Re-Formatting Hard Drive

Ron M · 08-26-2006, 11:16 PM

Good afternoon, (at least it is in Brisbane Australia)

My 1st problem is that I'm a 57 yr old, technologically challenged, self employed (after 2002 layoff), painter. My 2nd problem and perhaps the one you can help me with is an extremely slow computer which I'm thinking of re-formatting to improve effeciancy.
The above computer is now networked via ethernet cable to a new Dell but all important data is on the old one. Both computers connect through a wireless router for internet access so I suppose there are settings that need to be saved as well as documents. The old computer has a 40 gb hard drive and the new one 80. Both use Windows XP Home SP 2 operating systems. (have cd's) FAQ's-to myself
Should I buy external hard drive for saving files?
Or can I upload old computer's data to new one? If so, how?
Do I need to make start up discs for XP.
Do I need to re-partition hard drive after formatting? How?
Any help you can give on steps to take shall be received with gratitude by whole family.
Many thanks,
Ron M

**blackduck30** · 08-26-2006, 11:35 PM

Welcome to TSF Ron,
first off buying an external drive is not a bad idea but it comes down to personal preference really
You can move your data to the new computer, it depends on how you have setup your network but this is usually done via your "MY Network" tab in the start menu.
You shouldn't need a startup disk for XP
yes you need to repartition your drive after formatting, you can do both via XP when setting up in the early stages of the install. Just make sure that you have your CD/DVD set as first boot in your bios and when you startup make sure you have your XP disk in and when it asks press any key to boot fron cd, then you more or less follow the prompts, when you see your drive info come up it will give you an option to delete partion, do that, then create a new partition, then formatt. you will see the prompts and keys to do all this.

just post here if you have any trouble or questions

Ron M · 08-27-2006, 02:55 PM

Thanks Blackduck
I'm slowly developing confidence to give it a go. Will follow your outline probably next w/end.
Cheers
Ron M

08-26-2006, 11:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ron M Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2 OS: XP service pack 2	Re-Formatting Hard Drive Good afternoon, (at least it is in Brisbane Australia) My 1st problem is that I'm a 57 yr old, technologically challenged, self employed (after 2002 layoff), painter. My 2nd problem and perhaps the one you can help me with is an extremely slow computer which I'm thinking of re-formatting to improve effeciancy. The above computer is now networked via ethernet cable to a new Dell but all important data is on the old one. Both computers connect through a wireless router for internet access so I suppose there are settings that need to be saved as well as documents. The old computer has a 40 gb hard drive and the new one 80. Both use Windows XP Home SP 2 operating systems. (have cd's) FAQ's-to myself Should I buy external hard drive for saving files? Or can I upload old computer's data to new one? If so, how? Do I need to make start up discs for XP. Do I need to re-partition hard drive after formatting? How? Any help you can give on steps to take shall be received with gratitude by whole family. Many thanks, Ron M

08-26-2006, 11:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
blackduck30 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wollongong/Australia Posts: 4,230 OS: XP pro SP3/Vista Ultimate My System	Welcome to TSF Ron, first off buying an external drive is not a bad idea but it comes down to personal preference really You can move your data to the new computer, it depends on how you have setup your network but this is usually done via your "MY Network" tab in the start menu. You shouldn't need a startup disk for XP yes you need to repartition your drive after formatting, you can do both via XP when setting up in the early stages of the install. Just make sure that you have your CD/DVD set as first boot in your bios and when you startup make sure you have your XP disk in and when it asks press any key to boot fron cd, then you more or less follow the prompts, when you see your drive info come up it will give you an option to delete partion, do that, then create a new partition, then formatt. you will see the prompts and keys to do all this. just post here if you have any trouble or questions __________________ Blackduck30 Time is like money and milk, It's always running out Any Donations Help Keep TSF Free For All

08-27-2006, 02:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ron M Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2 OS: XP service pack 2	Thanks Blackduck I'm slowly developing confidence to give it a go. Will follow your outline probably next w/end. Cheers Ron M