formating a PC
 

Hello everybody I need to format my PC. because its not working like it should but I dont know what to do ,where to start ,when I bought this P.C. 18 months ago I had to make a CD before I used it its got Vista installed ,on the disc is 5 files -Boot- EFI-Sources- Wimfiles and BootMGR but I dont know what to do with it ,i also got a Virgin Broadband Set-Up guide CD from Virgin ,I really hope some kind person can help me because I really need it thanks take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

First of all, is there any files, photos, emails, email address books, documents etc you need to back up before you use the recovery feature?

What make / model of PC is it. I take it it's a advent, compact, Dell or similar as you had to make recovery DVD's before using it. There's probably an `how to' somewhere on the net, just need to narrow the search down a bit.

Re: formating a PC
 

If you could let me know the make, e.g. Advent and the model e.g. 5303, I will look for instructions for you :)

Re: formating a PC
 

back up then either boot from the cd hopefully it will be first in list .

If it does not boot from the disc press typically F8 or F12 just after post to enter boot selection and and select cd drive. There will be a wizard there make sure you do a full format as this will ensure its clean. If You can not get it to boot this way then we need to get into bios and set order we will cross that bridge if we need to.

Or typically press F11 key just after post and this should get you into recovery and follow the wizard

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello first thanks to you all I really apreciate it, my P.C.is an Avent and i have a router Installed cheers take care best regards Roy.

---------- Post added at 18:21 ---------- Previous post was at 18:04 ----------

Hello not sure about the number I have a router Installede as well do that come out first ,I got to get it right the first time as there is no comeing back afer I start is there ,and is it hard Installing the Virgin broadband sorry for all these questions cheers take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

From doing a quick search you'll have to get the model number of the PC, as there's a few different mothods, some are pressing `R' on boot-up, pressing F8 on boot-up and others are does insert disk and select boot from DVD when prompted.

Here's the list of Advent PC's: http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/model2.htm. I would suggest printing out the instructions for your model #, just in case you need to look over it again. Plus no going back once you've started the process, it will restore the PC to the same settings that where applied at the time you made the restore disks.

Are you connected to the router using a wired or wireless connection.
Wired it should work straight away.
Wireless, you made have to install the correct drivers/software that came with the wireless adapter. Then it's just a case of selecting your network and entering the correct passcode.

If you've added any new additional peripheral devices, Printers, scanners, Mice, etc you may need the drivers/software for them as well. If you have peripherals that need additional drivers/software go to the manufactures website and get the latest versions.

Q. what software are you using for email. There made be an easy way to export your setting, emails and address book. So you can import them back after you've done the system restore.

---------- Post added at 20:28 ---------- Previous post was at 20:24 ----------

Forgot, you may want to download Belarc Advise (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html). run the software and it will give you a list of all the current hardware, software, driver version etc on your PC which you should save or print out. So if you do encounter any problems it might help you solve them more quickly.

Re: formating a PC
 

hello sorry I dont know the number of my P.C. does this mean I cant do a restore there must be a way thanks Roy.

---------- Post added at 00:03 ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 23:47 ----------

could you please let me know what to do from the start as I dont have a clue whats what ,all I know this P.C has a triple core ,whatever that means is there a way you can have a look at what I have got by remate that way it will be done right thanks Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

You 'should' be able to do a restore by booting to the disk you were prompted to prepare when you first started the pc.

What we are concerned about is the possibility of you losing important files, such as documents & downloads, since that disk was prepared.

The virginmedia disk is irrelevant, as it only sets up USB access for the cable modem & there are no Vista compatible drivers for that, as far as I know.

Ethernet access to your internet account will use the standard network drivers, but you will need to know the username/password to login.

As said, if you are happy you have backed up anything you don't want to lose since first getting the computer, the prepared restore disk should do what you want.

Re: formating a PC
 

If you don't know the model #, then we need to narrow the search down a little if you want the right instructions. What Processor and memory do you have. To do this, press at the same time the windows key and pause/break key. This should bring up a screen like this:
http://www.softwaresales.bham.ac.uk/images/cp2.jpg

Just post the info under the `system' section in the middle:

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 CPU
Memory: 1022MB

then we'll go from there.

