Restore disk,fdisk, formatt, new o/s

[andyswork@beci.net]

Can I fdisk and format a hard drive that uses a restore disk?
After fdisk and format can I install a new o/s and get the drivers I need from the restore disk?
Can I just take the o/s from a restore disk?

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One day I will be a pro, Thanks Andy

[david eaton]

As far as my experience goes (not very http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif) the Restore disk usually has an image file, not a copy of the OS and drivers where you can find them. Best way might be to check what driver files you are using and copy them to a floppy or CD before fdisk & format. that is, assuming that you are not changing the OS, or new drivers may be needed. it depends on how the restore disk is set up. Not much help I know!

David

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Any system, however complicated, if looked at in exactly the right way, will become even more complicated.

[YODA74]

Andy, The one I use for playing and i complain a lot about is a gateway with the restore disks it has three, every time it has a fit and I take it back to them "becouse it is under warrenty" and is not my problem, I usually hangout the whole day with them a shoot the breeze,they usually end up reformating it,now they havent used my disks I think becouse it is easyier for them to just D/L everything from there Programs,They have about 20 different screens and only three people that work there and do about 30 reloads a day.As far as I know yes you are supposed to be able to do the whole shootin match with the disks.once this warrenty is up I'm sure I will find out in a hurry http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif Really what the hell would they be any good for if you couldn't?

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Death has come to our windows.

-- Jeremiah 9:21
(undoubtedly a Biblical reference to a Microsoft product!)

YODA74@windows-sucks.com

[mjc]

Ok, Andy,

My HP has a restore disk, it is an image of the factory fresh drive....I can't use it anymore because my machine lost its "tattoo" and I am too cheap to pay the $30 to have the "tattoo" redone......but it also comes with another disk, this disk has the driver files on it. They are hidden but there and not encrypted like the restore disk, just hidden.

But I don't use that one either....I go and grab the updated drivers from HPs website....and have them ready to go (unzipped and on a cd, each in its own folder, would be a good place to put them). Then I install a full version of Win98, when it comes time for the hardware, that which Windows doesn't automatically load drivers for I direct to the CD, then afterwards, update the rest from the CD.

So, yes you can by-pass the restore disk, get the drivers you need (either from the computer maker's site or the component maker (I like those dirvers better because more often they are newer). This usually results in a smoother running OS, as no manufacturer add-ons are installed, less over all junk acummulates in the registry (as if Windows doesn't put enough useless stuff there to begin with......) and you get to pick and choose what parts of Windows you want installed (unlike with the restore where you have to go in and uninstall what you don't want).

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[andyswork@beci.net]

Thanks to all. Now I will try it and see how much trouble I can get into.

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One day I will be a pro, Thanks Andy

[This message has been edited by andyswork@beci.net (edited 03-24-2002).]

[Paul Komski]

Every Manufacturer seems to do their restore disks differently; but...

(1) Don't do it if its a Compaq!! (there are "BIOS" on a partition).

(2) Check your HD drive carefully; you may find the whole OS setup files under Windows<>Options<>Cabs etc, which you could burn to a CD - make sure you know the product key.

(3) You may also find things like Drivers and PlugNPlay SetUps on other folders on your HD.



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Take nice care of yourselves - Paul
"There are old pilots and bold pilots but there are no old bold pilots."

[iisbob]

(1) Don't do it if its a Compaq!! (there are "BIOS" on a partition).


Paul, this is no longer true-hasn't been for over 4 years, run a search on the forum, i've covered this topic a few months ago that will go more into detail.



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iisbob

The man who sets out to carry a cat by its tail learns something that will always be useful and which never will grow dim or doubtful. -- Mark Twain.

[mjc]

But if it is one your used computers, Andy, and it is a Compaq it may be over 4 yrs old....right?

iisbob. I think it is good advice io issue some sort of warning on Compaqs, especially if the age isn't known, but not quite sure how to do it without sounding like they are still doing it...

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[andyswork@beci.net]

It is my daughters computer. A gateway about 1 and 1/2 years old. With windows me on it and restore disks.

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One day I will be a pro, Thanks Andy

[iisbob]

i suppose your right mjc, even if it is incorrect.

point i'm trying to make is that while this information is useful if you own a Compaq of vintage make, it should be noted that it is for such older makes.

Too often lately have i seen on Compaq's very own forum where people are afraid to upgrade their harddrives because they were told that if they did, they would destroy their systems'.

So it needs to be made clear; even on the older systems, removing the BIOS info stored on the HD will not cause it to be unable to boot { this also goes for laptop's }-it will just limit you to the basic BIOS setings in the ROM chip, on newer model's ( 1998 > ) they no longer store extra BIOS info on their drives; just restore cab files that are identical on their restore CD's ( this is normally the D: drive ) and you can wipe this entire drive, or upgrade to a different one with no ill effects.

Hope this will clear this up for all viewers. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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iisbob

The man who sets out to carry a cat by its tail learns something that will always be useful and which never will grow dim or doubtful. -- Mark Twain.

[This message has been edited by iisbob (edited 03-24-2002).]