Strezz Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 Hey, I'd like to re-format my Computer. I feel it has been under-performing for a while now and this is the only solution.... Problem is i don't really know how to lol... Here is a list of what i think are the essential disks:1. Microsoft Office xp version 2002 service pack 1 2.Microsoft Office xp professional with publisher version 2002 (has 3 disks; Microsoft office xp, publisher, professional)3. Reinstallation cd microsoft xp home edition4. Dell Tools CD for reinstalling dell installed software5.Dimension resourceCD for reinstalling device drivers and using diagnostics, utilities, and online documentation6.For reinstalling V.92 (capable)/56k telephony data/fax modern software for microsoft windows7.E151FP color monitor quick setup8. Sound blaster Live9.for installing/reinstalling Roxio Easy CD creator 5.2 basic10. photo explosion windows installer11. Lexmark printer disc12.Sympatico Software setup discThose seem to be all the important discs. now, my questions.1. Can someone PLEASE tell me in what order i should put these discs into the drive. Like if i were to reinstall everything-- which disc should i put in first, second, third etc.. This would be a really big help. i'd prefer to not just try and "wing it".2. I haven't used AOL in a few years. Is there a way to avoid installing it? Or is it included in the service pack?3. Another Internet question. I now use a sympatico modem.. so do i need to install the 56k modem disc? Or does the sympatico modem (i think its dsl) repalce the 56k modem meaning i do not have a need for it.4. I have a Logitech Cordless mouse. I'm not sure if it comes with a installation disc and if it does, i lost that disc... So will i need to buy a new mouse? Or if i just plug it in will i get the mouse function and not the software that tells me when the batteries are low/whatever else it does.Once I've installed everything i intend to Download Zone Alarm right away, then Download AVG , then Download Firefox, then Download Spy Bot Search and destroy. After The Internet is OK i'm gonna run Autopatcher.com.Anyone feel like helping a newbie out? Any advice or help is greatly appreciated. BTW this computer is ONLY used for homework (typing and printing), Downloading music, surfing the net(youtube etc) and light gaming CS 1.6. If that matters at all. For example: we do not own a fax machine, so maybe there's away to avoid wasting space installing that disc? Again, any help is appreciated, thanks in Advance :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 If you are the least bit unsure of how to reformat then I suggest that you don't do it.Do you know someone with experience of the job that could help you out? It really does need on-hand guidance rather than any help that you could get here - obviously we would help if possible but that is my personal suggestion.One thing you should realise is that it is a huge undertaking to reformat and reload all of your existing programs. Have you considered less drastic action such as thorough cleanups and defragmentation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
froggystyle Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 Hi, the format of the drive is easy enough, the issues then will be drivers for your hardware and desired software. If you want to go ahead then im more than willing to write you a step by step guide on formatting, you would be wise to print this off first, unless you have a second pc to use whilst formatting. Let me know and i will gladly assist. I format old pcs all the time for the company i work for so understand the steps completely. Give me a shout! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 An excellent guide to installing XP Home by our very own chris can be found here :-http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/xp_home...all_part1.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strezz Posted October 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 Hey thanks for posting everyone. I'm gonna send Froggy a message in a minute. Thanks alot for offering your help Froggy. I have considered other options for fixing my comp. I had a previous account on here a few months ago where i asked a similar question to this one. I made a new one because i forgot the pass (had only 1 post anyway), also this is the Tag i use on other forums and in games. The members gave me all sorts of suggestions --- and it really didn't help. They were good suggestions, i just think my PC is too far gone. I've been previously hacked and i wouldn't be surprised if i still had a keylogger on my PC or something like that.(i didn't have a firewall up) Since then i've gotten Zone Alarm. So i'm alright now, but the damage had already been done. All we did was go to an early restore date, download Zone Alarm, firefox, and Spybot Search and destroy. To get rid of the Hacker. We also had a problem with "Spools" or something like that and i got my friend to fix that. Before i was hacked my computer had a slower internet connection --- but was still very fast and would load programs quickly as well. Post hacker, we've gotten a faster internet connection ---we lag in pc games (our ping usually jumps from 31 - thousands) and it often takes a few seconds (more then 10 usually) to open a program. The computer makes the sounds it makes when it's loading something and then after a few secs the program will pop up (by few i mean 10 or more). Just sounds like it's struggling to do things it shouldn't have to struggle to do. It doesn't do this 10sec or more thing all the time, but more often then not.BTWI just ran CC cleaner for the first time in a while. It deleted a bunch of stuff so maybe that will help a little. My buddy (the guy that helped us fix the "spools" problem) told me to go through and delete all unused programs and saved text documents in "my Documents". He said if i do not know what the program is to just leave it. I have 41 process up which he said was alittle high, as well. I haven't defraged in a while so i'll do that later. btw it says 37.24 GB capacity --- 22.21 GB free space---- 59% free space(in disk Defragmenter). if that helps any. I'm open to any suggestions you have to fix the problems i said above. Thanks for posting and again ---- ANY help or input is appreciated :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 Reformatting and reinstalling Windows is really a drastic step to fix a performance problem! There are plenty of actions you can take to keep Windows performing like on day 1.CCleaner is a very good fist step. Make sure that you configure the cookies you want to keep (Options | Cookies) before you delete them all.The next job would be to look at your startup programs. A very easy program to help you with that is Startup Inspector. Download, install, and run it, then click on Consult; this will give you some info on each startup program. You can then decide if you need it or not. If you are unsure, come back and ask here.You mentionedMy buddy told me to go through and delete all unused programs ...Do not delete any programs at all; always uninstall them (via Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs)! Just deleting them will leave lots of stuff behind, e.g. in the registry and other places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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