Hopefully with no problems. Your drivers should all be installed automatically but if you have a separate disk you may need to install the contents - Should guide you through it when you put the disk in.
First get your modem installed and firewall going.
Install anti virus and anti spyware and update.
Then get windows updated with all patches.
Do all this before surfing or checking your email and restoring all your backed up data.
And your ready to go again.
Just remember !!!! Dont panic, once your data is backed up you cant do any damage, it can all be sorted out if you do make a mistake. Get yourself on a mates PC and Google for an answer or PM me and ill see what I can do.
Jim
