Format C:-Drive

G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Hi All,

I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do a
re-install of Windows.
Is this true?

I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it came with
so called "Quick Restore" cd's.

What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive anyways?

I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
(http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348) and that
worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo simple and
it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting into a big mess.

Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for W98 as
well??
For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??

Appreciate any advice in this matter!

Thanks in advance,
Ellen
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow it's
instructions.
One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for you in a
format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition required and
only the Restore disk will do that.)

The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you have a
non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either Compaq or HP
machines.

"Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Hi All,
>
> I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do a
> re-install of Windows.
> Is this true?
>
> I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it came with
> so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
>
> What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive anyways?
>
> I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
> (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348) and that
> worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo simple and
> it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting into a big
> mess.
>
> Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for W98 as
> well??
> For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
>
> Appreciate any advice in this matter!
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Ellen
>
>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Mine is a Compaq Presario 7470 Desktop. Here is how mine went...

Well, I don't know whether it would be the same for you, but this is
what I did on my Compaq 7470. Remember, this totally wiped out
everything & restored to factory default condition. This does an FDISK,
so, if you want to backup first, it must be done to CD or another HDD
altogether.

It took a phone call or two to Compaq to run my QuickRestore from double
CD's after an HDD crash, since the instructions that came with the them
were lacking. They are bootable-- BUT I couldn't figure out how to get
them into the CD-R/W drive. It was dumbfounding. Here's the actual
process:

1. Turn on computer. (So that you'll be able to...
2. Open CD tray; put in CD 1; close tray.
3. Turn computer off, then on. CD will boot.
(Computer did stuff, some of it twice, maybe. How long?)
4. When asked to insert a Diskette, hold down CTRL and press "R"
three times.
(Big secret? Lucky the guy was still on the line; he wanted to
go; eventually, did.)
5. At the error message (something like "Not ready reading drive
N"), hit "R" for "Retry".
(This took a second phone call; he said sometimes it takes 3
Retry's.)
6. When prompted, put in QuickRestore CD 2.
7. When prompted, put in QuickRestore CD 1, again.
8. When prompted, remove it.
(Windows screen came up; it seemed to go back to DOS; it rebooted
to Windows again; it did some unzipping; it rebooted; it did a
SystemSave; it rebooted; it installed some drivers; it asked some
questions, and I told all.)

That's what I wrote, some of it from memory, during & after the process.
The only other item in my notes is, "NEVER NEEDED ANY DISKETTE",
capitalized. I remember wondering what that diskette asked for was
supposed to be. I don't remember how much time passed between steps;
overall, I believe it was less than an hour, maybe much less.

This QuickRestore, to "factory", from the CDs, is far more involved than
the one from the D: partition. I don't really want to do it again. So
many reboots! And I may have left some out in the notes! There is a lot
to like about Compaq, but QuickRestore from CD's is not one of them...
well, it did work, though. I hope I haven't given away a big secret.


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR
pcrrcp@netzero.net
"Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
| Hi All,
|
| I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do a
| re-install of Windows.
| Is this true?
|
| I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it came
with
| so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
|
| What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive anyways?
|
| I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
| (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348) and
that
| worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo simple
and
| it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting into a big
mess.
|
| Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for W98
as
| well??
| For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
|
| Appreciate any advice in this matter!
|
| Thanks in advance,
| Ellen
|
|
|
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Hi Richard,

first of all thanks for your reply!

I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last week after 5-6
years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk.... then again
I just accepted the default options...

I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more attention to
it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??

Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to re-install Windows
on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary" installation (whatever
that means `Worried look~)??

