I think I need to reformat my hard drive. I have Windows XP professional and the new Norton antivirus. A little over a year ago, I brought my computer to a place locally that fixes computers. He erased the hard drive then and put in some upgrades. In the last year I have been unabale to upgrade windows XP. The IT people think the guy who fixed it last year used a copy without giving me the serial number. I hope thi si making sense. My neice has been here suing my computer for myspace and stuff and now every minute Norton says I have spyware and to run a system check. I am doing this but this is a pain in the butt. THe IT people said to do an F-disk and start all over. This in theory sounds wonderful and they gave me directions but I want to make sure I understand them before I kill my computer. Does anyone have directions for a not too compter savvy type person? Can someone who has never done this before actually complete it without killing the machine? Thanks!

I wouldn't touch F-Disk if I am not a computer geek.
F-Disk is a partitioning tool, it can do two things 1) wipe out all your data 2) screws up your partition and if you dont understand computers you wont know how to get them back.

If you want to delete everything and install Win XP brand new without saving ANY data:

1) pop in the Win XP CD.
2) boot the computer in IDE CD-ROM mode
3) follow instructions

its not as easy as it sounds, but its doable. However, I am too tired to write out a lengthy response at the moment.

he's my question, do you need the data on your current harddisk. if not, the task is much simpplier.

on the other hand if you still want to keep your data, there are 2 things you can do.

1. back up all the data you need and install a brand new XP (during installation, there's a step that'll allow you to format the drive). I'd recommend this method.

2. Use your XP CD and do a repair. This will reinstall a copy of the XP OS on top of the existing one. However, it'll most likely prompt you to reactivate your XP since it sounds like your previous version wasn't legit or the same type. This method also leaves a bunch of garbage around.

Both methods are also assuming you have an XP cd. A restore disk that came with your manufacturer is an entirely different ballgame.

//krunk (^_^x)

In the last year I have been unable to upgrade windows XP.
What exactly do you mean? Are you trying to upgrade from XP Home to XP Pro or is it that you cannot install the updates that Microsoft comes out with every month?

The IT people think the guy who fixed it last year used a copy without giving me the serial number.
If you were not given a Genuine Windows sticker with the license key report the guy to Microsoft. he did something illegal. You can check to see if your copy of Windows is genuine by clicking here. Click on the Validate Windows button on the page that opens.

My neice has been here suing my computer for myspace and stuff and now every minute Norton says I have spyware and to run a system check.
You can try doing a System Restore to a point before your niece sat down at the computer.
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
Choose "restore my computer to an earlier time" and click Next
You'll see a calendar. Choose a date and a restore point. Follow the onscreen instructions.

THe IT people said to do an F-disk and start all over. This in theory sounds wonderful and they gave me directions but I want to make sure I understand them before I kill my computer.
How irresponsible for the IT people to tell someone to use Fdisk. One mistake and you'll be spending hours just to partition and format. Forget fdisk. Do what Krunk suggests - during the XP reinstallation you will be given the opportunity to partition & format. It's much easier than using fdisk and accomplishes the same goal.

Does anyone have directions for a not too compter savvy type person? Can someone who has never done this before actually complete it without killing the machine? Thanks!
Yes! Click here. it has instructions and pictures of all the installation screens.
Very Important:Backup any important data and make sure you have all the necessary hardware drivers for your computer before doing this. XP May not have all the necessary drivers and when Windows runs for the first time you may find that certain things don't work properly or work at all, like audio, video, modem, networking, printing and any other internal or external device connected to the system.

* in best Beavis and Butthead voice

She said F-disk ... he he he he

i am not too tech savy but running fdisk is not terribly difficult, is it?

usually i just run fdisk, select number 4 'delete partition,' and reboot with the windows xp, it sets up a format and partition all you do is click 'yes'

i will admit the process is more in depth if you need to keep old files, but i tell you what, you will amaze your friends if go and do a fresh install of windows on their computers that running slow, they are amazed at how fast the computer actually is before their kids download every piece of spyware, through myspace and MSN

you will be an instant tech guru, so beware

No, it's not. However if a person isn't familiar with it and makes a mistake it can cause alot of headaches. Plus there's no reason to use it when installing XP. The text mode portion gives you the opportunity to partition & format and it's extremely easy.