I lost the re-instillation/ windows back-up CD (whatever it's called) that came with my Dell. Can I still format my computer through dos or something?? I'm computer competent, but not computer literate

 

If you format your hard disk, you'll need to install something (Windows, Linux, Lindows, Solaris, BE-OS, OS/2, DOS, ...) on it before you can use the computer again. So if you don't have the Windows installation CD, you should go and beg/borrow/buy a copy before you reformat your hard disk.

 

yeah go to dos
c: format c:
or was it
c: format c

i forgot dos crap
make sure you Fdisk that bad boy too

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 4IGS2000
[B]yeah go to dos
c: format c:
or was it

 

Get a windows boot disk (you can usually make a start up disk through windows), boot with CD-ROM support. When you get to the dos prompt ( c: ) type:

format c:

Just follow what it says (usually just a warning about all data being lost) and when your done, goto your cd-rom drive (usually assigned to the letter "d:" but it could also be e:) by typing: d:. Then type setup. Folllow instructions from there, good luck!

 

what platform are you on?
if you have WinXP you can re-set your C: insted of formatting.
good luck.

-SS2K

 

he's gone - he's done the format and now cant get back I bet

 

The command would be...

FORMAT C:

and

FORMAT C: /S

if you would like the the system files copied over. But as stated above, it really helps to have something to put back ON the computer before doing this.. =)


FDISK will allow you to create/delete partitions on the drive, FDISK /MBR will clear your Master Boot Record. (IE, those damn errors you get if you don't completely install DOS 5)

...
ViROID