Reformatting PC

I have decided to reformat my PC but the problem is I have no clue what to do.
I have the CD and all that but have no idea what to do next.
Someone please answer these questions —
How do I save all my important stuff before reformatting and put it back on to new formatted PC?
How long does it take? I heard it takes 2+ hours.
This is my VERY first time trying to REFORMAT my own PC…
What other things do I need to know before reformatting?
Answer #1
formatting doesnt take too long. Maybe 10mins tops. Ok…..
So after inserting disc to CD/DVD drive, reboot pc and press “delete” button. When you get to the BIOS>>advanced options>>set CD/DVD drive to first boot device. Then save and it should load from disc. Now follow prompts and when forked screen comes up. Press enter on desired partition to format. Then allow to format and install. Best way to save stuff before format is copy and paste
Answer #2
u need to have C: and D: for example
now xp is in C:…..if u want to format put files in that local disk where is not xp installed and u’re good to go
Answer #3
well you are ganna want to do a backup of your files onto either some cds or a external hard drive…though if you got a big external, maybe just copy them to it…idk…as for your pc format, it depends on how good your comp is will very in the time to format…i had a boot problem and had to set mine back to the factory settings format or whatever…i have vista though so it just did a restore from my d drive….it took me about a half hour or so to do all the way….of course this just had to happen during the first class i had that day…luckily it took less time to set it back up then there was time in class….it all depends on how your computer runs really and what type it is…
Answer #4
I’d suggest the first thing you do is visit your computer manufacturers and download all the drivers available for your computer, or use double driver to back them up http://www.boozet.org/dd.htm Copy them on to a CD along with browser settings, email settings, bookmarks and any work you need to do. Or just ZIP up all your work you need and store it online. Make a driver CD though to make sure you can get back online =P http://www.humyo.com Also use Magic Jelly Bean keyfinder to find your Windows key and such incase you need to enter it again. http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Then to the reformatting. It’s easy to do, more or less automatic, will ask you a few questions along the way. Heres a good guide http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/windows/instructions/reformat.htm
Answer #5
I was wondering…
When you reformat your PC, what happens to MICROSOFT OFFICE/WINDOWS MEDIA FILES etc etc?
Answer #6
when you reformat your pc, all the files that were on your computer when you bought it should still be there…they are suppose to be built into the recovery….
Answer #7
when you reformat your pc, all the files that were on your computer when you bought it should still be there...they are suppose to be built into the recovery....
Oh thank you soooo much for the quick reply.
By the way I am not good with computers… As you can tell..
Answer #8
no prob mate..here to help
Answer #9
Btw, when people say backup files or have you backed up your files…
Are they saying if I have copied and pasted all the stuff I need in the flashdrives or CD disk?
For example – Putting photoshop stuff from PROGRAM FILES to a Flashdrives?
Answer #10
well mate….a backup is a shadow copy of your files…not including your programs usually….those you usually have to just install again….when i reformatted mine, i actually just had all my files on my external hard drive….luckily i moved them there, because i would of been screwed in my format situation…anyways….when you do a backup it doesnt back up your programs usually…there might be some program able to do so, but usually not for the most part….i would just copy or even cut and paste all your important files to an external hd or flash drive or some cds….it takes a while to get it all back to normal, but worth it i think…