reformatting w/o the cd? - Webmaster Forums - Webmaster forum for HTML, PHP, ASP, CSS and more

Browning · 08-01-2005, 08:46 PM

I got a pretty crappy computer. The hd is only like 7 gigs(yes I know) and 128mb of ram. Its got xp pro on it, we got it from the local college when all of their comps were upgraded. They sold these for $100, but no xp cd. Well it is about 88% full, and always pops up the low disc memory, and another that is similar.

I have never formatted before, and w/o the disc is it posible?

Also, what all is involved? Will I have to setup my internet connection again, etc?

stainofmind · 08-02-2005, 10:21 PM

A lot is involved, you will have to "set up" everything again following a format, including Windows itself, and since you don't have a disk, you're SOL.

Browning · 08-03-2005, 01:41 PM

Thats what I was afraid of.

augustine · 09-14-2005, 04:24 AM

You can install Linux and use it again

Or why not just wipe out things that are not needed and then add a bigger HDD using the old HDD as the OS and the other one as storage?

boohlick · 11-04-2005, 07:13 AM

If you have an start up disk (this can be get from Win 98 and higher) all you need is a diskette. Once you have created a start up disk you can now reformat your HDD.
Just insert hte diskette and hten go to bios and make sure that the drive A is your 1st boot.
After that you can start ruuning your start disk in MS dos mode. You can now format that in MSDos syntax format C:

And thats it.. after formatting you can now install your new OS

Hope this can help?

tado · 11-05-2005, 03:34 AM

tip:

just format it again and have it partition for you to have a backup of the installer in case you dont have a cd.

toles · 12-29-2005, 03:53 AM

$100.Thats too expensive.buy on ebay and you will see the cheapest in town has to offer.use a floppy drive to format your hd.!

Pedro Parker · 06-14-2006, 11:34 PM

http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/window...s/reformat.htm

I found this guide quite helpful.