How to Reformat a Computer

There are many reasons to have to reformat your computer. When you reformat your computer you set the computer back to how the computer was when it was bought. You will not have any saved information, updates, or other installed programs. You will have to reinstall everything.

The most important step to remember before reformatting is to save everything you want to keep. You can save your browser favorites on the internet from site like ziizo, livefavorites, or bookmarksonline. There are many places on the internet to store your pictures for free. You can easily find the free site to save picture through any online search. Once you hard 100% sure you have everything saved, you can reformat without worrying.

NOTE: You must have your Operating Systems Disk. (Example: Windows XP, Vista)

Step 1

Turn on the computer. Insert the operating disk.

Step 2

Restart the computer.

Step 3

Watch the monitor; it will say press any key to boot from disk. Press any key on your keyboard when you see that message.

Step 4

Carefully read through the directions on the monitor from the operating disk. You will be given an option to fix the problem if possible or to reformat. The exact wording and set up changes slightly per operating system. Just carefully read through all the directions and choose reformat. The computer will erase off the current operating system and then reinstall. It will take only a few minutes to erase off the old operating system. It may take about two hours to reinstall the operating system. Good time to have lunch or do some errands.

The speed of reinstalling the operating system will depend on the computer specs.

 Tip: If you don't have an operating disk, you can buy a new windows. Double check and make sure your computer specs are high enough for the window you are buying.

Warning: It is very important to save everything you want before reformatting.

Comments (3)

tracysmith159 said:

	... Note: Reformating will get rid of many problems but not all virus will be removed from just reformating. According to a local newpaper http://www.dcwg.org is a recommend site by the govermnet to check your computer to see if it is infected and how to fix it.
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April 22, 2012
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tracysmith159 said:

	... Tip: Reformating a laptop is about the same but most laptops have the reformating on a drive instead of a cd, however you can still use a cd to reformat with.
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April 22, 2012
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tracysmith159 said:

	... Tip: When buying a new computer always request/demand a disc for your opertaing system and installed software.
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April 22, 2012
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