A I'm working on a computer that won't boot past the windows memory checking screen.
I can't open system restore or repair, I know the issue is windows or HD data, but I'm afraid the idiotic owners didn't use an antivirus (so I assume its a virus ******* up the OS boot).
I'm afraid (again) the idiot who owns the pc is using an unbootable copy of windows xp (don't badger me, I'm just payed to fix it). Therefore I can't use the xp cd to repair or restore the OS.
I intend to create an ubuntu boot disk to use linux to attempt and get rid of (the suspected malware), but if that doesn't work I don't know how to proceed without a windows cd.
I suppose I could format the disk then tell them to buy a REAL copy of Xp, but I'm afraid I've never formatted a HD before.
Its a home built computer (varied equipment and no warranty) with several different partitions.
Can you explain how to format the disk (so they can buy a REAL copy of XP? and could you give me any advice of things I could try?
Much appreciated
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I will simply say this.
If you do not know how to format a hard drive, then you should not be fixing this person's computer.
Actually, there is more. The fact that it does not get past the memory check screen tells me that there is a hardware-related issue that is causing the problem. Again, you should not be fixing this computer as the problem is over your head.
No offense intended, but you should practice on your own computer before you potentially damage another person's computer.
Formatting the drive will delete all of their personal information off the drive. Not just windows.
That means if you format the drive, you will be permanently deleting any pictures, video, programs, documents and other important pieces of data.
If u have an xp disc, whether legit or not, you can still format from it. You just need to boot from the cd but u may need to set the bios to boot from the cd first. Once u boot from that, you have the option to delete the partitions and start again, by creating a new partition and installing WIndows from there.
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one think is xp os nologer sold so you will have to go to vista or windows 7 if you need the data off that computer you can use a lunix live cd to grab that data so you dont lose it.
formatning is not that hard if you are going to reinstall xp os the it will do it for you when try to install it. you can use dban to wipe the computer if a very powerfull porgram it good to really clean any data that on that hard drive that not suppost to be on there
http://www.dban.org/
remove the HDD
attatch to a PC or lap top with an adapter
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
Backup data or repair then reinstall os
If you cant see the drive you may have a bad HDD.
The sad fact is you will Have to have the XP cd or a winternals disk to repair this PC.