When are formats changing for drives that use Windows? I've heard that Windows formatting system is changimng soon. When? Will the new Windows OS be able to be used on an older computer with different file formats?
128971
umm yeah the windows vista build will have a diffrent file system but its to big or a monster to run on a older computer its going to  have high requirements i hope i answered your question in the way you wanted
446926
Is the drive you are trying to format still the 'boot' disk?\n\nYou need to be booting on the new drive before you can format the 'old' disc.\n\n///
45578
Well once you format something you will not be able to unformat it. Those files are lost forever.
637303
What you want to do if to reformat your computer. That's OK. It will work much better after, but all your programs and data will be lost. So I suggest o back-up all your important data. And after the new installation of the OS(Windows, Linux or any other) you will have to install all your programs again. If you have problems contact me through e-mail and I will try to help you.\nGood luck!
319910
Installing new Windows will (in most cases) require you to install all other software again.\nSo, you need to install this software again over the old version.\n\n\nXLMan
459113
If you insert the windows cd, there will be option for for formating/clean install and recovery from back up called known good configuaration.\n\nbut I recommend it slightly differently. To be safest, create partition in hard drive. then back up your previous installation there. Install fresh in other drive.
557561
Well, why don't you back up all your files to a flashdrive or CD.\nThen format your drive and reload Windows.. But if you do reload why in your right mind would you want to place 98 on when WIN 2000 or XP is the way to go?\n\nIf FOR some reason you can't backup your data to another drive or CD, you can reinstall Windows on top of itself and you will not lose any of the data on the drive.
378813
Are you using one of those fake OS called a Recovery CD or a OEM? Becuase they don't have the full version of Windows on them. It is alot cheaper for companies to do this instead of shipping a full copy of Windows which is around $200. \n\nI remember this one guy who formatted both partitons(Recovery CD's come with usually two partitions. Which has the important files installed on one partition leaving the other empty for the rest/your junk) and woundered why he couldn't use his Recovery CD.
31519
Is this the only drive in the computer or is it an added drive (new slave)?  Is the OS Windows XP or something else?\nUsually the required sequence is partition first, set active (if not a secondary drive), reboot, format and then install software.  If you have three partitions, then you also need to set the logical drive and format them before they can be used.
8010
about partion it depends on which opearating system installed on your computer. it can be NTFS, FAT, FAT32 for windows and there are many of diff. OS so it's not always NTFS. the partition will not be deleted when your format but ofcouse the data will be.
379044
Before starting your format please read through this excellent how to list. There are many many things to think about before starting such a drastic step and this is a great checklist\nhttp://www.lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php\n\n///
359814
Well u should take it to a technician, and only if they will guarantee in writing not to lose your files.  Formatting will definately lose your files.  And, also, u have to delete windows from the old drive too.
251907
Yes, update to SP2 and convert your FAT file system to NTFS...it's much better filing system for your OS..\nWhy? Because you installed the OS using NTFS, and the other I would imagine is either another partition, or it's a Slave Drive...You can always reformat it and convert it to NTFS...Always use NTFS for XP operating systems...
616425
As I said in my previous post (maybe you missed it), the reason you can't use the Windows XP drive on the laptop with ME is because the Windows XP drive was most likely formatted as NTFS.  Windows ME will not recognize the NTFS format.  Only Windows 2000 and Windows XP will recognize a NTFS formatted drive and they will also recognize FAT formatted drives as well.  Most people are using Windows XP anyway so this really isn't an issue for most.  In your situation, well, you'll have to get access to a machine that has Windows 2000 or XP on it, otherwise... you won't be able to access the data from Windows 98 or ME.  Sorry but that's just the way it is.
11163
The ugly truth is if you want the computer to run like it was new, you must return it to a like new state. This means reformating your hard drive and reinstalling windows, or using the system restore disk that came with your system. Over time Windows systems just get bogged down and get slower. Things like you suggested are helpful sometimes, but a good format and reinstall is sort of the cure all. It is however a bit labor intensive. If you do reformat, you may want to concider recombining your hard drive into one partition. The advantages of partitioning your hard drive into smaller logical drives are negligible these days. If you’re not ready for this yet, one additional think you may want to check is what programs are starting up when your computer starts. There are many places where these little apps like real player, hardware monitoring programs, Windows Messenger, etc hide and use your computer resources. You may want to consider adding another 512 of ram too, it may help your computer to not rely on free hard drive space as much.
94395
Don't just format your hard drive.  Wipe it using DBAN, see sources, or a similar tool.  Formatting, alone, will leave much recoverable information on your drive.\n\nAfter wiping, as the other posters have already said, format your drive and reinstall your operating system from the original CDs.
485863
You can format by using a widoows startup disc. Or simply right click on the drve icon and select format action.  I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems.Some RAM/ hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful