formating a PC

roystheboy · 20-02-2009, 16:48

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.

Noggo · 20-02-2009, 17:46

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.

MadGamer · 20-02-2009, 17:48

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

20-02-2009, 18:13

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

roystheboy · 20-02-2009, 19:21

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.

Noggo · 20-02-2009, 21:28

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.

roystheboy · 21-02-2009, 01:03

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.

21-02-2009, 01:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by roystheboy

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.

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.

Noggo · 21-02-2009, 01:56

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:

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

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 CPU
Memory: 1022MB

then we'll go from there.

roystheboy · 21-02-2009, 09:06

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.

Dai · 21-02-2009, 09:46

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?

roystheboy · 21-02-2009, 10:35

Hello how do i do that repair i mean thanks

Dai · 21-02-2009, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by roystheboy

Hello how do i do that repair i mean thanks

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.

roystheboy · 21-02-2009, 11:13

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.

CHiLL · 21-02-2009, 11:20

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)