computer help

[vbgagnon]

Hey guys, I need help doing a format of my laptop. I haven't used it in a while and the hard drive is about 95% full. I've got all the information that I need backed up (basically all pictures of the family and stuff) and now I'm ready to go.

The only thing is that I never got a disk (running vista) like I did when I got my computer. Any ideas as to how I would go about doing this?

 

[Rolex]

Not sure about the laptop, but try tapping F6 during the boot process. That should bring you to 'System Restore' options. There, go to 'Advanced' and choose the Destructive restore process. You will get a warning that you will lose ALL information stored in the computer. Click 'okay' and run with it.

The operating system is on a partitioned drive, rather than on a disk. If it's not F6, reboot and try F8 or F10.

 

[vbgagnon]

thanks buddy

 

[Suicide]

like rolex said you are going to lose all of your info.

 

[Rolex]

He's prepared for that since he's backed it up on disc.

 

[vbgagnon]

Got it reformatted! It is much quicker then doing it the old fashioned way!!!

 

[Rolex]

Excellent. Now it's like right out of the box. Have fun.

 

[beason]

wow... i didnt even have to chime in on this one.

i dont like how they dont send a disk anymore, my new laptop is like that. if i loose the hard drive I'm fuxored..

 

[vbgagnon]

Beason if you have the microsoft ID number associated with the OS you may be able to contact comstumer support and they might be able to set you up with a new OS.

But I understand what you mean about not having a disk!

 

[MotoGod]

Depending on the type of laptop, it may even have a built in restore partition that will return it to factory settings negating the need for a disc as long as you don't format the drive and remove their partition. I know Dell does this, but doesn't really document it unless you call support. They will usually send you a disc if you request it though, for a shipping charge and sometimes a disc charge.

 

[Rolex]

I bought a new computer from HP a little over a year ago and it wouldn't allow me to create a boot disk or back up. (Vista) I called HP and they sent me the disks.