Cleaning Hard Drive

manifesto

manifesto

Well-known member
Hey guys I have not really cleaned out my hard-drive in a long time and I know there is a lot of stuff just lingering around on here.

I have the recovery disk that will restore my windows to the way it was when I bought my comp, but the only thing is I am not sure how to go about this.

With my old computer I use to restart the computer in DOS MODE and type format c:. Then I would insert the recovery disk. On the xp I have now, there is no option to restart in DOS-MODE or anything. So any help on the right way to use this recovery disk would be greatly appreciated.
 
I also forgot to mention that when I insert the cd it does not start running on its own, and when I view the drive in My Computer, it's just a bunch of different install files........???
 
First off start with programs - accessories- system tools- then run disk clean up and disk defragmenter.
XP is not very dos friendly so your out of luck.
 
I have run the disk cleanup before, but I really just want to kind of start from scratch here. I have backed up all important files, and I just need help running this recovery disk.
 
The only way that I know to format an XP partition would be to start a clean install and then delete the previous partition.
You can also hook the hard drive up to another pc( if ths is available)as a slave drive and format it that way, I am not sure your recovery disk will do a clean install though.
I wipe mine about twice a year, but also got a full copy of xp with my laptop.
Good Luck
 
manifesto said:
Hey guys I have not really cleaned out my hard-drive in a long time and I know there is a lot of stuff just lingering around on here.

I have the recovery disk that will restore my windows to the way it was when I bought my comp, but the only thing is I am not sure how to go about this.

With my old computer I use to restart the computer in DOS MODE and type format c:. Then I would insert the recovery disk. On the xp I have now, there is no option to restart in DOS-MODE or anything. So any help on the right way to use this recovery disk would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...


What brand and model is the pc that you have?. All you have to do is go to the manufactures website. There should be instructions there on how to "Restore" the system from the service partition. If you have the recovery CD you should be able to just put the cd in the drive when in windows. If anything comes up just click cancel. Restart your pc. It should come up and say press any key to boot from cd....Follow the prompts from their. You may also have a service partition and restoring from their may be quicker. You should go to the manufactures website though and their will be detailed instructions specific to your make and model pc.
 
never thought about doing it that way, but I prefer a clean install of just the OS that the "other" factory stuff.
Reboot the comp, press F8 or F2 or whatever goes to ur BIOS or boot menu.
Change the primary boot to CD
Then restart and boot from the CD
 
Alright b4 more confusion, do you want to format the hard drive completely and start with a fresh installation of xp?
or do you want clean your current installation of all the junk you have downloaded?
Start by deleting all your temp files and cookies.
You may not to change the folder view to show hidden folders and files if you have not already done so.

*:\Documents and Settings\username\Cookies
*:\Documents and Settings\username\Recent
*:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp
*:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temporay Internet Files

This should get rid of alot of crap that you have built up.
 
Insert disk
Restart your computer
When it is just starting press f12 (at least in mine it is maybe yours is f5, f2 or f8) like when starting in safe mode
This will get you to the boot menu
choose restart from disk or cd or something like that
then it will get you into the disk
follow instructions

At least this is the way I have done it
 
I used to use Compaq PCs and laptops, but now use Dell. I think it's interesting how you can restore the Dell models. You press and hold a combination of 2 or 3 keys before the blue startup screen comes up, after restarting your computer. There's no disks required. It's very convenient. I like it. I've had my current laptop (Dell Inspiron 6000) for about 2 years now, but it's about time for a new one. I'm looking into getting a Sony Vaio.

Also, look into programs like Registry Optimizer, Spybot Search & Destroy, etc. I use those. They help. Also, don't forget to use Disk Cleanup and then to Defrag your system.
 
asori728 said:
Alright b4 more confusion, do you want to format the hard drive completely and start with a fresh installation of xp?
or do you want clean your current installation of all the junk you have downloaded?
Start by deleting all your temp files and cookies.
You may not to change the folder view to show hidden folders and files if you have not already done so.

*:\Documents and Settings\username\Cookies
*:\Documents and Settings\username\Recent
*:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp
*:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temporay Internet Files

This should get rid of alot of crap that you have built up.
Click to expand...


I'm looking to completely start from scratch...I have cleaned temp. internet files quite a few times, but now I want to wipe the whole thing clean.
 
E J said:
Insert disk
Restart your computer
When it is just starting press f12 (at least in mine it is maybe yours is f5, f2 or f8) like when starting in safe mode
This will get you to the boot menu
choose restart from disk or cd or something like that
then it will get you into the disk
follow instructions

At least this is the way I have done it
Click to expand...

Thats sound right...I forgot about going into Bios and setting it up to boot from cd...
 
also, if I do it this way will the old partition be deleted?
 
Thanks for all the help guys I just finished doing a format and complete recovery.

I guess it pays to read the manual...:study:
 
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