Okaaaay.

[goneinsane.livejournal.com]

Yeah its me again. I tried running the recovery program but it freezes. Tried installing the XP, not enough diskspace. Now this is where I need the most help:

The exact problem is since I got my DSL my desktop, I haven't been able to run the programs, or the My computer applications from the start menu. However, right clicking and hitting explore seems to the trick.

Now the most help really comes here: How do I reformat? Can someone explain it like you're explaining it to an idiot? Cuz I tried what everyone said and I was so lost with it. If someone can help me fix this piece of junk I will name my kids after you, swear ;D.

Edit: If you wanna quick help me, I have AIM (ZimsNumberOne) and now I just tried exploring the thing and the screen flashed blue saying like "Windows, if you ctrl+alt+delete agian, blah blah"

Oh speaking of that, Ctrl alt delete doesn't work either.

Comments

[goneinsane.livejournal.com]

Well, sorry. I asked one of my friends if she knew any places on LJ to get it and she gave me this place.

[psmylie.livejournal.com]

Just to clarify, techsupport is meant for amusing/frustrating/scary stories about supporting users, tech_support is for actual technical support, and hardware is specifically for hardware questions. But I'd still like to help you if I can (short of installing anything from AOL on my beloved machine).

Sounds like you're having a hard time with that install. So, you are trying to upgrade from an earlier Windows OS to XP. I assume you are installing off of a store-bought Windows XP Home or Pro, correct? Did you buy the upgrade or full version? The full version is easier to work with, but either should be usable.

Do you have everything backed up off of your current build? No matter how you go forward, at this point you really want to protect your data, if possible. If you haven't backed up yet, do so (or you will hate yourself if this install goes "Foom!" and your data goes away). Be very careful not to forget anything, because there is no going back after you format it and install XP.

Ok, this is all from memory, but I'm pretty sure this is close:
First thing you want to do is boot off of the CD. That's the best way to do this. If it doesn't boot to the CD on startup, you will need to set your CD as a startup device in the BIOS (check with your computer's manufacturer to find out how to do this. It's usually pretty easy).

After booting to XP, there should be an option to delete the current partition during setup, or to just format the current partition. You don't need to delete the partition unless you really feel like it. Just go ahead and format it (after ALL of your data is backed up, either on CD or on a different computer. I can't stress that enough!). I recommend making the partition NTFS, but use whatever you like. Then continue with the install.
Just read each screen carefully and follow the instructions. It should get you there.

Of course, you will need to reinstall all of your software and copy everything over from your backups, but you should be good to go after this. Oh, and run the Windows Update and install all of the Critical Updates and Service Packs as soon as you get that puppy online. There are some pretty big holes that need patching.

Feel free to ask questions if you are stuck/confused. Although going to tech_support instead of here with further questions will probably net you better results.
Good luck!