Friday, January 25, 2013

Should and how do I reformat my computer?

Q. I have had the virus Spyware Guard 2008 on my computer and I think I have gotten more on it without me knowing.

And now when I start up my computer, the taskbar and desktop icons don't show up. The only way I can do anything is through the Task Manager.

Is it time to reformat? And how do I do it when I can hardly do anything?

And I don't know if it will run any CDs

A. I think it is time because that way you will know for sure you wont have any viruses.

Reformatting your Windows XP computer will erase everything on your hard drive and reinstall the operating system. To avoid losing your data (documents, pictures, music, etc.), you will want to backup your information prior to reformatting. See the ITS Help Desk Personal Data Backup Support Center for more information. After you have reformatted your computer, you will need to reinstall all of your personal data, as well as any software products you may use (for example, Microsoft Office, iTunes, Symantec AntiVirus, etc.).

Reformatting your Windows XP computer has three main parts:

* Reformatting the computer from your operating system CD.
* Reinstalling the drivers that came with your computer.
* Running Windows Update to reinstall all security updates and patches.

Please contact the ITS Help Desk (384-4357) prior to reformatting your computer if you have questions about any of these processes involved.

NOTE: If you have a network connection, please unplug from the network before starting installation.

1. First, make sure that your computer is set to Boot to CD. This is a different procedure depending on your computer. When your computer first boots look for an option to enter the BIOS settings. Under the BIOS settings find the "Boot Order" and make sure the CD-ROM is set to boot first. If you have any problems with this please contact the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-HELP.

2. With the Windows XP CD in the CD-ROM drive, save your BIOS settings and exit.

3. If you've done everything correctly you should be asked to "Press Any Key to Boot from CD".

Boot from CD

4. After installing the necessary setup files, Windows XP will display your partitions. Delete any existing partitions by selecting the desired partition with the arrow keys, press D to delete and then L to confirm the deletion.

Delete Partition

5. You should now have only one option, "Unpartitioned Space". Press Enter to install Windows XP to the unpartitioned space.

Create Partition

6. When asked how you would like to format the partition, select "Format using the NTFS file system".

Format Partition

7. After the partition is formatted, Windows XP will begin installation. The computer will reboot. While the computer is rebooting, please do not touch any keys. From now on the screens will look like the following:

Begin Installation

8. Enter your product key. If you purchased Windows XP from the IMU Bookstore, the product key will be located on the back of the sleeve your CD came in. If you are reformatting using a Windows XP CD that came with your computer, the product key may be located on a sticker somewhere on your computer case.

Product Key

9. When asked for Network Settings, choose "Typical Settings".

Typical Settings

10. Windows XP will now complete installation. Upon completion you will need to re-install the drivers for your hardware (Modem, Sound, Video, etc). Many PC companies such as Dell, Gateway, and HP will include a "Driver Installation CD" with the computer. Simply insert the CD and follow the instructions. Otherwise, you can download current drivers from many manufacturer's support web sites. If you have any problems please contact the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-HELP.

11. Next turn on the Internet Connection Firewall. Instructions to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall can be found here.

12. Reconnect your computer to the Network.

13. Run Windows Update by opening Internet Explorer, then clicking on Tools -> Windows Update. Follow the on-screen instructions for installing critical updates.

14. Restart your computer.

http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/windows/instructions/reformat.htm

What type of hardware and software would be needed for an IT Support help desk?
Q. Thanks

A. Hardware:
*A decent computer : urgent calls require fluent computers, HP COMPAQ computers are ideal for business laptops
*Wireless headset + phone, vOIP = a plus, try helping a client with the phone in one hand and operating the computer with the other
*An extra monitor, so dual monitors can be used

