Formatting Your Hard Drive: The Entire Process

From start to finish, formatting the hard drive can be a lengthy process. But what if it could be avoided? Before formatting the drive, below are some alternatives that should be tried. But what if these suggestions don't solve the computer problem(s)? Then the drive should be formatted. However, many people format their drive without having all of the necessary software. This can be very frustrating. See Part 2 of this article to make formatting the drive a smooth process.

Part 1 - What to try before formatting the hard drive

Usually, the antivirus program can delete a virus that has been detected. However, for some reason or another, it can't always do it. Sometimes, if the virus was picked up from a website, deleting the temporary internet files will remove it. When this doesn't work, try doing a search on the computer for the name of the virus. In Windows XP, the search feature is on the Start menu. If the virus can be located, simply delete it. Sometimes, though, it's like the virus has grown roots, if you will, into other programs. If this has happened, deleting the viruses can worsen the computer problems, making formatting the drive necessary.

If the hard drive has bad sectors, sometimes running the check disk tool will correct this. To find this tool in Windows XP, go to My Computer, right click on Drive C, choose Properties, click the tab called Tools, and then click "check now." In the window that pops up, make sure that both boxes are checked and then click okay. A disk check will be scheduled for the next time that the computer is turned on.

If it is suspected that the Windows operating system has become faulty, try using the utility called "Repair" on the Windows installation cd. Running this will repair Windows without deleting what is on the hard drive.

Sometimes fixing a computer can be as simple as running the System Restore. This feature allows you to return the computer to a previous point in time. This tool can be found by clicking Start, and going to All Programs, Accessories, and System Tools.

Sometimes, general computer maintenance can fix many problems. In the same directory as System Restore is Disk Cleanup, which should be run about once a month. Also in that same directory is the disk defragmenter, which should be run about once a year. If the computer isn't set to run the Windows updates automatically, then the critical updates need to be downloaded directly from the Windows update website.

If the computer is lagging, it's most likely a memory problem. It's possible that a stick of memory has gone bad, or the computer just didn't come with enough memory to begin with. Keep in mind that Windows XP requires at least 512 MB of memory to run smoothly.

Part 2 -Formatting the hard drive

After everything else has failed, it's time to format the hard drive. Make sure that you have the necessary software. It'd be a mistake to format the computer if there isn't an operating system (such as Windows XP) to put back on the computer. Most new computers are shipped with a copy of the operating system on cd. You will also need software to get onto the internet. This includes all dial up ISP's (internet service providers) and the drivers for a cable modem. Sometimes, new computers are shipped with programs for photo editing, word processing, spreadsheets, antivirus, etc. However, the computer company may or may not have included these programs on disc. And even if they did, they may not have included the serial numbers. If these programs are needed, waiting to format the hard drive until you have the serial numbers and the programs on disc might be a good idea.

It would also be a mistake to format the drive if you don't have the drivers for the monitor, speakers, etc. The drivers probably came on a cd with the computer. If not, download the drivers from the computer manufacturer's website and burn them to a disc before formatting the hard drive. And don't forget about the drivers for your digital camera, printer, scanner, etc.

All of your data on the computer needs to be saved including your documents, images, videos, music, etc. But there are smaller things that tend to be forgotten. Your favorites (bookmarked websites) need to be saved as well.

Many instant messengers save the friend lists on their servers. But some programs don't. I believe Trillian is an example of one that doesn't. Make sure all of the logins, passwords, and friend lists are written down for those messengers that don't save this information on their servers.

Formatting the hard drive is the simple part. Insert the windows cd, restart the computer, and then follow the on-screen instructions. It is a very easy process that no one should fear. After the drive is formatted, everything needs putting back on the computer starting with the drivers. This can take a while, and once you sign onto the internet, the instant messengers will need downloading and some programs will need updating.