Computer Problem

[OTTER]

Originally Posted by .Charlie.

Ok, how how do you do a correct re-format?

Just google it, make sure you have your XP disk handy though to do the reboot.

[Superstar]

Just get a pack of 8.5g DVD's, say a 5 pack or even go buy a 40G portable HDD and store all your important files on them and reformat your hard drive. For all the programs that you dont have the serial, you could just copy it from the program files and you wont need to re-install. Just copy the files and put them back in the C:\ drive once the format is finished.

[Zain]

Save everything that you want, I refuse to believe that someone has 35 gig of things they can't do without. I then suggest you restore, click on accessories then system tools and then system restore. Your computer automatically creates restore points. I would go back a bit as far as you can. It won't delete any programs this way, but if that fails I would certainly do a full restore. That is if you have the restore disks that came with your PC if you do this it will take your computer back to factory condition. I wouldn't do a full restore unless I had no recourse in your case I think saving important stuff on a disk and a fulll restore.

[Subject 17]

Heres what you do:

Look in the folder with all your downloads (IE, where your freeware programs download to, or where any internet downloads go).

Delete the zip folder of all the programs you downloaded, since you don't need them if you installed the program.

Find your videos. Delete most of them.

Same thing with pictures.

Delete the installers for all your freeware programs.

You'll save a lot of space by doing that.

Also 30gb is a small hard drive. Upgrade to a 300GB maxtor. They're pretty cheap actually. make sure your OS can reconize that many GB first

[.Charlie.]

I appreciate all your suggestions, but you guys make it sound like I have money or something. I can't afford a new HD, and I don't have a DVD burner.

I know the whole re-format thing doesn't cost any money, but I don't have enough faith in myself to do that. I think I might just wait till me brother comes to visit, he knows more about this computer stuff than me.

Thanks again.

Woot I'm a Nintendo 64 now

[Subject 17]

Ok. Either way just delete the .zip folders and any videos you have and you'll save a lot of gb.

[.Charlie.]

Originally Posted by Dboyz-x.etown

Ok. Either way just delete the .zip folders and any videos you have and you'll save a lot of gb.

I don't have any videos, and I don't know how to find all my .zip folders.

[PuNxCiCiDE4550]

temp files.

[Subject 17]

or if you use firefox, where ever you downloaded them to.

For opera it's under C:/Downloads

Don't know about netscape/ie

[Big Red 11]

Reformatting isn't necessary. The hassle of putting everything back and re-installing it all isn't worth it. Just delete everything except for programs and uninstall everything you don't use. Delete all your images, videos, documents, other media, etc. Do disk cleanup and go through your install/uninstall list and clear out everything tagged "used rarely".