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View Full Version : Reformat hard drive
TapsyTypist
12-30-2010, 09:19 AM
I need to reformat the hard drive on my kid's computer - but I don't own a copy of Windows. Is there someway to reformat the drive and then copy the system from my laptop to the desktop? Maybe via some sort of USB data cable? Thanks! :confused:
poptart
12-30-2010, 10:36 AM
No, that won't work, especially since your desktop and your laptop may have different window specs as in either 32 bit and 64 bit. You would need a fresh install if you're going to reformat.
danasurvey
12-30-2010, 10:44 AM
Did you create a System Restore Disk" for that computer? A System Restore Disk will format the hard drive and restore the computer back to factory settings (in other words, it will be just like it was when you first bought it).
khakigirl
12-30-2010, 11:35 AM
You could install Linux. There are some great Linux operating systems out there now that are REALLY easy to use and really easy to install. If you need help, feel free to ask for help.
TapsyTypist
12-30-2010, 11:52 AM
Wow - thanks - maybe I will go with Linux. I can reformat - but not sure how to get the Linux on - may have to find a disc somewhere. Thanks for the idea!
AndrewW
12-30-2010, 12:01 PM
Wow - thanks - maybe I will go with Linux. I can reformat - but not sure how to get the Linux on - may have to find a disc somewhere. Thanks for the idea!
Plenty of Linux distributions out there. You just need to download an ISO and burn it off to disk then you can install from that.
Plenty of Linux distributions out there. You just need to download an ISO and burn it off to disk then you can install from that.
TapsyTypist
12-30-2010, 02:32 PM
My machine is relatively new - will all my drivers (sound, network, video, etc) work with it?
AndrewW
12-30-2010, 07:06 PM
My machine is relatively new - will all my drivers (sound, network, video, etc) work with it?
Most stuff does. Might try a LiveCD which would allow you to boot and run of the CD drive without effecting the hard drive, that will let you test things out.
Most stuff does. Might try a LiveCD which would allow you to boot and run of the CD drive without effecting the hard drive, that will let you test things out.
khakigirl
12-31-2010, 08:10 AM
My machine is relatively new - will all my drivers (sound, network, video, etc) work with it?
It should. I've installed Linux on about 4 or 5 computers - laptops and desktops, new and old. Only 1 had any problems and it was a quick and easy fix.
It should. I've installed Linux on about 4 or 5 computers - laptops and desktops, new and old. Only 1 had any problems and it was a quick and easy fix.
TapsyTypist
12-31-2010, 01:17 PM
Thanks folks! I'll try to pick up a live CD and give it a whirl. :D
TapsyTypist
01-01-2011, 04:44 PM
Wow - I'm lost. Just trying to download a live CD and I think I need to know about kernals and all sorts of stuff. :( Does anyone have a good simple site for downloading a linux live CD?
khakigirl
01-01-2011, 06:38 PM
This one's the best (IMO): Download | Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download)
If you can get it to work, send me a PM and I'll try to walk you through it. If nothing else, I can download it and put it on a disk and mail it to you.
If you can get it to work, send me a PM and I'll try to walk you through it. If nothing else, I can download it and put it on a disk and mail it to you.