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello thanks again O.K. hope this helps you to help me ,product ADVENT T9509P965 Q6600,Service pack 1 Intel [R] Core TM2 Quad CPU Advent 3.4 Memory 2.00GB @2.40GHZ 2.39GHZ .rating 3.4 system type 32 bit .hope this help please let me know if there is anything else you need to know.please could you give me a step by step guid what I need to do to get this P.C. back to normal cheers all take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

It appears that the recovery system allows a 'repair' option. It may be worth trying that first as it will not delete any personal files if it succeeds.

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/t9509.htm

What does the team think?

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello how do i do that repair i mean thanks

Re: formating a PC
 

If you read through the page I linked you will see the instructions. However, I'd suggest waiting for a while until we see any comments from other forum members. I've not actually done this on an Advent myself and there may be complications that others know about.

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello thanks for that ,but I am totally useless on a P.C. I need the simpliest way for me to do this hope you dont mind cheers take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

To use the repair method, put the disc in your drive, turn on the computer, and boot from the CD/DVD. Use the on screen instructions to see if there is an option to repair install. If not, you might have to format. (Which will loose all your documents, pictures, etc)

Re: formating a PC
 

Roy,

What exactly does this mean? What is the problem? People may be able to help you solve this without needing to format the pc.

Re: formating a PC
 

If you want to go ahead without first finding looking for your PC model number or backing up any data, photos, emails and email address books etc. Here is the most common method listed on my link quoted earlier. I would suggest you try the option high lighted in red first (Microsoft Repair Environment ), as this option will leave your settings, files etc alone. But if this doesn't resolve your problems you'll have to do `Reinstall Windows' option, Which will delete all your settings, emails, address books and everything put onto the PC after you first turned it on and restore it back to factory settings

Fingers crossed for a good result.

Laters

Noggo


DVD Recovery
Should your Windows develop serious errors or fail to start, you can restore your computer back to factory settings by using the Recovery DVD you may have created or been sent.

To restore your computer back to factory settings, follow the steps below.

1. Start the computer with the Recovery DVD in the optical disc drive
2. After the usual startup screen has vanished press a key when prompted to load from the DVD
3. Select the language you wish to install (normally English is the only option)
4. Once you have chosen your language you will be presented with the available recovery options:
   

   - Microsoft Repair Environment - after choosing the UK keyboard layout you will be asked to choose the Operating System you wish to repair. If Windows Vista is not listed then you cannot repair the OS without doing the full recovery. After choosing Vista the Microsoft Vista startup repair tool will run and attempt to repair any startup problems you are experiencing

   - Reinstall Windows - gives you the options available to reinstall Vista

   - Advanced Options - this launches the diagnostic centre allowing you to run chkdsk, launch notepad or bring up a command prompt

   - Exit & restart computer - Exits withut running the recovery process

5. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Reinstall Windows
6. On the next screen you have the ability to launch Vista System Restore and roll back to a date when Vista was last working ok or to run the Full Destructive Recovery. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Start Full Destructive Recovery
7. After choosing the Full Destructive Recovery option you are presented with the warning screen that all data will be lost. It is important to make sure all data has been backed up to disk if possible and to realise this process deletes all data and reverts the machine back to it's default state. To continue with the recovery program you need to tick the box indicating you are aware of data loss
8. The recovery process will then run through, reinstalling Vista and also recreating the hard drive recovery system for future use.
9. When it has finished copying files it will ask you to remove the DVD and then restart the computer. It will then go through setting up Vista, you will need to go through the Vista "Out of Box Experience". This is fairly straightforward so just follow the onscreen instructions

Re: formating a PC
 

thanks a lot great ,I put the CD in restarted my PC and got 4 options ,Start Windows Repair Envoroment --Reinstall Windows -- Acvanced Options -- and Exit and restart computer ,what do I need Reinstall Windows is it I just got make sure I get the right one thanks again

Re: formating a PC
 

reinstall will perform the reinstall

If you had just booted from the cd when I said in post 4 we would have been here a day ago ;)

might be worth downloading all the drivers before you perform the reinstall. If you do a repair first and see if you are happy with the results jd

(after all these years and all this rep no one still listens to zing lmao)

Re: formating a PC
 

As I pointed out above. I would personally try Microsoft Repair Environment first, then move onto Reinstall Windows if you are still getting problems afetr the repair. But without knowing what is wrong in the first place it's difficult to advise what the correct method of getting the PC back in tip top condition.

