How to format a computer (System Installation).

How to format a computer (System Installation).

Face One

            There are two ways of formatting a computer hard disk, one by simply formatting the hard disk inside a computer without installing an operating, two by formatting and installing  and operating system. The word "Format computer" simply means installing a hard disk inside a computer. Formatting could mean something ells from installing a computer, but still there could be a common relationship between them two. If you where asked to format a hard disk and at same time you are asked to install a hard disk, they may actually mean two different things though it could be difficult for some people to pinpoint, but before the end of this article you will notice the difference for sure. However i am going to take you through a step by step process to formatting and installing a computer's hard disk, we are going to name it "Format Computer" to make it easy understood. There should be several reasons why you should format a computer, but i can’t tell yours since i don’t know why you want to format yours. There are a few main things i will like to remind you about, things you need to note before formatting a computer.

1. Backup your files and make sure every important file is not saved in the partition to be deleted.

2. Create a restore point for your computer, depending if you are formatting just one partition of your computer, for example. If you had to format just drive C: then you can create a restore point for the whole computer and save in the preserved partition, maybe D: or what ever it is you named.

 If you are not sure of which partition to format, then you would have to backup your files in an external flash or another hard disk.

3. Make sure you have good operating system CD's to be able to run the installation to completion.

The above named things to note could be of help to you either in one way or the other. If you have formatted a computer time and again or just once, then you most have noticed it was very easy but delicate, so be careful with your settings as we move on to the next step.

You are about to begin installing your computer, so make everything ready and set. However you are reading this because you really do want to know how to format a computer isn’t it?

First insert into the CD-ROM a CD named "Windows XP Professional or what ever operating system you are installing for your computer".

Restart your computer and wait while is asks you to "Press Any Key to Boot from CD" just as it passes the onboard display and before windows starts. You have to be vigilant to press the key when you have to, ells you might have to restart again as windows will start.

Now that you have pressed the demanded key, you are on the way and everything should be getting a whole life easy and familiar.

The computer loads files from the CD and searches for previews windows files if any. If you run a copy of windows XP, it will search and will continue even without your concern. The computer will certainly continue loading files and will only stop where you have to accept or dis-agree actions.

At the first screen where it stops, Press F8 to agree then system will continue.

Another screen appears where you have to make changes to your hard disk space. There should be several partitions, depending on how many partitions you had running on your computer. For example the most common partitions are C:\  D:\. If you had one of such running then it will be your decision either to delete and create all new partitions or to delete and create only the partition C:\ since it runs the operating and other system files. The reason you format the computer is to have a new copy of the operating system isn’t it?, sure that’s it, so you cant format partition D:\ maybe where you had your files backed up. On the partition to be reduced, deleted, un-partitioned or reinstalled, move your down and up arrow keys to the highlighted area. Press enter and type in space to be reduced or added. If you wanted to delete and recreate a new fresh partition then all you need to do is press enter then choose delete partition. Confirm to delete and press enter again to repartition the deleted partition. With some operating systems like XP, you will be asked to press D and L to confirm deletion. Enter the amount of disk space you wish to be allocated for that partition, or better still click enter allowing the present number of space in MBts. 30,000MB is = to 30GBts, same goes to all others 20,000MB = 20GBts etc.

After confirmation of the newly partitioned space, you should see a title (Partition New Raw) on any partition that's been newly deleted, that simply confirms that the partition is been recreated and is ready for installation. You should be careful to delete the wrong partition as you could have had your files backed up in the other partition.

Press enter on the partition labeled (Partition New Raw) then choose the installation type from the list that appears. On the screen you should see several options but there is one recommended for your computer, which should work well for all latest computers. It is the NTFS file type. Do not choose quick format if your computer previously suffered from a strong virus or serious problem.

System will now format and start installing windows, you have totally nothing to offer the computer at this point, but to make sure it doesn't goes off, ells you might have to start all afresh.

The second face of the system installation.

The system still doesn't need your help to install the files it’s installing at that moment. In face one, the computer had finished copying system files and now it is installing windows as you can or will see in the display. Windows starts demanding your attention as it continues installing.  You will be asked to enter the operating system's product key if it needs any, for example, Windows XP Professional and many others. If you used windows XP or 7, you should follow the instructions as given in the display.

Continue accepting or disagreeing settings as windows demands.

With some operating systems, you should be prompted to create at least one or two accounts to be able to reach the fresh and newly created desktop. You can create names for your account, excluding the word (Administrator)

Your computer is set and ready for other programs installatio.