Question about Microsoft Windows XP Professional With Servise Pack 2 (e8503040) for PC
Is it safe to format the c: drive of my laptop operating on a Windows XP Home Edition right away? Will there be no problem when I will boot on the CD (installer)?
That all depends on how much preparation you do before hand and how much experience you have installing operating systems and resolving issues that come up. Things to look out for: -Have all the hardware drivers on a readable CD. The manufacturers original CD is best. -Do a test boot to the install CD just to make sure it works. -Make sure you have a legitimate Windows software key. There should be a Microsoft sticker with the key printed on it. -Keys can only be used to install the operating system three times. If you purchased this new you should be OK, if its used the previous owner may have already reformatted a couple of times so be prepared to spend time on the phone with Microsoft. -Do this somewhere where you have access to a broad band connection so you can download the updates and patches. -Remember to pull your data, shortcuts and passwords off the hard drive before you format. -Make sure you document the software you have currently installed. Make sure you have the installation CD and the license key to reinstall them. -Some manufacturers like to create a special partition for diagnostic utilities. Make sure you don?t delete that unless you know what you?re doing. -Allow for plenty of time, it takes about an hour and a half to two hours for a pro to save data, format, reinstall and update software. If this is your first time it may take you a evening if nothing goes wrong. Bottom line is you don?t want to be doing this if you have any major projects, taxes or anything else coming up soon. Good luck.
Posted on Aug 01, 2007
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