I would like to pass on my old computer but would like to reformat the hard drive first. The only thing I've managed to accomplish so far is to just create another windows OS on the HD. Can someone please spell out exactly what I need to do to reformat the entire hard drive and install a fresh windows copy. The "reinstallation CD" is a green labeled one compared to what some sites call for ... that being "Blue". Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hello and welcome to PCHelpForum.

As you already know the princible of formatting a computer.

You can put the disk back in as if you were going to format the hard drive again.

Then when you get to which partition you wish to install on you can choose the small partition and delete it.

Then format/install on the larger partition in the usaly way.

Well I really don't know the principles ... that is why I asked for explicit instructions. I've searched several sites looking for help but most of them do not give me anything more than putting the disk in and choosing reformat. I'm dead lost on this and that is why I posted a message that is pointed towards this particular Dell model.

Basically I'm looking for instructions that guide me from standing in front of a computer that is off, right up through where I turn it back on and it's all reformatted.

I again thank you for any help.

How to reformat a Dell computer with Microsoft Windows XP

Step1

Unplug all external devices such printer, digital camera, MP3 music player, or any other device attached to your computer.

Step2

Place your Dell Windows XP reinstallation CD (usually purple or blue) in the disk drive. (Either CD or DVD drive will do).

Restart your computer to get into the Windows XP setup screen. Hit the F12 key immediately when the computer screen starts back up.

Step3

Then, select option 4.

NOTE: Press the space bar right away or Windows will start up and you will have to repeat these first three steps.

Step4

You should get a blue screen that deals with SETUP. In that screen, hit the F8 key and do not try the repair option. We are going for a clean install. Then hit the ESC key in the corner.

Step5

Partition __ (usually the larger one), (d) for delete (not the FAT32, only NTFS choice with the highest volume on it). Hit enter to execute your choice.

Step6

Press L to complete, and C to create.

Step7

Select "new raw format" (Quick format) will work just fine. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands.

Step8

Proceed to Windows setup screen as directed. Remember, you only want 1 partition.

Step 9

You will go to Windows screen where it states "setup is copying files" on your computer. It will take just about an hour to get through this Windows setup on your Dell (or less).

Step 10

Then the computer will restart automatically and warns you ahead of time.

Step 11

You will see the screen "preparing installation." Once Windows is ready to be set up, follow the on-screen setup prompts for the Internet, time zone, and other customizations. You should not have to register with Microsoft since you already have.

Step 12

You will also have to reinstall any device drivers using the blue Dell support CD if they are not installed properly such as Network cards, wireless internet, USB driver, sound card and more. Always test your computer to make sure these are functioning properly.


Now I do not have a Dell, so I cannot guarantee this will work as I forget where I got the instructions from...

Thanks Arctos but this is one of the methods I tried. As I noted in my first post my disk is green. I have been through this method but I have no option 4. There are some choices listed but without numbers and the forth option takes me in a totally different direction. So again thanks but I guess I need Dell Dimension 4700 specific instructions.

Someone must know how to do this ?????

Did you restart your computer and on the post screen(black screen,white words) it will say " Press ? to enter setup" this would be F1,F2,Del or another press the correct key.

Locate the boot tab or boot order and set first boot device to CD rom put in XP CD and save and exit F10.

When prompted on the screen to "Press any key to boot CD/DVD" then press any key.

Any other time you are prompted to press any key to boot from CD/DVD do NOT do this or the install will resart all over again.

Here is a how to:How to partition and format a hard disk by using Windows XP Setup program