Re-Building...

[Cobra]

Somehow i managed to volunteer myself to help a freind re-build his computer tomorrow. He's basically got it completely messed with viruses etc so it really needs to be completely formatted.

I re-build my computer all the time, but i have the system disks...and simply put them in...click return to factory settings and it basically does it all for you. I think he has lost his though!! What shall I do?

Im tempted to open command prompt and 'c:/format' it. But will that mean I will loose all the drivers etc?

Also, what would just re-installing windows do? Would that help get rid of most of the viruses? I really don't wanna be there for too long lol...so whats the quickest way to sort this??

Any help would be greatly appretiated! I know this is probably the wrong section, but you guys hiding down here seem tor really know your stuff...

[Gunny04]

Yep returning a computer to factory settings is the same thing as a format, it'll clean it up right, just remember to install service packs and updates, and some anti virus software.... if he lost the disks, and its a newer computer, you can either burn the Partition drive onto a disk (Dvd or 6 CDs) or find it in the bios by pressing key combinations like mine (I can do both, bios for now as I don't have any unburned DVD Disks) Dells are F11 or something, a quick google on the computer type and model should get you there. If it doesnt have a partition format thing, He's probably screwed unless you buy a new OS or something. You could always try the support for the computer as well.... That would also work.

Cheers, Gunny (I hope I have been some help)

[Cobra]

Very helpful, cheers The partition thing sounds good, might look into that...

Out of interest...what would happen if i just shove in the Windows disk...and re-install it. Would that get rid of most of the viruses?

Thanks again...

[Gunny04]

Would be like the day the computer came out of the box.... Thats what I did on my HP and Emachines...

Gunny (All viruses goooooone!)