[Nappyman21]

Well, pretty easy, but I want to make sure I'm doing it correctly as I don't want to mess anything up. I have 2 HDD's in atm. both 500GB, I want to reformat the one with Windows on it and reinstall the OS because of a virus, I have all my important files off, and I would like a fresh start anyways. So... question is..what's the best way to reformating? Should I unplug my "non-OS" hdd first aswell?

Do I just use the "Reformat" option under the C Drive properties or can I pop in my Vista disc, and boot from disc to reformat? I'm not sure which way is the safest/easiest. Also NTFS correct? NOT Fat32.

Sorry for noob question, I'm sure it's asked a lot =(

 

[____]

You obviously cant format the hdd that windows is currently on.

If you have everything backed up, just install windows over your current windows, and then delete windows.old.

Either that, or if you have another computer, you can quick format the whole hdd from that computer.

 

[Bear907]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ____;13128836
You obviously cant format the hdd that windows is currently on.

Why not?

There are several ways. If you are positive you want to reformat and have everything backed up that you want to save, the quickest is to plug in your windows install disk and do a fresh install. It will ask you if you want to format the HDD at that time.

You don't need to unplug your 2nd HDD, but it wouldn't hurt. Just be sure you choose the correct one when you do the install.

Another option would be to download a bootable wipe disk. These will wipe your drive completely, then you would install windows normally. Something like DBAN which is what I use on client machines.

DBAN

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me or ask here.

EDIT - Now that I think about it, if it were my rig I would unplug the 2nd drive until windows and an antivirus were installed on the first drive. Then plug it in, boot the PC, and immediately run a full scan on the 2nd hard drive. You'll kick yourself if you go to the work of a reinstall and infect yourself from the other drive or backed up files you copied over.

 

[____]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear907;13128877
Why not?

I meant while windows is running.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nappyman21;13128775
Do I just use the "Reformat" option under the C Drive properties or can I pop in my Vista disc, and boot from disc to reformat? I'm not sure which way is the safest/easiest. Also NTFS correct? NOT Fat32.
(

:/

 

[PapaSmurf]

If you have a virus or other malware do yourself a big favor and actually wipe the drive first. Unplug the second drive to make sure you don't mistakenly do anything to it, then boot to either a DBAN disk and do a wipe or the manufacturer's (Hitachi or WD) self booting diagnostic disk and do a COMPLETE zero fill of the drive. Then boot to the Windows install disk and do a FULL (not quick) format of the drive. It will take longer but will be more thorough and you'll be better off in the long run. Some people will say it isn't necessary, but I still recommend it to be absolutely sure you get every last bit of the malware off of the disk. It's quicker to do this now than to have to do it later if a simple format doesn't get it all.

 

[Nappyman21]

Thank you all, I'm running now on my clean hard drive, and it's nice having a fresh start

Thanks to everyone, +Rep has been giving to all Ty again