How to Format your Computer?

Formatting

Formatting a computer involves the process of cleaning the hard disc of all files and loading new files as we do on a brand new computer or as we write on a blank new CD. The hard drive of computer is made of several metallic salvers. This is where data is stored magnetically. Data is stored by realigning the tiny magnetic elements of the salver. To store any data on hard drive, first it has to be formatted. The hard drive will accept data only after the disc is formatted. By formatting a computer we actually organize the salvers of the hard drive to the same stage as it was when it was brand new. It sets up the hard drive to receive and store any data afterwards.

Formatting is mostly done to upgrade the hard drive. There are different types of hard drives present in the computer. Each drive can be formatted separately by creating a partition that would not affect other drives while formatting. Some computers have built-in partitions for all drives. Whatsoever, it is very important to keep a backup of files before starting any formatting activity.

Sequence of the steps involved in formatting a computer

First step is to boot the computer by Windows XP disc that is bootable. Creating a backup of all data is crucial as formatting cleans your PC completely.
Insert the above disc to the CD drive. This is usually done when the PC is in shut-down mode. It is always recommended to boot using a CD, it’s because to delete everything from the drive it is important to close the drive completely. Otherwise it will not be able to delete the part from its running area.
Start your computer and restart if it was on.
Follow the instructions and click ‘ENTER’ as the monitor instructs to press one key.
The next step is to prepare partitions for all drives.
Partitions can be deleted by pressing D or otherwise by pressing L.
After partition is done, the actual formatting instructions to format any drive where the new software is to be installed by XP.
By pressing the ENTER key, formatting will start immediately.
Follow all instructions.
It would take around half an hour to complete the instructions.
Once Windows XP is installed and running, it is likely that the computer may not function perfectly. One needs to check if all the applications that were used before formatting are in place after formatting as well. It is very commonly seen that the applications fail to work after the computer is formatted. In this case one has to install proper drives to the hardware. It would help to list down the applications that were not installed acceptably. These applications can be reinstalled by using CD for each drive.
The last step is to upload all data to the C drive that were taken out before formatting. One may find that the available disc space has increased after formatting as it cleans the registry as well which is a warehouse of data.

Photo Credits: waldyrious

Originally posted 2010-04-25 03:19:00.

This post involves:

cd drive, format computer, hard disc, hard drive, hard drives, new cd, new computer, new software, windows xp

... and focuses on:

Computer Performance and Tech Support, Computer Tips

Posted by How To Computer on January 14, 2012 in Computer Performance and Tech Support, Computer Tips. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.