PCTech Forums

Ok, it's been a long time since I've had to wipe a system and start fresh. (and never with a laptop) Unfortunately, this laptop seems to be having some issues, and I'd like to wipe it and start with a clean slate.

Since it didn't come with any actual software (it's all on the HDD?) Could someone give me the rundown on the process for wiping the HDD and starting over with a laptop?

Thanks

Junior

Junior_co,

Depending on the Make and Model of the laptop there might be a "Restore" partition or a way to create and burn "Restore Disks".

So what's the make and model?

It's a Compaq Presario CQ50

It was bouight as one of those Wal-Mart $300 for as long as they last sales they have every now and then... it's not much, but for what I use it for, it does ok... Execpt for the issues it's been having lately...

I found the "Recovery Disc Manager" Tried to make a set of recovery discs... It says that a set has already been made, and that only ONE set is allowed per system...

Don't recall doing this, but if I did, then I have to assume the disc's are at my Ex's house, and I won't be getting them anytime soon...

Any ideas?

Jr

Junior_co,

In that case you will need a Windows XP cd either Home, Pro or Media Edition, depending on what you currently have installed. Most likely it will have to be an OEM version as well for your Key to work.

Once you have the cd drop it in the laptop and boot from the cd and install.

Could he write down his serial and registration numbers and then use a friends discs to clean the hard drive and reinstall the OS? Then he could use his serial and registration numbers when asked? Would that work? If not, then I guess he'd have to get a new OS at the store.

yes that would work as long as the key isnt pre coded in the disk as some oem disk are. Even still, i suppose he could change the key after install to re activate.