PC Resource Guide,

Starting over using FDISK

“As with all creatures, Windows GUI’s (Graphic User Interface) running the Windows 9x operating system, including Windows ME, has a life cycle.” 

If you really want to make Windows as fresh as the day you installed it, start all over again. Once you start getting errors in Windows and specifically more than one application its time to start over.  The best way to do this is run the FDISK command from your boot disk and delete everything on your hard drive and then reinstall all.  Here’s how: 

Warning: Using FDISK on your system will delete all the DATA and partitions on your hard drive.  Take your time and make sure you understand what you are doing! 

Backup:  Always backup any data that you have created prior to running FDISK, all data on the drive will be deleted!  

OK, if you are still reading this then you are serious about starting over.  In order to accomplish this you will have to delete everything on your hard drive and then reinstall them.  Below is a pre-fdisk list that you need to use prior to running FDISK. 

1.                  Backup…Backup…Backup, any data that you have created including documents, databases, spreadsheets.  You should also backup your mail lists and bookmarks. There is no need to make copies of the actual programs because you will be reinstalling them anyway. 

2.                  Have copies of the Drivers available on floppy disk.  Since you are deleting everything you will have to reinstall some of the component drivers required by windows.  These drivers include; Video cards, Audio devices, Modems, scanners, cameras, cd-roms and any additional components that you have.  The drivers normally are packaged with the components when purchased, but you may have installed updates to the drivers and will need them also. If you do not have the drivers GoTo the DRIVER PAGE and download the drivers you need. 

3.                  This is also a good time to install a new hard drive.  If your system is older chances are you are running out of space and should install a new hard drive. 

4.                  Make sure you have your software.  You will need a Windows Startup Disk ( you can create one by going to START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS and then click on STARTUP DISK.  Windows will prompt you for your Windows CD and a blank floppy disk to use as the Startup Disk.  Have all the software available that you intend to install including your Windows CD and the product ID number located on the Certificate of Authenticity that came with your Windows product.  If you have a Windows upgrade you will need the original CD and information as well as the upgrades.  Once you have completed this checklist you are ready to start. 

Its time to trash your drive!  Place the Startup disk that you created (or the one that came with your PC) into the floppy drive and restart your computer.  I know I’m harping but remember, ALL YOUR EXISTING DATA WILL BE LOST! At the “A:” prompt type FDISK.  You should see the this screen.  Type “Y” and hit <ENTER>.

The following screen should appear, in order to remove your current partition choose option 3, “Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive”. Enter the number 3 then <ENTER>.

WARNING! Using the options below will DELETE ALL YOUR DATA!

The next step is to delete the Primary DOS Partition, Enter the number “1” and press <ENTER>.

Our next step is to actually delete the existing partition, press <ENTER>, you will then be asked to enter the volume label then press <ENTER> again.

When Fdisk is finished you will have to create the Primary DOS Partition.  Enter number “1” and hit <ENTER>, choose yes to accept the defaults. 

You will need to make sure that the newly created partition is set as Active.  At the main FDISK menu enter the number”2” and press <ENTER>.  Once complete, you will need to use your Startup Disk and restart your computer by turning it off and then back on.  If you have Windows95, you will need to install your Cd-rom drivers.  Windows98 has built in Cd-rom support.  Once you have access to your CD, insert your Windows CD and install by typing  D:\setup , this assumes that your CD-ROM is drive letter “D”. Once Windows is installed you will need to install all the required drives and other software.  You now have a clean machine that has been reborn.