xp restore - CNET Computer help Forums

Clarification request: Format, how?

by MarkFlax - 7/28/12 4:40 AM

How are you doing this format, from within XP itself or from some external media?

You can't reformat Windows from within Windows itself. That is like committing suicide and Windows won't do that.

What do you mean by "Restore"? We need to be careful what terms we use because confusion can result;

1] System Restore, from within Windows itself, restores the system files and settings and the registry from backups created earlier via "Create a System Restore Point". No personal files are lost.

2] Restore to factory conditions. Return the system back to when it was when it left the factory, a pristine new Windows OS. All files are lost.

3] Repair install. Use the Windows XP CD to "repair" the OS. Hopefully no personal files are lost, but not guaranteed.

4] Full Reinstall. Us e the XP CD to delete the existing XP partition, reformat, and install XP again. All files are lost.

5] In later years manufacturers starting messing with this with either hidden restore partitions and/or Recovery Disks that the user had to make himself, but not likely on an older XP system.

None of this should affect activation.

I don't know what you mean by not recognizing other hard disks.

Mark

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