Thanks,
Ellen

"Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow it's
> instructions.
> One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for you in a
> format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition required and
> only the Restore disk will do that.)
>
> The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you have a
> non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either Compaq or
> HP machines.
>
> "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do a
>> re-install of Windows.
>> Is this true?
>>
>> I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it came
>> with so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
>>
>> What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive anyways?
>>
>> I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
>> (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348) and that
>> worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo simple
>> and it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting into a big
>> mess.
>>
>> Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for W98 as
>> well??
>> For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
>>
>> Appreciate any advice in this matter!
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Ellen
>>
>>
>>
>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

"Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
news:%23ifXVfTOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> Hi Richard,
>
> first of all thanks for your reply!
>
> I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last week after 5-6
> years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
> I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk.... then again
> I just accepted the default options...
>
> I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more attention to
> it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??
>
> Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to re-install Windows
> on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary" installation (whatever
> that means `Worried look~)??
>
> Thanks,
> Ellen
>
> "Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
> news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> > With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow it's
> > instructions.
> > One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for you in a
> > format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition required and
> > only the Restore disk will do that.)
> >
> > The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you have a
> > non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either Compaq or
> > HP machines.
> >
> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> > news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...

Remember, that when you do a 'format', you lose ALL the info and programs on
that drive. The restore disk then puts back the 'original' programs that are on
its disk.
If you just reinstall Windows on top of itself, the other programs, etc on that
drive, are not ususlly removed.
A fresh install on a formatted disk is usually preferred if you are having many
problems that can't be fixed otherwise.
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

No, Toshiba laptops don't, as I recall, use "Proprietary" restore disks.
They use generic OEM versions of Windows. But you *do* want to make sure
you have all of the required hardware drivers on hand before starting
the procedure.

"Proprietary" in this case simply means that the manufacturer altered
the original Windows installation program to insert programs and
hardware drivers of its own. In the case of Compaq, a "normal" or
"generic OEM" installation CD won't work satisfactorily, since they did
some really screwy things that put functions on the hard drive that are
normally handled by hardware, or ROM chips on the motherboard, not
software on the HD..

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
news:%23ifXVfTOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> Hi Richard,
>
> first of all thanks for your reply!
>
> I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last week
after 5-6
> years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
> I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk.... then
again
> I just accepted the default options...
>
> I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more attention
to
> it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??
>
> Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to re-install
Windows
> on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary" installation
(whatever
> that means `Worried look~)??
>
> Thanks,
> Ellen
>
> "Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
> news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> > With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow it's
> > instructions.
> > One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for you
in a
> > format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition
required and
> > only the Restore disk will do that.)
> >
> > The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you
have a
> > non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either
Compaq or
> > HP machines.
> >
> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> > news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> >> Hi All,
> >>
> >> I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do a
> >> re-install of Windows.
> >> Is this true?
> >>
> >> I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it
came
> >> with so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
> >>
> >> What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive anyways?
> >>
> >> I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
> >> (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348)
and that
> >> worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo
simple
> >> and it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting into
a big
> >> mess.
> >>
> >> Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for
W98 as
> >> well??
> >> For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
> >>
> >> Appreciate any advice in this matter!
> >>
> >> Thanks in advance,
> >> Ellen
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Thanks Buffola,

this makes sense... what you tell me.

I only now confused by people telling me that part of the quick restore of
W98 is the format..

Ellen.


"Buffalo" <eric(nospam)@nada.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:xuadnS970Lk26szfRVn-1g@comcast.com...
>
> "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> news:%23ifXVfTOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> Hi Richard,
>>
>> first of all thanks for your reply!
>>
>> I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last week after
>> 5-6
>> years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
>> I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk.... then
>> again
>> I just accepted the default options...
>>
>> I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more attention to
>> it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??
>>
>> Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to re-install
>> Windows
>> on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary" installation
>> (whatever
>> that means `Worried look~)??
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Ellen
>>
>> "Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
>> news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> > With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow it's
>> > instructions.
>> > One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for you in
>> > a
>> > format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition required
>> > and
>> > only the Restore disk will do that.)
>> >
>> > The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you have a
>> > non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either Compaq
>> > or
>> > HP machines.
>> >
>> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
>> > news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>
> Remember, that when you do a 'format', you lose ALL the info and programs
> on
> that drive. The restore disk then puts back the 'original' programs that
> are on
> its disk.
> If you just reinstall Windows on top of itself, the other programs, etc on
> that
> drive, are not ususlly removed.
> A fresh install on a formatted disk is usually preferred if you are having
> many
> problems that can't be fixed otherwise.
>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

"Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
news:%23JdYXzUOFHA.2356@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...

> I only now confused by people telling me that part of the quick restore of
> W98 is the format..

