I b0rked my PC (seriously) now how do i wipe it and reinstall?

[Aero Zeppelin]

Ok, I have been told by several people that my PC is brokened, and I have noticed a lot myself. The constant error messages, the constant crashes, the constant WTF's. So how do I clean the HD and reinstall WinME effectively? Can you help thuroughly? Like give me details of how to do it. My PC is slowly dying so I might not even be here tomorrow if I do not get help. :( Please help out. The life of Aero Zeppelin is at stake.


Aero Zeppelin is only the person you know from the Internet. The real human behind Aero is fine, although he needs the computer very much too.

[hestermofet]

RM's 10 Second reformat
1. Backup everything
2. Stick Windows ME CD in tray
3. Reboot
4. Choose to do a fresh install
5. Watch the progress bar move across the screen

[Aero Zeppelin]

Originally posted by hestermofet
RM's 10 Second reformat
1. Backup everything
2. Stick Windows ME CD in tray
3. Reboot
4. Choose to do a fresh install
5. Watch the progress bar move across the screen
Ok thank you. I was just wondering if i had to do anything extra. I don't want a lot of the stuff that is on this computer so I wanted to make sure it was erased from history.


If I reinstall, will that erase the hidden secret files? I mean the ones that track everything you have done since you got the computer.

[hestermofet]

If I recollect correctly, there is an option in the Windows Me installer to do a fresh install (I know there is this option for NT-based operating systems). This means a format, hence, therefore, ergo, all files, including super hidden ones are wiped.

[Atmo]

Is it an upgrade or full version of ME??

If its a full version you'll have to format your drive before you install (or it'll give an error saying there is already an MS os present). If its an upgrade cd, you can either install over the top or format first, then install (however you'll need to provide a 95, 98 or 98se disk when it asks).

[dylman]

And make sure you have a Windows Boot floppy just in case of emergencies. Saved my sanity more than once.

[Aero Zeppelin]

Originally posted by dylman
And make sure you have a Windows Boot floppy just in case of emergencies. Saved my sanity more than once.
I don't understand DOS. /me is not a great computer compatible person.

[dylman]

Originally posted by Aero Zeppelin

I don't understand DOS. /me is not a great computer compatible person.

Trust me... if your first installation fucks up, and you start it again, only the system won't boot off the CD-ROM, you'll be really glad you have a boot disk.

[Atmo]

http://www.bootdisk.com/ - for all your bootdisk needs.

Also contains plenty of info about how to upgrade/install/reinstall windows.