Need ehlp with XP clean install/reformat

[mummer43]

I recently got a Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop and I'd like to reformat the hard drive and re-install windows to get rid of all the crap that Dell puts on their computers.

I have the OS disk, but I've never reformatted a hard drive. Can someone walk me through it step by step?

I have another computer, so I can be on that one for support in case I need it.

Thanks!

[rspassey]

Insert the OS disk, and run the set up. It will ask you where to install the OS, and you will be shown a list of the partitions which already exist. At that time, you can delete the old partitions and create a new one. Thus, it will reformat for you (you will want to format it as NTFS). Then continue on with the installation.

[mummer43]

Originally Posted by ryan124712 Insert the OS disk, and run the set up. It will ask you where to install the OS, and you will be shown a list of the partitions which already exist. At that time, you can delete the old partitions and create a new one. Thus, it will reformat for you (you will want to format it as NTFS). Then continue on with the installation.

Do I want to make one big partition? I am unclear on how to do this.

[rspassey]

You are give a menu where you get to make the partitions yourself. You also get to choose the partition sizes your self. I use one large partitions (per harddrive) - but this is all personal preference.

You get the option to first remove the old partion, and you will be left with unallocated space. Choose to set up a new partition, detail the size of this parition, and select to do a Full NTFS format (which could take some time).

[mummer43]

Originally Posted by ryan124712 You are give a menu where you get to make the partitions yourself. You also get to choose the partition sizes your self. I use one large partitions (per harddrive) - but this is all personal preference. You get the option to first remove the old partion, and you will be left with unallocated space. Choose to set up a new partition, detail the size of this parition, and select to do a Full NTFS format (which could take some time).

Ok. It's a brand new computer, so there's nothing on it.

[rspassey]

There will be the Partition which Dell set up for you.

[mummer43]

Originally Posted by ryan124712 There will be the Partition which Dell set up for you.

Should I keep this or get rid of it?

[rspassey]

Get rid of it, and create a new partition.

Continue installing onto that new partition.

[mummer43]

Originally Posted by ryan124712 Get rid of it, and create a new partition. Continue installing onto that new partition.

Ok.

[glc]

I would HIGHLY recommend that you leave the small partition alone - that's the Dell recovery partition. Do NOT blow that away unless you bought the optional XP restore disk with the computer. Dell will NOT support you if you blow that partition away.

[mummer43]

Originally Posted by glc I would HIGHLY recommend that you leave the small partition alone - that's the Dell recovery partition. Do NOT blow that away unless you bought the optional XP restore disk with the computer. Dell will NOT support you if you blow that partition away.

Makes sense.