wiping drive

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Guest

I need to wipe our sons computer drive and reinstall windows xp. do you have
instructions on how to do this.

It has already been done but, for some reason there is a C drive and an E
drive and E if full to the max and C is 1/2 full.

We are not sure why because we have not put any programs on there.
everytime we try to download a software program (windows office) it says
cannot download because E drive is low on disk space.
any help would be appreciated
thanks
cg
 
cg said:
I need to wipe our sons computer drive and reinstall windows xp. do you have
instructions on how to do this.

It has already been done but, for some reason there is a C drive and an E
drive and E if full to the max and C is 1/2 full.

We are not sure why because we have not put any programs on there.
everytime we try to download a software program (windows office) it says
cannot download because E drive is low on disk space.
any help would be appreciated
thanks
cg
Click to expand...

Let's slow down a minute and take a step back.
What is the make model of the machine? If it's an OEM system (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) and you didn't partition the drive, then that E: partition most likely
contains the files needed to Recover/Restore the machine is anything should happen to
it.

If you/your son did partition the drive, backup any important data from the drive
that you need and/or can't lose before continuing.

Put the XP CD in the CD drive and reboot.
Pay close attention for the prompt to "Press any Key to boot from CD", press a key
when prompted.
If you don't see the prompt then you will have to enter the BIOS and set the CD drive
to be the first device in the boot order.
Once booted to the CD let it do its thing loading files, when it's finished do not
press R, continue on to the install window.
Once there you can reformat the drive and reinstall the OS.

This should help for any left out questions:
How to start the Setup program from MS-DOS in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307848

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
 
So, you recommend an "in-situ" reinstall? I ask because I am facing a
somewhat similar problem, and am thinking it might be better - much
better - to get a new HD, put the original in an external enclosure (as
slave), and go from there.

Thoughts?

TIA
 
C being half full could mean anything
Allready been done could also mean anything

Do you have 2 hard drives on your sys, or 2 partitions?
Have you reinstalled win?
What is the size of both C and E?
 
Susan B. said:
So, you recommend an "in-situ" reinstall? I ask because I am facing a somewhat
similar problem, and am thinking it might be better - much better - to get a new
HD, put the original in an external enclosure (as slave), and go from there.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

My thoughts are that "somewhat similar" does not = the same, since no specific
details are provided then what I responded to the OP may/may not be viable in your
case so I can't comment on a possible solution.

If you feel strongly that your situation merits a new HD and transfering the old
drive to an external case, that choice is yours and yours alone. I have to question
that if you decide to transfer the old HD to an external case, why would you set it
as a slave drive? Again, there are no specific details if the case is a single drive
or multiple drive case. I also have to question on why you wouldn't set it as a
slave inside the case it's in now? Once more, there are no specific details on your
machine and hardware.



--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
 
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