how do I reinstall windows and delete my hard rive?

[bstark]

I've got system problems and need to restore factory settings - I know this is done by rebooting during startup, selecting run from CD-Rom and getting a Dos prompt - but what dom I type then? And is there a way of saving some important files on my hard drive?

[DavidZzz]

You can just reinstall your windows. Install it the way you know, it will replace the missing files. Is this what you mean?? :p

[bstark]

No, I can't simply reinstall it from the disk. I need to completely wipe my hard drive as I have done successfully before but forgotten how. The problems are missing startup files and invalid configs etc - I need to wipe the lot and start from scratch, but there aren't instructions for doing this in my manual. If I try and do it from the CD it simply says there is a windows OS present and it cannot update.

[rustygates]

First make sure you have a floppy disk for start up. Then load your start up disk, and at the A:\ prompt, type Format C:. That will in effect erase all reference to whatever was on the hard drive. You will then have to reinstall everything from scratch. Are you sure this is the way you did it before?

:rolleyes:

[ 01 August 2001: Message edited by: rustygates ]

[Theoran]

Read this and see if that clears everything up. :)
http://members.tripod.com/theoran0/tutorials-the_complete_how_to.htm

[jtdoom]

hi,
why not try

[cdromdriveletter]:\win98\setup /NTLDR

it may actually work

[ 03 August 2001: Message edited by: jtdoom ]

[bstark]

Thank you all for your help. I've got my uncle on the case and he'll try what you suggested. Thank you very much!

[DavidZzz]

Hey, let me see if i get you. when you open your computer it stop in the DOS prompt??
Well delete your autoexex.dat and config.sys files. it will work, but if you have an antivirus or an auto startup program, just create a new autoexec.bat when windows have opened.
Is this what you mean???? :)