Windows xp reformat no disc?

Question

i bought a used computer from some dude and it has a bunch of c**p on it so i wanna reformat it but i dont have the disc

Answer 1

You can format it, but you'll have to install *some* operating system on it after you do.  Linux is free - just make sure you download it and burn a CD *before* you format the drive.  (And make sure you have a Linux driver for your internet adapter, or you'll have a computer that can't access the internet to get the driver it needs to access the internet.)

Or take the time to delete the programs and data you don't want, but leave the operating system on it.

You can't just format the parts of the disk the operating system isn't on.

Answer 2

You might still be in luck. Some PCs don't ship with a restore CD but do have the equivalent tucked into a hidden partition on the hard disk. Check the manufacturer's web site to see if this is the case with your computer.

Answer 3

Obviously you can format it without a disc if you want, but you would end up stuck without an operating system because you need the disc to reinstall Windows.

Format erases everything in the drive, including the operating system.

Answer 4

You don't need a disc to reformat.  You just go to my computer, right click C and click format.  Done. You do need a disc to put new software on it though.

If the HDD is messed up and you want to do a clean install, you'll have to get a new Windows disc, and start from scratch.