My girlfriends computer is running extremely slow and has been for a while now. (she will take over the posts after I leave her house)

We've used scanners and cleaners and all that good stuff, but now we're looking to reformat the hard drive.(CCleaner, Ad-Aware, Ewido)

She's made back-up copies of everything she wants to keep and has 5 "restore" disks for after the format.





here's where the questions start...

Does she need a Win XP disk along with the restore disks, or is that what the restore disks are?

hopefully the restore disc's should restore the machine to factory settings.

hey this is nikki (the g/f) how do i start the format...i'm clueless on what i'm doing...

basically i need step by step instructions if that's possible

What is the make and model of the computer?

e.g. Dell Dimension 2400 etc.

What do the disks that you have say on their labels?

it's a Compaq Presario FS7550 and the disks say "Compaq System Recovery - Windows XP Home Edition"

BOOT that CD and see what options it offers.

You are looking for a Clean (or perhaps Factory) install of XP.

I am "out of the door" for tonight but brain_damage should be about fairly soon to follow up.

If the CD does not boot you need to enter yout BIOS Setup and alter the Boot Menu to boot the CD prior to the HDD (or hard disk drive).

Many HP (Compaq) models use the F2 key to enter the BIOS (right after Power On). If F2 doesn't work try the Delete key.

thank you but i'm also out the door lol, i have to be up at 5 for work...but i'll come back on tomaro night when i get home...and brian might come on and get other info for me while i'm at work thanx again

-g'night

I've just googled Compaq Presario FS7550 and it comes up with a 17" CRT monitor

I've found this on the HP site

Compaq Recovery CD options

The Compaq Recovery CD enables you to restore your system files from a separate space on the hard drive. The four options on the Recovery CD are listed below.
Restore option Description
Emergency Diskette Creating this diskette is important. This diskette can save unique PC setup information in case of an emergency. Store the diskette in a safe place.
User Backup Stores all information and files on the hard drive in a separate protected space on the hard drive.
User Restore Restores the hard drive to the state it was at a particular time.
Factory Restore Restores the computer to its original factory-installed software state.

Using Factory Restore
Factory Restore returns the computer to its original factory-installed software configuration. This option reformats the hard drive and removes all data from the computer.
CAUTION: Factory Restore deletes all of the information and data stored on the hard drive. All added personal files, software, and other data will be lost. Before completing Factory Restore, copy your data to diskettes or save your data to an external device to prevent permanent loss of your data.

To complete a Factory Restore on your computer, perform the following steps:
Insert the Compaq Recovery CD into the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive.
Turn off the computer.
Turn on the PC by pressing the Power button on the front of the PC. The system restarts and the Compaq Recovery CD Menu displays.
NOTE: If menu option number 4 is No Factory Image found, use the QuickRestore CDs to perform the factory restore.

CAUTION: If you have not copied or backed up your personal files, software, or other data onto diskettes to be recopied onto your hard drive, they will be lost after you press Enter.

A Window appears warning that all data will be erased. Press Enter if you wish to continue. The Factory Restore process lasts several minutes.
The CD tray opens automatically, and you are prompted to remove the Compaq Recovery CD. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive.
Press Enter to continue.
Once the Factory Restore is complete, you will need to set up Windows and reinstall software.

Exiting the Compaq Recovery CD

If you choose not to use recovery, restart the PC. Perform the following steps to exit the Recovery CD.
From the Compaq Recovery CD Menu, select 5 (Exit) by pressing the number 5 key on your keyboard.
The CD tray opens automatically, and you are prompted to remove the Compaq Recovery CD. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive.
Press Enter to restart your computer.

so all i have to fo is put the disk labeled 1 in...then shut the comp down

then a screen will come up asking me which i want to do?

and in order to format the hdd i choose "factory restore"

is all of that correct??

i know how to do a recovery...i want to format it

don't i have to format it b4 i recover it??

i know if you right click on my hdd there's an option that says format...but i don't want to do anything without knowing what i'm doing