It is simple.
1. Standard Win98 has no RESTORE application.
A couple of its apps have / Restore options but that
is different. (XP has a RESTORE app but this newsgroup
is for Win98 only; there are others for XP.)
2. Customized Win98 (certain brands, possibly most
laptops) may have an app called RESTORE. If so it
is designed to reload a (custom) installation from CD
without wiping data files you may have previously created.
3. FORMAT wipes all files: thus could not possibly
be part of any competent Custom Restore routine.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

"Don Phillipson" <d.phillipson@ttrryytteell.com> wrote in message
news:uWupH0VOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> news:%23JdYXzUOFHA.2356@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>
> > I only now confused by people telling me that part of the quick
restore of
> > W98 is the format..
>
> It is simple.
> 1. Standard Win98 has no RESTORE application.
> A couple of its apps have / Restore options but that
> is different. (XP has a RESTORE app but this newsgroup
> is for Win98 only; there are others for XP.)
> 2. Customized Win98 (certain brands, possibly most
> laptops) may have an app called RESTORE. If so it
> is designed to reload a (custom) installation from CD
> without wiping data files you may have previously created.

That is *not* always true!

> 3. FORMAT wipes all files: thus could not possibly
> be part of any competent Custom Restore routine.

You would think that this was the case, but again, that is *not* always
true. Many vendors do not provide an "overinstall" "Restore" function.
It's all or nothing. Hell, *some* "Restore" CDs simply wipe the entire
drive, partitions and all, and restore an Image.


--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Well Gary,

I am all confused now maybe also because of the translation to my own
language and getting late here.

I think for the Windows XP laptop (Toshiba), I just go ahead with placing
the "Recovery CD" Or "Quick Restore CD" in the laptop and proceed.
If I am correct and understood things right, this should format the c:-drive
and I guess I got worried about nothing here...

And if the W98 PC, I should be covered too, if I am correct...

Thanks,
~Confused~ Ellen

"Gary S. Terhune" <grystnews@mvps.org> wrote in message
news:u2qmRhUOFHA.3704@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> No, Toshiba laptops don't, as I recall, use "Proprietary" restore disks.
> They use generic OEM versions of Windows. But you *do* want to make sure
> you have all of the required hardware drivers on hand before starting
> the procedure.
>
> "Proprietary" in this case simply means that the manufacturer altered
> the original Windows installation program to insert programs and
> hardware drivers of its own. In the case of Compaq, a "normal" or
> "generic OEM" installation CD won't work satisfactorily, since they did
> some really screwy things that put functions on the hard drive that are
> normally handled by hardware, or ROM chips on the motherboard, not
> software on the HD..
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS MVP Shell/User
> http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
>
> "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> news:%23ifXVfTOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> Hi Richard,
>>
>> first of all thanks for your reply!
>>
>> I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last week
> after 5-6
>> years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
>> I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk.... then
> again
>> I just accepted the default options...
>>
>> I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more attention
> to
>> it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??
>>
>> Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to re-install
> Windows
>> on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary" installation
> (whatever
>> that means `Worried look~)??
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Ellen
>>
>> "Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
>> news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> > With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow it's
>> > instructions.
>> > One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for you
> in a
>> > format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition
> required and
>> > only the Restore disk will do that.)
>> >
>> > The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you
> have a
>> > non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either
> Compaq or
>> > HP machines.
>> >
>> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
>> > news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> >> Hi All,
>> >>
>> >> I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do a
>> >> re-install of Windows.
>> >> Is this true?
>> >>
>> >> I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it
> came
>> >> with so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
>> >>
>> >> What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive anyways?
>> >>
>> >> I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
>> >> (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348)
> and that
>> >> worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo
> simple
>> >> and it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting into
> a big
>> >> mess.
>> >>
>> >> Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for
> W98 as
>> >> well??
>> >> For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
>> >>
>> >> Appreciate any advice in this matter!
>> >>
>> >> Thanks in advance,
>> >> Ellen
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

These "Restore" CDs all vary as to what they do and what they don't,
what options are presented, etc. The main concern with Restore CDs is
that you back up your data, since some of them not only reformat prior
to reinstalling, they actually repartition the entire hard drive. Only
by sitting in from of the system and looking at what's there can anyone
tell you exactly what you have (except the tech support people from the
companies themselves, and even then...) We're simply making educated
guesses based upon prior experience, and *nobody* can possibly have seen
all there is to see in the computer world. There are simply too many
variations available.

