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@dawter wrote:
Hi,
I have had my laptop for 2 years now. Some programs are beginning not to work because of errors such as "missing needed files." Even when I find the missing file the program still won't work at times.
A friend advised me to reformat Windows XP. He said I will lose everything and I need to make back up cd's first.
Can someone give me a place that will have instructions as to How to Reformat?
Also this friend told me it would be good if I purchased an external harddrive and after I reformat I should keep the programs on the external harddrive so it doesn't mess my computer up like it is now.

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks.

Unfortunately it's difficult to determine when a friend has no idea what they are talking about, but yours doesn't. 

You cannot backup programs.  So, backup your data, then reformat, then reinstall programs, then copy data back.

Using an external drive to store programs accomplishes nothing since programs also imbed compenents in Windows on your C drive.  So, when you reformat C again, nothing on the external drive will run. 

Your best option is to reformat, install programs, then use Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image to make an "after Clean Install" image that you can restore as needed. 

thank you

Formatting is part of XP installation process.
Here are some good references for XP installation.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm#b

Hey,
Thanks for understanding my problem and giving me a solution. I owe ya!

Now, not knowing the precise terminology to use I will say it in laymans terms.
I was told by a Dell Rep that I need to reformat my harddrive because the version of IE6 is not being reognized on various web pages (it says I need to update) and because I have no space left on C drive. I have uninstalled various programs, defragged and disk cleaned until I'm blue in the face to no avail. I cannot run some programs because it says there isn't enough space. When trying to use System Restore it will only go back a few hours, I believe it's due to no space.
I have every Windows update except IE7.
I want to start all over with a clean version of Windows XP Home. I know I will have to reinstall drivers. I know I will lose all of my music, pictures and data but I think thats okay as I have them backed up to an external harddrive.
Here is my problem and the things I have tried in order to get a clean install:
I have taled with a Rep from Dell. He cannot figure it out either and says he will have to call me back after he has studied up on it.
I have changed the BIOS to boot from the windows xp cd. I have changed it back to Harddrive.
No matter what I have tried I cannot get to the "Welcome to set up screen."
One time I did get there and it said I had a newer version and it couldn't continue.
I think it is refering to me updating to SP2.
All it ever does it load Windows normally without giving me an option to repair or do anything else.
Hopefully you guys are more up to date than Dell Reps.
Thanks in advance.

dawter,

You need to go back to BIOS setup and set the CD drive as the first boot device. Before formatting, run Belarc Advisor and print a report. You will need the hardware info in case you have to download the drivers from Dell.

Since you have already backed up your data to CD, why not delete them from your hard drive to have more free space?

I haven't updated my IE to version 7.0 yet but I have no problem connecting to web sites with IE6.

"You need to go back to BIOS setup and set the CD drive as the first boot device."

"why not delete them from your hard drive to have more free space?"

Been there, done that.