From the cleanin-out-my-closet department...

[J.J. Maxx]

So I've had my computer for quite some time and it's really starting to get all wacky and have errors and is just filled to the brim with junk leftover from long-deleted programs and trash temp files. So here's the deal.

I am so entrenched on this computer that it scares me to have to re-format it. But thats exactly what I need to do. I need to do a clean wipe of the entire thing. But over the years I have amassed so many things on this computer that I'm afraid I will lose something forever...

Whats the best way to go about this task?

[vegeta1215]

What operating system is on it? I've done a clean install of Windows 98 several times (clean install being a total format, then install).

This is the document I read to learn how to do it: http://www.hexff.com/win98_install.html

Pretty much, you need:
-A Windows 98 boot disk (that has FDISK and FORMAT on it)
-A Windows 98 cd
-Any cd's or disks with drivers you need (esp the modem/ethernet driver, that way you can at least download all the others if you don't have them)

[J.J. Maxx]

Re-installing windows isn't the problem, I can do that. But what about my Road Runner? I dont know how to re-set that up... And I will have to back up all my personal junk...

[War Lord]

You have cable internet?
That's not too hard to setup.
What are your computer specs JJ, Why not just use Windows XP?
It will detect all drivers and internet stuff automatically....
Not to mention it's hella more stable and faster.

[J.J. Maxx]

I have Win98 SE with a 6gig HDD and a PII processor. (Not sure what speed.) I don't know if my PC could support XP and I don't feel like spending a fortune to get it either...

[War Lord]

I could send it to you for free.
As long as you have at least 128 megs of ram, XP is fine.
I ran it on a PII 333 and it ran fine.
My friend even went as far as to run it on his P200, and it was ok.
It'll run faster than 98 as well.

[Thunderbird]

I think your system falls below the minimum specs for XP.

I'm not entirely sure that you can for sure avoid losing something that you want permanently.

[J.J. Maxx]

I have 160 meg of RAM... 2 Ethernet cards, TV Tuner card, modem, cable modem, optical mouse, 17" Monitor...

So would I have to format to install XP, WL? And I thought XP had all these anti-copying features where you had to call a number if you changed stuff and whatnot..

[deathbyhokie]

i've also been thinking about re-formatting, but XP came preinstalled on my computer, and without any discs. is there any way i can reformat, and not have to buy XP again?

[Verman]

You guys crazy I wouldnt install XP on anything less then a PIII. With 256 mgs of ram, 10gb HD.... it takes 2 up eh.

But im a whiner and want my computer running fast ;)

Id stick with win98 mr. Maxx...Burn or copy over all the files you wanna keep then blow away the drive....it will feel good

[DarkDragon]

Reformat your hard drive? You must be joking. If you're a sentimental packrat like me, just by a new hard drive. If it fits in your computer, good, that way you don't have to bother reinstalling stuff. If not, oh well, at least you can still keep your old files intact by stashing the old hard drive in your real closet.

[gdorf]

Why don't you just talk to someone online with an FTP server that'll let you upload the files you want to keep for a few days. I have enough free space and I can turn on my FTP server if need be, but you probably don't trust me with most of the stuff on your computer. :tongue:

Maybe Breaker will give you an account for a couple of days?

[vegeta1215]

Originally posted by J.J. Maxx
Re-installing windows isn't the problem, I can do that. But what about my Road Runner? I dont know how to re-set that up... And I will have to back up all my personal junk...

Road Runner? I'm confused...

Well, if you're getting a new hard drive or installing a new OS or whatever, backing up is just a fact of life, you gotta do it. Besides, it's best to do it regularly anyway, just in case.

And to go with what most people have been saying, I'd go with 98 SE on your computer too. It will run much faster with your specs, and like you've already said, that's $199 less you have to spend.

[Jemsee]

Do you have Norton Ghost or anything like it?
That can back up everything on your PC just like it is, like taking a picture of it.

[Flash Man]

If you have your Cable Modem hooked in through USB be sure to have drivers for that so you can still use it. As well as if you have it through your Ethernet Card, drivers for that. I'm not totally sure what Road Runner does, but I'm fairly sure that it will give you Dynamic IPs, where they only change if your modem is reset, or turned off. In that case you really don't have to do much to get the internet going, in some cases it might already work. Static IPs you would have to input yourself, although I highly doubt thats what they've given you.

Decide which OS you want to use, of course there are many. I'd suggest if you want to try out new ones partition your hard drive, although you only have 6gb.

If you don't feel like going all the way to XP try out 2000 first. Both are much more stable than 98. Although neither have pure DOS, so if you still want DOS you'd have to go with 98 or partition a small section for DOS stuff, including DOS.

After you choose which OS you want make sure you have a CD for it, who cares if its pirated or legal. Make sure you back up everything you want onto floppies, cds, or other media. Get a blank floppy, or one that you can use that has nothing of importance on it. Insert and go to start/settings/control panel/add/remove programs. I believe under the Windows Setup tab there is a button which can make a boot disk for you. Click it and then go through several things and then after its done reboot and boot to the floppy. Finally make sure you have everything you need for the next step will erase it all. Type at the command prompt format C:

Wait while it obliterates your hard drive and then after you're done insert which ever OS you decided to go with. If you chose Windows 2000 or XP, remove the floppy and stick the CD in. Reboot your computer and boot to the CD. If that doesn't work then boot again to the floppy with CD Drivers and go to the CD ROM drive by typing D: or E: depending on what it defaults it to. Type cd\winnt
winnt
It should go through and start up the installation.

Now if you wanted to go through 98 you should instead of rebooting to the CD you can just boot up with CD ROM drivers and change your drive to the CD ROM and type setup. It should go through some tests and then install.

If you bought an OEM computer such as a DELL, Compaq, or whatever then instead of providing you with an OS CD they provided you with Restore Disc. Instead of formatting and all that junk you could just boot to the Restore Disc and then it should format and restore everything to the original factory condition.

After that you're ready to go. If you do decide to go for 2000/XP and still want DOS, for partitioning I recommend Partition Magic. Excellent software, just resize your hard drive to whatever you want for the OS and then leave whatever amount you want for DOS.

[Ich]

You should burn all your porn to disk, along with any other things worth keeping. Then do the "full frontal lobotomy" and format.