As for the Toshibas, I was under the impression you were talking only
about older machines with Windows 98. I don't know how they have done
things in newer systems. The older ones didn't have "proprietary"
installation CDs. Windows 98 Setup normally *doesn't* have
reformat/repartition options, you have to use a Windows Startup floppy
disk to perform those chores. Again, you can only tell what you have by
looking at what you have. Windows XP Setup normally includes
repartitioning and reformatting options. I don't know what Toshiba may
have done to change any of those procedures.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
news:OCbHN3UOFHA.1172@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> Well Gary,
>
> I am all confused now maybe also because of the translation to my own
> language and getting late here.
>
> I think for the Windows XP laptop (Toshiba), I just go ahead with
placing
> the "Recovery CD" Or "Quick Restore CD" in the laptop and proceed.
> If I am correct and understood things right, this should format the
c:-drive
> and I guess I got worried about nothing here...
>
> And if the W98 PC, I should be covered too, if I am correct...
>
> Thanks,
> ~Confused~ Ellen
>
> "Gary S. Terhune" <grystnews@mvps.org> wrote in message
> news:u2qmRhUOFHA.3704@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> > No, Toshiba laptops don't, as I recall, use "Proprietary" restore
disks.
> > They use generic OEM versions of Windows. But you *do* want to make
sure
> > you have all of the required hardware drivers on hand before
starting
> > the procedure.
> >
> > "Proprietary" in this case simply means that the manufacturer
altered
> > the original Windows installation program to insert programs and
> > hardware drivers of its own. In the case of Compaq, a "normal" or
> > "generic OEM" installation CD won't work satisfactorily, since they
did
> > some really screwy things that put functions on the hard drive that
are
> > normally handled by hardware, or ROM chips on the motherboard, not
> > software on the HD..
> >
> > --
> > Gary S. Terhune
> > MS MVP Shell/User
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
> >
> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> > news:%23ifXVfTOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >> Hi Richard,
> >>
> >> first of all thanks for your reply!
> >>
> >> I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last week
> > after 5-6
> >> years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
> >> I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk....
then
> > again
> >> I just accepted the default options...
> >>
> >> I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more
attention
> > to
> >> it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??
> >>
> >> Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to re-install
> > Windows
> >> on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary" installation
> > (whatever
> >> that means `Worried look~)??
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Ellen
> >>
> >> "Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
> >> news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >> > With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow
it's
> >> > instructions.
> >> > One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for
you
> > in a
> >> > format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition
> > required and
> >> > only the Restore disk will do that.)
> >> >
> >> > The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you
> > have a
> >> > non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either
> > Compaq or
> >> > HP machines.
> >> >
> >> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> >> > news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> >> >> Hi All,
> >> >>
> >> >> I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do
a
> >> >> re-install of Windows.
> >> >> Is this true?
> >> >>
> >> >> I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it
> > came
> >> >> with so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
> >> >>
> >> >> What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive
anyways?
> >> >>
> >> >> I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
> >> >> (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348)
> > and that
> >> >> worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo
> > simple
> >> >> and it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting
into
> > a big
> >> >> mess.
> >> >>
> >> >> Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for
> > W98 as
> >> >> well??
> >> >> For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
> >> >>
> >> >> Appreciate any advice in this matter!
> >> >>
> >> >> Thanks in advance,
> >> >> Ellen
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Hi Gary,

thanks for your reply and sorry for the confusion.

I have 2 Toshiba laptops both with windows XP.
One is only 3 months old, I had to do a "Quick Restore" on it after Norton
messed up my system big time and the person in the store told me I only need
to put the CD in the machine and voila. This is what I did after making a
backup of all my data. I do not recall an option about formatting the
c:-drive, so I have no clue what it does or doesn't. I just know it worked
and solved my problems. I just asked the question since some people told
me it is better to do a format and I do not want to go ahead and cause more
damage then necessary... if that makes sense.

