Formatting Hard Drive Questions

[sburke]

So, I have a Dell Dimension 4550 with Windows XP, a family computer, that I've had for about 5 or 6 years. It has reached the point of being incredibly slow, and based on research I've done, I think the best thing to do would be to reformat the hard drive. However, also from all I can tell, it did not come with an installation CD of any sort, or if it did, I've lost it. Based on further research, it appears that I can reinstall Windows from the I386 folder, which would solve the problem of not having a disc. My question is whether the following hypothetical situation would work: I purchase a second hard drive, install Windows on to that using the I386 folder, move important files from the old drive on to the new one, and then reformat the old one and just use it for extra space.

So, is there a major problem with this idea, or could it work? Thanks!

 

[Crgky127]

Do you have an option at the Dell splash screen for something like press F11 for system recovery?

 

[sburke]

Yes, I do.

 

[TimeCode]

Yes, I do.

I'll say the obvious... Then use it.

 

[Crgky127]

Dell put the files needed to reinstall to factory settings on a hidden partition, rather than a disk. The F11 option is the way to use those, almost like what you were suggesting, only much easier .