A few questions about reformatting!

Boaz · 29-01-2006, 20:53

Hi

I have two pc's. I have reformatted my second pc before but never reformatted the main pc which is connected to the modem. I am just a novice with computers so any help would be appreciated please.

The pc I want to reformat is the main pc.

1) Do I need to install the Lan card again?

2) Does the modem have to be re-set up again?

3) Is there anything else that I should be aware of before I attempt to reformat the main pc?

Gareth · 29-01-2006, 20:59

1) Most likely, unless it's picked up automagically by your OS.

2) Nope, should be fine.

3) Backup everything that you will need/want cause once you've formatted your drive, it'll be too late to get it back (unless you want to spend megabucks).

**Stuart** · 29-01-2006, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boaz

Hi

I have two pc's. I have reformatted my second pc before but never reformatted the main pc which is connected to the modem. I am just a novice with computers so any help would be appreciated please.

The pc I want to reformat is the main pc.

1) Do I need to install the Lan card again?

Probably not. XP (assuming you are using XP) has drivers for most network cards.

Quote:

2) Does the modem have to be re-set up again

No.

Quote:

3) Is there anything else that I should be aware of before I attempt to reformat the main pc?

Just be careful that you have downloaded drivers for your network, graphics and sound cards. If you are not sure what drivers are needed, then a program called "Everest" (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html) should help, as it not only tells you what hardware is in your system, it gives links for downloads as well.

I'd also like to back up the advice above, about backing up your data.

Paul · 29-01-2006, 21:19

As above but also one thing to remember is to make sure you are protected before connecting back to the BB feed. Install your Anti-virus with the newest definitions (and a firewall if needed) before you plug the ethernet back in.

Boaz · 29-01-2006, 21:23

Thanks very much for your advice guys. Pretty nervous about this but hopefully it will go smoothly. Won't be for a week or so yet.

29-01-2006, 21:26

one thing I seem to forget to do before reformatting is to backup my favourites/bookmarks!

**Rob** · 29-01-2006, 21:28

In many cases I've found when reformatting, even using Windows XP, that the PC will run, but you do need to add some dirvers after the first install. In particular, until your motherboard chipset is correctly identified by Windows, often other attached hardware (graphics, sound, ethernet) may not be correctly identified.

So run the Windows installation, then run the manufacturer's driver disk installs.

Halcyon · 29-01-2006, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger444

one thing I seem to forget to do before reformatting is to backup my favourites/bookmarks!

Definately a good idea mentioning that Dodger444.
The favourites / bookmarks folders take up nearly no space and are easily copied onto a floppy.

It's also worth saving any important E-mails you have in your inbox that you dont want to loose, etc.

Oh and with your other PC, once everything is formatted and Windows is re-installed. Get your anti-virus, firewall, etc downloaded and stick it on a CD.
Then you dont have to connect your machine to the net before it is properly secure.

Hom3r · 29-01-2006, 22:27

Don't forget to export any outlook settings

the outlooks has a .PST file

you can export you email accounts from outlook as well

Boaz · 30-01-2006, 10:24

Cheers everyone.

One more thing. When I've reformatted the main pc, will it be straight forward for me to get the second pc back up for internet access or will it automatically be picked up? (the second pc is using a cross over cable connected to the main pc)

Gareth · 30-01-2006, 11:03

If you're using a crossover cable between the 2 PCs, then you'll need to enable Internet Connection Sharing on the PC that is connected to the modem. It won't be automatically picked up, you'll need to configure this yourself. It's not difficult and doesn't take too long. I believe there's a step-by-step guide in the articles section if you need assistance on how to do it.

Boaz · 30-01-2006, 13:20

Thanks Gareth, I'll go check it out now.

bob_a_builder · 30-01-2006, 13:52

Quote:

one thing I seem to forget to do before reformatting is to backup my favourites/bookmarks!

Yes I do that too, ideally they would be in sub folder under "my documents"
But i suppose that would re-open the "is the browser part of the OS or not" arguments again

30-01-2006, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob_a_builder

Yes I do that too, ideally they would be in sub folder under "my documents"
But i suppose that would re-open the "is the browser part of the OS or not" arguments again

errr they are there in Documents and setting user then theres a lovely yellow star save them

or am i confused here