Simple reformating please

[debbiedooo]

hi, I am trying to reformat my mother's computer as it is slow/freezing and scan disc keeps scanning without success and I know has viruses as she didn't haved virus scan and didn't update windows. But she has nothing she needs to save on it and I thought if we started fresh it would be like a new computer.

I have read many of the posts related to re-formating and I have tried that but when I put the command in after it goes to the dos mode, it says bad command. the command I put in is format C:> as indicated on one of the instruction pages. I also tried format C: /s as that was another suggestion.

My questions are - is there another command? or what am I doing wrong.

also, when I reformat, then I have to re-load windows 98, right?
will I have to re-load drivers too?
I know I will need to reload her aol, but concerned about the drivers. I have a driver cd.

any help would be appreciated.

[blakey81]

Hi,

First things, when you type C:> you get bad command, you might get this because there is no C drive, the drive might be on another letter. When you start up the computer go to 'My Computer' and look to see what the drive letter is, then try X:> then X:> s (with X being the drive letter)

When you successfuly wiped the drive clean then you need to restart the computer, then install CD ROM support and then place the Windows 98 CD in the drive. Which then, if the cd doesn't auto start type X: then enter (X being CD ROM drive letter). but remember to have your license code with you.

How big is the drive? you might want to do FDISK to set up partitions.

The drivers should be alright, when I reformatted I didnt need to do anything about the drivers, but you could download a program which backs up your drivers then copy them onto cd or what ever.

Someone correct me if im wrong:blush:

Hope this helps

[tetonbob]

If sound and modem drivers are not native to Windows, you will need to reinstall them. It pays to have them at hand before you do your format.