If you feel a clean slate is the way forward select Reinstall Windows. Then follow on screen instruction, they are pretty straigh forward.

Remembering you can always get back online without the router in place.
Turn the power off the PC, router and Cablem Modem. Then connect the PC direct to the cable modem with a network cable (basically discount the network cable between the cable modem and the router, at the router end and connect it to the PC), then reboot. This should at least get you back online without the router.

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello everybody its me again just before I do anything stupid this is my problem-- ,,my problem is I once had Limewire Installed and I have got rid of it now but its left me with files I cant get rid of no matter how I have tried,I go to the start button and type in limewire and all the files come up that I cant get rid of ,it seems like limewire is still there someware ,if I could get rid of these files I should be OK thanks take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

http://www.malwarebytes.org/fileassassin.php

this may well sort you out

Re: formating a PC
 

Take from http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...4034649AAxzGFm (at bottom of the page).
(I've also found a similar method here: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/forums/in...022&forumid=20)
CCleaner from here: http://www.ccleaner.com/

and LimeShop removal http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/R.../limewire.html

Re: formating a PC
 

Hi did a full scan done windows washer did Ccleaner and they are still there its relly bugging me now ,is there anything else that I can try before I do a format hope there is thanks take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

A good ol fashion format will solve all problems. You cant beat a fresh install

Re: formating a PC
 

Sometimes it's best to pay a few quid to someone that can do the job right..

Shame I'm not still in Brecon.

Re: formating a PC
 

I am not looking forward to doing it but its got to done perhaps ill have a go tomorrow ,do i need to take out the router and printer and scanner and the broadband first before I put the CD in to do a format hope you can hyelp cheers take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello well I have decided to do a Reinstall Windows ill have a go today just as well first as last if you dont see me again you know that I have failed thanks again for all your help take care all best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

it's easy enough to do

you don't need to disconnect printer etc if you don't want to, you can leave the broadband in that way the install should config it for you, just follow the on screen instructions it's easy.

once you put the cd in the drive and boot it should give you the option to boot from the cd, then you will need to formatt the drive and then install windows it will take about 40mins for xp and about 30mins for vista.

Re: formating a PC
 

lol Damien doesn't read the thread lol The OP has a recovery partition and and recovery software so he will not be performing the same sort of operation

Re: formating a PC
 

lol my mistake recovery will make it even easier then just insert recovery discs and run them, if they don't work then bring up the recovery console and do a factory recovery.

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello I havnt done it yet still backing up files I am on my 4th DVD disc now ,what was that about a recovery console is that something else I need to do hope you can help cheers take care best regards Roy

Re: formating a PC
 

See my post no.11 in this thread.. Follow that link and read through at least twice, preferably also printing it off so you have a reference once the work is started.



"Turn on the computer and keep tapping F8 until the advanced options menu is displayed
Use the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard to highlight Repair Your Computer and press enter to select it
Select the language you wish to install (normally English is the only option)
Once you have chosen your language you will be presented with the available recovery options

* Microsoft Repair Environment - after choosing the UK keyboard layout you will be asked to choose the Operating System you wish to repair. If Windows Vista is not listed then you cannot repair the OS without doing the full recovery. After choosing Vista the Microsoft Vista startup repair tool will run and attempt to repair any startup problems you are experiencing"

Re: formating a PC
 

Thanks I am on my 5th DVD now for backup so shouldnt be long now hopefully ,never thought it would be this long thanks again take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

hello lads please help I am back on and all is OK exept I cant install virgin firewall and security is says once i put my password in -- Enable Cookies in your Browser how do I do that please help thanks I am runing Vista and firefox hope you will help cheers take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

well hows about dont ;) install AVG free or Avast for an anti virus and if you want a firewall download comodo :)

Re: formating a PC
 

thanks but virgin is just fine how do i enable cookies in my browser pleas tell me lol help thanks

Re: formating a PC
 

tools /internet options/ privacy /advanced/ override auto handling and accept.