On the second laptop, the older one, I need to do a re-install since my ISP
told me so ---> became an Open Relay they told me. And I had scheduled to do
this, this week...


Not thinking further, I did similar process for the Desktop we have, which
is a Compaq with W98 SE. I backed up all the data on a CD and put the CD
in the disk-drive for the quick restore and accepted the options provided. I
do not recall seeing something specific about a format, but then again maybe
this is not told/presented as an option..

I have asked the question in a Toshiba Forum today about the format,
including the model I have, but no reply yet.
If no reply by tomorrow morning, I just go ahead with the Quick restore as I
am "used too" and I will figure it out later if a format was required.

Are there ways to tell if there is "old stuff" on the hard disk from prior
the re-install?

Thanks in advance for your reply and patience!

Ellen




"Gary S. Terhune" <grystnews@mvps.org> wrote in message
news:u4MkZHVOFHA.576@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> These "Restore" CDs all vary as to what they do and what they don't,
> what options are presented, etc. The main concern with Restore CDs is
> that you back up your data, since some of them not only reformat prior
> to reinstalling, they actually repartition the entire hard drive. Only
> by sitting in from of the system and looking at what's there can anyone
> tell you exactly what you have (except the tech support people from the
> companies themselves, and even then...) We're simply making educated
> guesses based upon prior experience, and *nobody* can possibly have seen
> all there is to see in the computer world. There are simply too many
> variations available.
>
> As for the Toshibas, I was under the impression you were talking only
> about older machines with Windows 98. I don't know how they have done
> things in newer systems. The older ones didn't have "proprietary"
> installation CDs. Windows 98 Setup normally *doesn't* have
> reformat/repartition options, you have to use a Windows Startup floppy
> disk to perform those chores. Again, you can only tell what you have by
> looking at what you have. Windows XP Setup normally includes
> repartitioning and reformatting options. I don't know what Toshiba may
> have done to change any of those procedures.
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS MVP Shell/User
> http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
>
> "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> news:OCbHN3UOFHA.1172@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>> Well Gary,
>>
>> I am all confused now maybe also because of the translation to my own
>> language and getting late here.
>>
>> I think for the Windows XP laptop (Toshiba), I just go ahead with
> placing
>> the "Recovery CD" Or "Quick Restore CD" in the laptop and proceed.
>> If I am correct and understood things right, this should format the
> c:-drive
>> and I guess I got worried about nothing here...
>>
>> And if the W98 PC, I should be covered too, if I am correct...
>>
>> Thanks,
>> ~Confused~ Ellen
>>
>> "Gary S. Terhune" <grystnews@mvps.org> wrote in message
>> news:u2qmRhUOFHA.3704@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>> > No, Toshiba laptops don't, as I recall, use "Proprietary" restore
> disks.
>> > They use generic OEM versions of Windows. But you *do* want to make
> sure
>> > you have all of the required hardware drivers on hand before
> starting
>> > the procedure.
>> >
>> > "Proprietary" in this case simply means that the manufacturer
> altered
>> > the original Windows installation program to insert programs and
>> > hardware drivers of its own. In the case of Compaq, a "normal" or
>> > "generic OEM" installation CD won't work satisfactorily, since they
> did
>> > some really screwy things that put functions on the hard drive that
> are
>> > normally handled by hardware, or ROM chips on the motherboard, not
>> > software on the HD..
>> >
>> > --
>> > Gary S. Terhune
>> > MS MVP Shell/User
>> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
>> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
>> >
>> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
>> > news:%23ifXVfTOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> >> Hi Richard,
>> >>
>> >> first of all thanks for your reply!
>> >>
>> >> I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last week
>> > after 5-6
>> >> years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
>> >> I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk....
> then
>> > again
>> >> I just accepted the default options...
>> >>
>> >> I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more
> attention
>> > to
>> >> it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??
>> >>
>> >> Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to re-install
>> > Windows
>> >> on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary" installation
>> > (whatever
>> >> that means `Worried look~)??
>> >>
>> >> Thanks,
>> >> Ellen
>> >>
>> >> "Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> >> > With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow
> it's
>> >> > instructions.
>> >> > One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive for
> you
>> > in a
>> >> > format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition
>> > required and
>> >> > only the Restore disk will do that.)
>> >> >
>> >> > The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume you
>> > have a
>> >> > non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either
>> > Compaq or
>> >> > HP machines.
>> >> >
>> >> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
>> >> > news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> >> >> Hi All,
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to do
> a
>> >> >> re-install of Windows.
>> >> >> Is this true?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and it
>> > came
>> >> >> with so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive
> anyways?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
>> >> >> (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348)
>> > and that
>> >> >> worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound soo
>> > simple
>> >> >> and it probably is... but I rather double-check before getting
> into
>> > a big
>> >> >> mess.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article for
>> > W98 as
>> >> >> well??
>> >> >> For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Appreciate any advice in this matter!
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Thanks in advance,
>> >> >> Ellen
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>>
>>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Simple: You will find personal files and/or applications that you
installed after you bought the system. Reformatting, or using a "Quick
Restore" that either reformats and reinstalls, or restores an "Image"
(clone) of the original system will not keep *any* of your own files. It
will look exactly like it did the day you unpacked it (the file system,
that is.)