Software:
*A call registerring program/ticketing system/... There's many free online php packages that do this, but this mostly depends on how your helpdesk will work. Can customers report problems via phone, email or website altogether, or one exclusively? You will need to track open calls, submit calls, add comments and perhaps establish a knowledge base for future reference AND for employees that might be hired in the future.
I would reccomend NOT using email exclusively, but a ticketing system. If you'd like to know why, I would gladly elaborate about this via mail (IM_geek@ymail.com).
*A screensharing program, if you're offering some kind of IT tech support. Teamviewer (www.teamviewer.com) is perfect! IT can be used freely or you can buy a license. Commercial (=multiple) use requires a paid license. Fantastic piece of software. I've used LogMeIn, Go2Assist, kVNC, Radmin viewer, etc, but Teamviewer takes the cake
*A program to keep track of remote connection (again, if you plan to offer IT TECH support and need to log into remote servers).
VisionApp Remote Desktop is good, free alternative for this (http://www.visionapp.com/resources/downloads/products-freeware.html).

IT Support is underestimated and extremely, extremely important. Implementing a solution with a client is only half the work.

how do i install windows xp media center?
Q. i got this new laptop from HP 3 weeks ago. i tried to do some partition and the whole disk is gone including the recovery partition.

after 2 weeks of talking on phone HP sent me recovery cds and they dont work saying that they are not meant for my system. i hate the recovery cds too as they come with lot of junk. i am sure looking at the customer service it would take me a week or more to get disks for my laptop if there are any

i am just sick of HP and looking for ways to install the OS with the product key on back of my computer. Is there a way to install windows xp mediacenter edition 2005 from somewhere and use my product key? please help me

two weeks of no comp is killing me

A. Best solution for you! Buy a copy of the operating system that you want form www.directron.com or www.newegg.com or what computer site you like.

Your product key is good for the copy of the product that you have. Recovery Disks are cheap way of giving you less for the money spent.

A full copy of a Windows installation disk cost a lot more than the so called recovery disk supplied by the shop selling the computer. That is one of the many ways they make money and are able to sell you a computer for $400.00.

Once you have a full, legal copy of the Operating system, you just start up the install and the program will walk you through the install.

Computer Help Page

http://www.diskgenius.com/

http://www.pcbeginner.com/tools/pcdoctor.htm

http://www.pcguide.com/byop/index.htm

http://www.ntfs.com/boot-disk.htm

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Boot-Manager-Disk/

http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/ntfs-boot-iso.html

http://www.disk-image.net/products.htm

http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

http://www.errornuker.com/info/01.php?hop=product1

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder

http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads2.html

http://www.ntcompatible.com/Acronis_True_Image_9.0_Build_2337_s61449.html

http://www.theosfiles.com/

http://www.data-recovery-reviews.com/windows-startup-disasterrecovery.htm?gclid=CMSl0b7X2YcCFSJxYAodKy6Lpw

http://www.winternals.com/

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,25181-order,1-page,1-c,alldownloads/description.html

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Boot-Manager-Disk/Windows-XP-PowerPacker.shtml

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,674406,00.asp

http://windows.about.com/od/tipsarchive/l/bltip632.htm
Visit our Helpdesk for PC Bug Doctor
http://www.maximumsoftwaresupport.com
PC Beginner software
http://www.pchell.com/support/limitedconnectivity.shtml
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
http://www.bootdisk.com/utility.htm
Chapter 1: Purchasing Components
Chapter 2: Component Overview
Chapter 3: Installing the CPU, Heatsink, and RAM On The Mainboard
Chapter 4: Installing The Mainboard In The Case
Chapter 5: Installing Drives
Chapter 6: Connecting Components
Chapter 7: Installing AGP and PCI Cards
Chapter 8: Testing the System and Completing Assembly
Chapter 9: Installing Windows XP
Chapter 10: Configuring Windows XP
Chapter 11: Installing A Dual Boot Operating System (Linux And Windows XP)
Chapter 12: Home Video -- âSo, You Want to Be the Next Steven Spielberg?â
Chapter 13: Whatâs Next?

http://www.hardwareanalysis.com

BUILD YOU OWN COMPUTER:
www.directron.com
www.newegg.com
www.monarchcomputers.com




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