Reformatting HDD without loosing OS and drivers

far_side2004 · Jan 8, 2014

I just got 2 windows xp desktops from a friend (they are older HP comps) I want to reformat the Hard drive (I promised him I would) without loosing the OS and drivers, because I didn't receive the OS or drivers cds so I don't want to have to look up all the drivers for the hardware online, Is this possible?

USAFRet · Jan 8, 2014

Is this possible?

You want to erase the hard drive, but not lose anything on the hard drive.
Not really, no.

If by some slim chance the original recovery CD creation thing still exists and has never been used (highly doubtful on a decade old machine), then maybe.

And Windows XP has 90 days of safe usable life left.

GhislainG · Jan 8, 2014

Formatting the hard drive erases everything and a complete reinstall will be required. I presume that a reformat is required to resolve issues?

far_side2004 · Jan 9, 2014

USAFRet :

GhislainG :

I was wanting to reformate the HDD to get rid of sensitive information on it.

Also, What's going on with windows xp in 90 days?

GhislainG · Jan 9, 2014

If there are no issues, delete the sensitive information. Then use an application like CCleaner to wipe out the free space (and not the whole drive) and cleanup the registry. Once done, defragment the hard disk.

Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft, i.e., patches will no longer be issued.

far_side2004 · Jan 9, 2014

GhislainG :

Thank you for your help, will do

Search

Reformatting HDD without loosing OS and drivers

far_side2004

Honorable

GhislainG

USAFRet

Titan

GhislainG

Titan

far_side2004

Honorable

GhislainG

Titan

far_side2004

Honorable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page