By default cookies are allowed

I would not advise the use of VMs security myself but its your machine

Re: formating a PC
 

Hi sorry I coulnt find overide auto handling and exept could you explain again i am really sorry cheers Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

Firefox.. Possibly Tools/Options/Privacy/Accept cookies from sites

Re: formating a PC
 

Thanks I am really stuggling here I have deleated virgin pc guard because i couldnt get it to work for me I really dont know what to do now ,me and computers lol thanks

Re: formating a PC
 

We all started out knowing nothing and there's a lot to be learned from working through a project like this. You may screw it up and have to do it over again but it'll teach you a great deal.
Good luck.

Re: formating a PC
 

Hello DiNasty mate I am having big problems trying to get this all back together I did backup DVDs but I dont see how I can play them well I dont understand it mate ,I cant get MSN messenger still cant get virgin back the way it was I am in deep Sxxt thanks for your reply cheers mate take care best regards Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

Could you try to explain the process you used to create the backup DVDs. That might give a clue how to read stuff back.

What sort of restore did you do on the PC. Was it a full restore to factory settings or did you end up doing some sort of repair?

I'm trying to get a picture of where we're starting from here, so the more information the better.

Re: formating a PC
 

Install avg free from here

Install comodo firewall from here
This will secure your system.

What problems is msn giving you? are you running vista or xp?

Have you checked if all your drivers are installed? they should be from a recovery reinstall though

Re: formating a PC
 

just cant get the right link for msn i keep geting the other messenger ,thanks for your reply ill install those later , and i did a full restore and did the backup from vista onto DVDs it took forever ,do you think you could send a link for msn hope you can thanks

Re: formating a PC
 

Which messenger do you want? the new live?

http://www.oldversion.com/MSN-Messenger.html all old versions here

http://download.live.com/?sku=messenger newest version here

if its windows messenger your after that is part of windows xp

Re: formating a PC
 

thanks for that I am geting there slowly whats really annoying me is this enable cookies in yourbrowser i am geting this most of the time cheers

Re: formating a PC
 

Sorry Roy, that's still not enough info. Was it an Advent menu option to create backups that you used or do you have a version of Vista with the Microsoft backup facility?

Or did you use a totally different program. Not enough data to process at present..

Re: formating a PC
 

Hi the backups I did was a part of Vista windows I still cant open the discs to see what I need in there ,and I have managed to get Virgin back Installed the P.C. gaurd from it all o.k. there now,got one little problem now well big problem to me do you know anything about SVCD2DVD well I got that and Installed it tried to register it but failed, it said right click it and add run as administrator but when the window opend there was no run as administrator in there so what am I gonna do now thanks again cheers Roy.

Re: formating a PC
 

right click the icon for the program it should be the third option down, if not then click properties and then click compatibility and it will be at the bottom just tick it and it will always run as administrator.

Re: formating a PC
 

Thanks for that reply daimen mate cant find compatabillities anwwhere ,I right clicked the football but nothing there cheers

---------- Post added at 12:42 ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 ----------

hello I just cant get it to run tried everything even sent an email to chrissy boy but no answer yet still hopeing cheers

Re: formating a PC
 

heres a screenshot of where it should be

Re: formating a PC
 

thanks yes i click that but not on the football icon because it wasnt there ,I clickrd it in the Install icon ,its really annoying I cant get it to work mate cheers

Re: formating a PC
 

Vista Home Premium doesn't have the backup and restore software included as standard. Was it the Techguys `Recovery DVD Creator' software you used?

Re: formating a PC
 

its ok i have just been told its get all the backups back or nothing i dont want that thanks ill leave all as it is cheers