Reformating

[tokin]

I have 2 simple questions.

How often do you guys reformat? I feel i need to reformat my drive to make everything just run perfect for HL2.

Also, I have an XP Pro disc and cd key, but so many new builds are out like SP something something. I was wondering if it matters...wouldn't i just need to reformat and then download all of the new windows updates and be okay? I would do everything except SP2 of course. Thanks a lot.

Oh, and where can i see what cd key im using? Anywhere in the reg that will show this?

 

[Fil]

Sometimes i format once a month lol because my hard drive gets cluttered with a whole bunch of files. If not then probably every 6 months it depends if something happens(virus,lots of adware/spyware)

Remember to install all your drivers (chipset,sound etc.) and if u want u could get the windows updates and then you'll be alright. Just dont get SP2. lol

 

[tokin]

yeah okay, but at www.dell.com for the drivers part. It can't find my service tag and then when i manually search for my PC there are like over 20 different kinds of XPS computers, the front of mine just says Dimension XPS, i don't know what kind....

 

[tokin]

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...temID=DIM_PNT_P4_XPS&category=0&os=WW1&osl=EN

I need to know which ones i need to download at this webpage. I know where to check and i know how to get the right driver but i need to know which drivers i need crucially, like no matter what have to have them, and even ones that would be benficial/nice to have.

 

[RABIES]

Dell and Microsoft have been monopol.....er best of buddies i mean for a long time. Windows XP SP1 should cover all of the recent drivers for all Dells. Run windows update FIRST, it should find all of your required drivers. If some are left unfound, then search Dell.com for your system model, they will have the drivers available for your model of Dell.

Your Windows XP key can be found in the registry many times over. Do a google search for "XP key in registry" it will show you where you can obtain the number in case you loose it.

 

[tokin]

So your telling me running windows updates i can find all of my drivers that i'll need instead of going to dell.com and downloading those through there?

 

[RABIES]

Windows XP will find most of them on installation. If new drivers are found, Windows update will notify you. Very rarely have I ever seen a computer so new that drivers cannot be found, typically this happens when you use other forms of hardware not supported by Microsoft. Since Dell is such a large manufacturer of PCs, you can bet that Windows has your drivers already.

 

[snak3y3z1001]

over the summer i reformatted 5 times in 3 weeks :x :rolling: :lol:

 

[switch]

Press Windowsbutton+Pause or system in the control panel. The window that comes up should have your CD-Key on it.

I really need to format now, however backing everything up will take me forever, I have 3 partitions so just need to clear one out thats full of files then I can just install a new copy of windows.

Be quick with the updates as you dont want to be infected by the blaster worm or anything else. You can actually put the service packs into the XP install by 'slipstreaming' it. Such as here for SP1: http://www.neowin.net/articles.php?action=more&id=46

 

[tokin]

Awesome thanks alot.

 

[PuNcH]

Press Windowsbutton+Pause or system in the control panel. The window that comes up should have your CD-Key on it.

this is NOT correct.

use this link to find your key that you use to install windows xp.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml