General

One thing- what kind of computer do you have..?

SOME computers actually have a "secret" folder on their hard drives with their legit copy of Windows stored right on the computer. (Companies did this to save on the cost of sending you a real disc with the computer.)

IF your computer has this feature, you may be able to do a "factory restore" procedure fairly easily without a lot of the normal hassle. Let us know the BRAND NAME and MODEL of your computer and we can try to find out if you can do this instead of having to come up with a whole separate Windows disc.

[quote=Raiders91744]Yea, and i just found out i cant format it unless i got a official windows xp cd cuz my CD drive is messed up and only reads like real cd's not copies its wierd... think im jus gonna save up to buy a new computer[/quote]
Always use a legitimate copy of Windows. Microsoft nowadays have tried to track people down using pirated copies by blocking access to those who have them, using the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) and other methods. You also don't get access to any updates, meaning any critical patches and updates to Windows, leaving your computer very insecure.

Yea, and i just found out i cant format it unless i got a official windows xp cd cuz my CD drive is messed up and only reads like real cd's not copies its wierd... think im jus gonna save up to buy a new computer

Also, if you've never formatted your computer before, it would be a good idea to either find a local friend who HAS done it before (and who you trust), or to look up some YouTube videos showing how to do it for YOUR version of Windows (each version (XP, Vista, Windows 7) is a little bit different in exactly what you have to do.

Otherwise, seriously you run the risk of ending up with a brain-dead paperweight and no way to get back online for help.

o ok thanks

Go to the brand site that made your computer (Dell.com, Toshiba.com, Asus.com, etc), and you should be able to get your drivers by looking up the model of your computer in the driver support area.

If you want help looking for it, you could also type out your Brand and Model in your next post and someone here may assist you.

O... I Got All The Programs Installation files...
IDK How To Prepare Drivers, I Think Cud U Tell Me?

[quote=Raiders91744]os? this will be my first format ... i got all my programs that i need backed up[/quote]

OS = Operating System.
You got all your programs "backed up" as in? If you mean you just went into your Program Files folder and just copy and paste them, the most of them won't work when you reformat and put them back in.
Anyways, have you got all of your drivers prepare as well? The last thing you want is end up having a computer that can't assess the internet.

os? this will be my first format ... i got all my programs that i need backed up

Do you have all the discs and programs you'll need to reinstall everything after you ERASE the entire hard drive..?

Like Readers said, back up anything you want to keep. Anything else will be erased permanently when you format the drive.

Have you formatted your pc once before?

Also, i'd like to know which os...

Uh... do you need those files? If yes, then back it up. This is pictures, documents, etc.
As for anything else associated with Windows, you don't back those up since those files will be overwritten anyways in the format. For software, just reinstall them after the format.