How to Re format HD Correctly

[Roel]

I got a problem in my PC I suspeted that some files in my windows got corrupted or infected by virus. That's why some Hardware are not working properly. I wanted to re format my HD. But I can't sacrifice losing some good program. How can I back up those things. Like VCD palyer program. I don't have the installer for that. Im affraid if I re format my HD it will be a disaster. Can somebody pls give me the step by step procedure how to do it in a correct way and tell me what I have to do

[tjaymadison]

Roel, you should always say which version of Windows you now have.

If it is Windows 98 or 98SE, click here (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q250/9/28.ASP). Good Luck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)

[Roel]

Thanks for the reply tjaymadison

Im currently using Windows ME.. I just intalled it few months back it was originally Windows 98 Second Edition

[Roel]

Looks like you guys are busy. Im not able to get a response from you?? Can some body give me a guidelines for re fortmatting my Hard Disk

[mjc]

When you format and reinstall the operating system you are erasing everything on the hard disk, you then have to reinstall all your programs. In order for the program to properly operate, it must write many entries in the registry (a special system file that tells windows where evrything is and how to run it, also contains all the configuration data for your copy of Windows) when you back up a program the back up doesn't include the registry data. Files on the other hand are just data and don't require the entries in the registry. So they can be backedup. A complete backup of everything would preserve the registry, but if you suspect that there are too many problems to fix you wouldn't want save the damage, would you?

So with the warnings out of the way a couple of more questions:

Is your copy of WinME the full install or the Win98 upgrade? If it is the upgrade version you need to reinstall Win98 first....

Do you have a Win98 boot disk? If not you can downlod one here. (http://www.bootdisk.com)

Do you have the install programs needed to reinstall your software? If you don't can they be downloaded?

Clean Start (http://www.maximumpc.com/reprint/clean_start/index.html)

There are still several other things you can try if it is still your modem problem....Check add/remove programs and see if the modem software package has an uninstaller, try the safe mode removal without the modem actually being installed, and if you are committed to reinstalling Windows you may want to try a little registry editing, after backing it up and the data you want to preserve. If you want to give it a try post back and i'll supply the details
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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

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[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 05-12-2001).]

[Roel]

Thanks guys I have made it some how but still im not happy but at least I can access again the internet.. now I'll just fixed some minor problem.. It really helps a lot talking to you guys in this forum.. at least you gave me some moral support heheheh

[Case]

Originally posted by mjc:
Is your copy of WinME the full install or the Win98 upgrade? If it is the upgrade version you need to reinstall Win98 first....


Actually, you don't have to re-install 98 first. Just install ME from the upgrade CD, and it will ask to verify that you own 98. Just put in the CD, let it verify, then put the ME CD back in. It will run a full install from the upgrade CD.

[Roel]

Case but its keep on asking so many missing file.My ME cd is a full version. originally my PC has win98 S.E. I just upgrade it to ME but I didn't experience those problem before