I'm sorry, I'd like to give you more detailed advice, but it's sometimes
hard to know exactly what mechanism a manufacturer's "restore" does even
when you're looking right at it. They "idiot-proof" these things and it
can be difficult to know for sure how much they "do for you".

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
news:uRlHCRVOFHA.1096@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Hi Gary,
>
> thanks for your reply and sorry for the confusion.
>
> I have 2 Toshiba laptops both with windows XP.
> One is only 3 months old, I had to do a "Quick Restore" on it after
Norton
> messed up my system big time and the person in the store told me I
only need
> to put the CD in the machine and voila. This is what I did after
making a
> backup of all my data. I do not recall an option about formatting the
> c:-drive, so I have no clue what it does or doesn't. I just know it
worked
> and solved my problems. I just asked the question since some people
told
> me it is better to do a format and I do not want to go ahead and cause
more
> damage then necessary... if that makes sense.
>
> On the second laptop, the older one, I need to do a re-install since
my ISP
> told me so ---> became an Open Relay they told me. And I had scheduled
to do
> this, this week...
>
>
> Not thinking further, I did similar process for the Desktop we have,
which
> is a Compaq with W98 SE. I backed up all the data on a CD and put
the CD
> in the disk-drive for the quick restore and accepted the options
provided. I
> do not recall seeing something specific about a format, but then again
maybe
> this is not told/presented as an option..
>
> I have asked the question in a Toshiba Forum today about the format,
> including the model I have, but no reply yet.
> If no reply by tomorrow morning, I just go ahead with the Quick
restore as I
> am "used too" and I will figure it out later if a format was required.
>
> Are there ways to tell if there is "old stuff" on the hard disk from
prior
> the re-install?
>
> Thanks in advance for your reply and patience!
>
> Ellen
>
>
>
>
> "Gary S. Terhune" <grystnews@mvps.org> wrote in message
> news:u4MkZHVOFHA.576@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> > These "Restore" CDs all vary as to what they do and what they don't,
> > what options are presented, etc. The main concern with Restore CDs
is
> > that you back up your data, since some of them not only reformat
prior
> > to reinstalling, they actually repartition the entire hard drive.
Only
> > by sitting in from of the system and looking at what's there can
anyone
> > tell you exactly what you have (except the tech support people from
the
> > companies themselves, and even then...) We're simply making educated
> > guesses based upon prior experience, and *nobody* can possibly have
seen
> > all there is to see in the computer world. There are simply too many
> > variations available.
> >
> > As for the Toshibas, I was under the impression you were talking
only
> > about older machines with Windows 98. I don't know how they have
done
> > things in newer systems. The older ones didn't have "proprietary"
> > installation CDs. Windows 98 Setup normally *doesn't* have
> > reformat/repartition options, you have to use a Windows Startup
floppy
> > disk to perform those chores. Again, you can only tell what you have
by
> > looking at what you have. Windows XP Setup normally includes
> > repartitioning and reformatting options. I don't know what Toshiba
may
> > have done to change any of those procedures.
> >
> > --
> > Gary S. Terhune
> > MS MVP Shell/User
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
> >
> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> > news:OCbHN3UOFHA.1172@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> >> Well Gary,
> >>
> >> I am all confused now maybe also because of the translation to my
own
> >> language and getting late here.
> >>
> >> I think for the Windows XP laptop (Toshiba), I just go ahead with
> > placing
> >> the "Recovery CD" Or "Quick Restore CD" in the laptop and proceed.
> >> If I am correct and understood things right, this should format the
> > c:-drive
> >> and I guess I got worried about nothing here...
> >>
> >> And if the W98 PC, I should be covered too, if I am correct...
