need help reformating

[JoshR]

hi,
well i need help reformating, Ive never done it before. So far I have my recovery disks but I did not get the windows xp disk. Im guessing the xp disks are pretty important, but i dont kno wat to do.

[classicsoftware]

Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif forums...


Do you need to backup any data?

Why do you need to reformat?

If you are ready to go, pop in the recovery disc and boot the system. The recovery disc should do it all.

[JoshR]

I dont need to back anything up. This isnt a work computer or anything. Im reformating because i notice my computer slowing down. My brother is in computer programming and mutimedia stuff and he highly suggests it.

What about reinstalling windows xp? Is that on the recovery cd?

btw i have a HP Pavilion dv8000 laptop

[classicsoftware]

If your PC is slowing down it's most likely malware.

I have no problem with the restore as long as you post back when your done so we can protect your system and you won't have to reformat again in the future.....

[JoshR]

ok, Im no good with computers.....i pop the first recovery cd in and i find no options to boot the system? In other words, I have no idea what im doin?

[classicsoftware]

Pop in the CD

Turn the system off

Turn it back on and it should boot to the CD

[JoshR]

ok thanks il try it, and that should guide me thru the entire process?

[Erik]

Yes, OEM restore discs are pretty much plug and play. Pop in the CD, reboot. It will warn abut data loss and ask for confirmation, but thats about it.

[JoshR]

Well it has been reformated. It was very simple. Im currently running the default Norton Internet Security that came with it. Im all-ears to any other internet security that you suggest.

[123456]

Anti-virus software?

[JoshR]

Yeah, plus firewall and all that good stuff

[PrntRhd]

Avast for free Antivirus.
Kerio for free firewall.
The combination allows the PC to run faster than combo suites like NIS or McAffee offers.
SpywareBlaster for malware prevention if using Internet Explorer as a browser. It uses no resources after changing the settings.
Use Firefox or Opera instead of IE for your default browser and the infections get slowed down also.

[JoshR]

im having some problems with the Kerio firewall, it wont let me access the internet. I, tryin to figure it out, but some imput would be greatly appreciated

[JoshR]

actually nevermind, i figured it out....now just to get bf2 to work