How do I

[Mil]

I recently bought a new computer that came with Windows XP Professional. When I received it, I noticed that it had 6 GB's used up on the hard drive. I was wondering if I could reformat using a Windows 95 or 98 boot disk? I know that XP is NTFS and not Fat....so I'm not sure if I need a XP boot disk. Also after I reformat do I need to get a hold of Microsoft to validate my computer?

PS: If I need a Windows XP boot disk...where can I find one? All I've been able to find is start-up disk. (And I think boot disk and start-up disk are two different things)

Thanks in advance for the responses.

[Whyzman]

Wondering how much "free" stuff they dumped on the HDD. You could probably take a look at the XP and see how much space the OS takes up and determine how much other stuff you've got there. Seems a bit hefty!

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May all your dealings in life be win/win!

Whyzman

[YODA74]

http://www.voodoofiles.com/4958

you can get a boot disk here if you want.


Microsoft has released the long awaited Windows XP Boot Disk. The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to perform a new installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup. You cannot upgrade from a Windows XP startup disk.


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Treading,Troden,Trails
HERE (http://www.davematthewsband.com)

[This message has been edited by YODA74 (edited 11-28-2001).]

[Mil]

Whyzman, windows XP uses almost a gigabyte itself, all the other stuff is software that the manufacture preloaded.
Thanks for the link YODA, I'm assuming that I don't need anything special to format a NTFS hard drive.

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thanks Mil

[Jumby]

Mil, Here's the link to the XP Professional boot disks. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?releaseid=33291&area=top&ordinal=38

[ErnieK]

Mil
A couple of questions.
You say you just recently got your comp. Did you get a XP cd supplied with it? In the UK the majority of new comp's have the istallation files on a hidden partition, negating the need for Win CD. (in other words a hidden price increase as they do not have the expence of supplying a CD)

If not, have you checked to see if this is where your XP installation files are stored?
You can check this out by contacting your supplier.

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Ernie

[ErnieK]

Sorry for the double post.
But XP can be installed on FAT 32 or NFTS

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Ernie

[Mil]

Thanks all who responded. Erniek, yes they gave me the CD....at least I think it's the right one, it says "Operating System" on it. Hopefully I don't have to call microsoft to activate, after I reformat everytime.

thanks again