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> ~Confused~ Ellen
> >>
> >> "Gary S. Terhune" <grystnews@mvps.org> wrote in message
> >> news:u2qmRhUOFHA.3704@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> >> > No, Toshiba laptops don't, as I recall, use "Proprietary" restore
> > disks.
> >> > They use generic OEM versions of Windows. But you *do* want to
make
> > sure
> >> > you have all of the required hardware drivers on hand before
> > starting
> >> > the procedure.
> >> >
> >> > "Proprietary" in this case simply means that the manufacturer
> > altered
> >> > the original Windows installation program to insert programs and
> >> > hardware drivers of its own. In the case of Compaq, a "normal" or
> >> > "generic OEM" installation CD won't work satisfactorily, since
they
> > did
> >> > some really screwy things that put functions on the hard drive
that
> > are
> >> > normally handled by hardware, or ROM chips on the motherboard,
not
> >> > software on the HD..
> >> >
> >> > --
> >> > Gary S. Terhune
> >> > MS MVP Shell/User
> >> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> >> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
> >> >
> >> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> >> > news:%23ifXVfTOFHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >> >> Hi Richard,
> >> >>
> >> >> first of all thanks for your reply!
> >> >>
> >> >> I have done a Quick restore actually on that the W98 PC last
week
> >> > after 5-6
> >> >> years, not being aware of this "format" thingy.
> >> >> I do not recall seeing an option to reformat the hard disk....
> > then
> >> > again
> >> >> I just accepted the default options...
> >> >>
> >> >> I guess I will leave that PC as it is right now and pay more
> > attention
> >> > to
> >> >> it, a next time. Is there a way to tell if it did a reformat??
> >> >>
> >> >> Just curious... I have 2 Toshiba Laptops and I need to
re-install
> >> > Windows
> >> >> on one, do you know if they have a "non-proprietary"
installation
> >> > (whatever
> >> >> that means `Worried look~)??
> >> >>
> >> >> Thanks,
> >> >> Ellen
> >> >>
> >> >> "Richard Goh" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:O%234CRzSOFHA.440@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >> >> > With your Compaq, you need to use the Restore Disk and follow
> > it's
> >> >> > instructions.
> >> >> > One of the options in the restore will reformat your C drive
for
> > you
> >> > in a
> >> >> > format that Compaq approves (There may be a hidden partition
> >> > required and
> >> >> > only the Restore disk will do that.)
> >> >> >
> >> >> > The instructions you were referring to from Microsoft assume
you
> >> > have a
> >> >> > non-proprietary installation. This is not the case for either
> >> > Compaq or
> >> >> > HP machines.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "Ellen" <e.denan@hone.xp> wrote in message
> >> >> > news:O44feaSOFHA.2348@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> >> >> >> Hi All,
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I was told that it is better to format your c:-drive prior to
do
> > a
> >> >> >> re-install of Windows.
> >> >> >> Is this true?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I have a Compaq Presario, model 7450/7460. Windows 98 SE and
it
> >> > came
> >> >> >> with so called "Quick Restore" cd's.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> What are the steps to take for a Format of your hard drive
> > anyways?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I saw an article on Microsoft which is for Windows XP
> >> >> >>
(http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348)
> >> > and that
> >> >> >> worried me a bit, since the person telling me made it sound
soo
> >> > simple
> >> >> >> and it probably is... but I rather double-check before
getting
> > into
> >> > a big
> >> >> >> mess.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Do I need to check all these things mentioned in the article
for
> >> > W98 as
> >> >> >> well??
> >> >> >> For one how can I check the BIOS settings...??
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Appreciate any advice in this matter!
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Thanks in advance,
> >> >> >> Ellen
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >
>
>