Page 1 of Choice of operating systems after I formatted my PC - help?

Hi
I recently formatted my hard drive but now I have to choose an operating system when the computer starts up - both are windows and if I do nothing after quite a while it automatically starts up properly. However, it cannot retain any changes I make to the computer clock. Should I reinstall Windows? Did I select an option that I need to avoid the next time I reinstall? In addition - how do I save my list of favourite websites from my internet browser. I would be very grateful for your expert advice.

Best Wishes

Dan

Sounds like you have installed Windows to two seperate partitions on your HDD (old & the new) after a period it boots into the default one.

Does the one it boots into have your old settings or "clean" is the other option the reverse.

Alternatively it could be requesting that you boot into Windows or Windows VGA if (unlikely) you are running NT.

More detail required as to whch Windows you installed\use.



I quite like the Helpdesk people in a benevolent (as opposed to malevolent) way as they do some valuable work in preventing us being inundated by every halfwit who can work a phone.

Not entirely sure what you mean when you say it won`t retain any changes you make to the computer clock?

Are you SURE you formatted and didn`t just re-install the o/s?

Did you install multiple o/s`s or have you fallen across this by accident?

Does your PC have either two physical hard drives or 2 (or more) partitions?

It does sound like you got either two o/s`s installed, or the old o/s`s master boot record (MBR) is hanging around - you should have the choice of which of the options you are presented with on the boot process you want to activate- do both options work? Do both boot you into different versions of your o/s?

If you click on start, then run then type in msconfig you will get a window with several tabs on it on your screen- one of which is called BOOT.INI . In the top part of this window, you`ll see which o/s`s are installed, which one is the default it will start with then underneath that you`ll get a box called `timeout` by default, it`s set to 30 seconds, but if you change that to , say, 5 seconds, the default o/s will load after 5 seconds.

I only have one hard drive a C: drive. I may have installed 2 operating systems by accident - do I need to format the computer and start again? Could I just delete one of them without formatting my drive.
Best Wishes
Dan

To be honest, it would be easier to completely wipe the hard disc and start with a completely clean windows- deleting one o/s is hard because you will knacker up the master boot record (MBR)- you can do it, but it`s fiddly-especially as both sets of files are on the same drive-it`s far easier would be to back up everything you need (don`t forget those passwords) onto CD or DVD (If you have XP, the transfer settings wizard works great), re-install Windows, restore the back up you made, and then do all the updates .

One important thing- if you are on an `always on` broadband connection, you should disconnect your internet connection before installing Windows- You`d be amazed how easily you somehow get a virus on your system within seconds of starting Windows XP for the first time - when it has no virus protection.

Quote:
You`d be amazed how easily you somehow get a virus on your system within seconds of starting Windows XP for the first time

I always thought that was an urban myth. Virus`s cant get onto your PC without a helping hand and, unless you do something stupid, you will be ok to install virus protection and a firewall.

Still, better safe than sorry, but im sure thats a myth.

best be sure to make sure your windows firewall is active before you connect, as the msblaster virus is still about and see`s a fresh XP as an easy target. At least with the firewall it gives you a chance to download all the security patches etc.

Okay - I will completely format my hard drive and install a new o/s - I think I need your help here as the last time I tried this I ended up in the mess I`m in now. What is the best way to start over from scratch - I would be really grateful for your replies as I need my computer working properly as I have so much work to do at the moment.
Best Wishes
Dan

Quote:
I always thought that was an urban myth. Virus`s cant get onto your PC without a helping hand

You don`t need any user interaction to get infected. There are plenty of worms and other automated malware out there scanning for unprotected machines. The first thing to do when installing a new OS is to get a firewall up and running before attaching yourself to the net.

HAck Attack report on BBC World Their pc lasted 8 seconds before being owned by the Sasser worm.


Be safe out there......

Nick



Download it here

Quote:
What is the best way to start over from scratch

go to dos and, assuming you are using the standard NTFS file system type

format C: /fs:ntfs

when thats finished doing its thang, put your windows disk in and follow the prompts and follow instructions for a standard installation. This also assumes that you havent made any partitions by accident.

On a side note, I didnt realise that viruses had become so vicious. I install a firewall as a matter of habit after a reinstall, before I get connected, but I didnt think you would actively get zapped. But then, ive havent had a virus in over 7 years (touch wood) so im not up on all these virus techniques. Keep your virus protection and your firewall up to date and you are sitting pretty.