Introduction

Formatting and re-installing? Most likely the reasons for format and re-install would be due to OS issues, or malware compromising your computer. Correct?

Please print this tutorial, as it might not be available while you are doing this process. To print this tutorial in a printer-friendly format, click the Actions link just above this post to the right. Lastly, click Print this page. Do not distribute this tutorial, it is for private use only.

Backup

• Create a folder on your Desktop or *Recovery drive with the following sub-folders:
  
  • Mail **
    
  • Media (pictures, videos, music) ***
    
  • Documents ***

LEGEND for backup

*What is a recovery drive?

**How to back up Outlook Express items

***Backing up media, favorites, documents

Automatic recovery options

This does the reformat and reinstall for you.

DELL

LENOVO (IBM)

ACER This will download the E-Recovery Zip file. Unzip, then run.

Preparation

Discs needed

• Operating System disc (if you do not have one, borrow one from a friend) OR Manufacturer's recovery disc.
  
• Product key for the Operating System (no stealing, you must have your own). The product key is a sticker located in the folder of your OS disc or on the side/bottom of your machine. If the product key was purchased separately or replaced, it may be someplace else.
  
• Motherboard driver's disc(s).
  
• Internet-service-provider disc(s) and/or modem/DSL install disc(s).
  
• All of your program disc(s) {Example: Microsoft Office, Adobe CS4, Windows Live OneCare, etc.}
  

Formatting partition and doing the reinstall

Note: This will totally wipe your OS parition and re-install a fresh copy of Windows.

1. Insert your OS disc in to your CD/DVD tray
   
2. Restart the computer, and at the prompt to boot from CD/DVD, press a key to continue. If you did not boot in to the CD/DVD, restart your computer and try again.
   
3. When the setup begins, you may or may not need to use a mouse. Be prepared to use your keyboard and follow instructions on screen.
   
4. Continue with setup, and continue through the license agreement.
   
5. When dealing with the partition: you will need to install a fresh copy. Do not perform a repair or upgrade.
   
6. When formatting the partition, use the following option "Format the partition using the NTFS file system."
   
7. Allow it to format. Once done, OS setup will begin.
   
8. Going through setup, select keyboard and language options. Enter your product key. And allow the install to finish.

Preparation for first use and resetting your options

1. Make sure your Internet is properly configured.
   
2. Navigate to Microsoft Windows Update, and install all high priority updates available. Restart your computer when prompted. Continue this process, till all high priority updates are installed.
   
3. Install your antivirus and firewall and antispyware. If you have an Internet security suite, install that instead.
   
4. Install motherboard and hardware drivers from the appropriate discs. Note: only if a piece of hardware asks for the driver, should you install it. Sometimes, once a driver is installed, it will stay installed.
   
5. Import Outlook Express items
   
6. Import favorites and place all documents and media, etc back in to place.
   

Troubleshooting any issues with installing or resetting important objects in Windows

Please start a new topic in our PC Help forum.