On my old computer, because of general poor performance and possible file corruption, I reset it to the factory condition using the HP Recovery Tools CD that I made way back when I first bought it. The recovery went okay (as far as I can tell) but left a lot of old software and a lot of invalid short cuts to software that was wiped away by the recovery/reset, i.e., it is not really reset to its factory state. Also, the C: partition still shows 52 GB used out of 66 GB, but I cannot find most of these files using Windows Explorer. Most of this used space should be files in My Documents but doesn’t appear anywhere that I can see. I do not need any of this data as it is left over from when this was my main everyday computer, so I am not concerned about saving any of these data files.

What I would really like to do is re-format the C: partition and start over. Besides the D: partition with all the factory info (D: HP_RECOVERY), I also have a two CD set of Recovery Disks, which I also made way back when I first purchased this computer. I am assuming what’s on these disks is the same as what’s on the D: drive. ??

Can I re-format the C: partition and then do a recovery using the HP Recovery Tools CD and either the D: partition (D: HP_RECOVERY) or the two CD Recovery Disk set? I know that if I format the C: partition I will wipe it clean, and lose not only the data files, but also the operating system, etc. Isn’t all this on the D: partition or the CD Recovery Disk set? How should I proceed? (Actually, I would be happy to use it in its current, semi-factory state if only I could find and delete most of the data files that are on the C: drive somewhere....)

Computer is an HP 1050y desktop, running XP Media Edition, service pack 2, with an Intel Pentium 4, 3.2 GHz, and 1 GB of RAM, with one internal 80 GB HD partitioned into C: drive and D: HP_RECOVERY drive. I do not have the original Windows XP disks as the software came pre-loaded (along with a lot of other software, mostly unneeded).

I really just want to use this computer to surf the net, watch streaming video and TV shows, and download stuff from the net. And maybe listen to music.

Thanks,
Randy

Hello joe4

Just to make sure what HP model your using could you say which one it is from the link below?

Select a product or category from the list below - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Jim23

Actually it's an "HP Pavilion a1050y (PU131AV) CTO Desktop PC."

OK Joe4

Here is were all the software/drivers are for your pc
HP Pavilion a1050y (PU131AV) CTO Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Here's the process for changing a primary hard drive. The advantage of putting a new slightly bigger drive would mean you would have more storage space and still have the old drive as a kind of backup should you encounter any problems.
If you decide to putting in a new hard drive please ensure its the right drive for your PC. If your not sure please ask.
Replacing the Hard Drive HP Pavilion a1050y (PU131AV) CTO Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
The only warning about this by HP is this : -
This document pertains only to HP desktop PCs with the following PC case:
This could be an opportunity to put in a new replacement hard drive slight bigger than the one you have and keep the old drive as a kind of backup.
The process for using the system recovery disc on a new or if you still wish. The original formatted hard drive is here.
Recovering the System after the Hard Drive Is Replaced (Windows 98, ME, and XP) HP Pavilion a1050y (PU131AV) CTO Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

If you have any concerns or question please ask them before you proceed.

Jim23

Jim23,

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I don't think I would have found these instructions on my own.

Just to let you know, I did a destructive recovery with the Recovery Disks that I made back when I first got that computer. Everything went well. It re-formated and re-partitioned the disk drive and re-set the computer to its true factory state. Now I just have to update just about everything (Service Pack 3, IE 8 instead of 6, security stuff, etc.). It seems to be running well, though I have just begun all the updates, and then I have to load some software.

Again, thank you for your help, which was invaluable. I'll let you know if I run into any unforseen problems.

You da man!

Randy