i would like to format my puter, what are the fundamentals to consider?

1. take the backup of the date which is stored and required in the future better burn the data onto cds

2. first get the operation system and required softwares before going to format.

3. make it note down ur ip address and isp information if ur system is configured for internet purpose

4. format the system using diskmanager or fdisk

5. if you are installing dual operating system. always go from lower version to higher versons like win98se,windows 2000 professional, windows 2000 server, windows xp, windows 2003

Well you probably got a recovery CD with the computer. You could use that to restore the system back to the way it was out of the box.

If you don't have the original CD and you are reloading from a regular Windows CD keep in mind that the key on the license on the box only works with the same type of CD. It is probably an OEM number so you need an OEM disk to get it to work. You will also have to chase down drivers, because the regular disk won't have them all in all likelihood.

Before you format, have you tried starting in safe mode and scanning? Push F8 during the boot and chose "Safe Mode with Networking" You have a much better chance of getting it off in safe mode.

Linux is a little hard to get the hang of and if you can't get a virus off yourself, you may get frustrated fast. But it is free, faster, more stable, and in a number of other ways better. Just be prepared to spend some time figuring out drivers and other new issues. Also remember that you will not be able to use any of your Windows software. There are a lot of really great free alternatives (many of which are on the Linux install disks) and you can do almost everything on Linux without paying for software. But if you know how to use Word, it ain't going to run on Linux.

You might not get all of your devices working with Linux. You will find it difficult to install new programs. You will be back to Windows shortly. Good luck with that.

If you have a Windows Restore disk or Windows Installation disk that came with your computer, it won't be any trouble to use that Windows Key again and get it authorized. But if you don't have a Windows CD, you are doomed. I believe that every computer should have the RESTORE disk, since any hard drive can be corrupted or fail at any moment. What good is a computer without it's basic operating system?

When you are back with Windows, take some precautions. Use a good anti-virus program. You should have an anti-spyware solution on your computer. I recommend that you go to http://www.download.com/ and get AD-AWARE and SpyBot Search & Destory. Install, run, update and scan your computer with both programs.

This double whammy will help keep you safe and running faster

Avoid downloading crap, and using any P2P downloading program or service.

Use a Firewall.

Perform your regular maintenance, like Disk Cleanup, Defrag, Check Disk, Anti-virus scans, Anti-spyware scans and updates.

A lot of people consider reformatting your hard drive from time-to-time a good way of keeping things running in top shape. It gets rid of all of the "gunk" that accumulates from installing software over time.

You may need to reauthorize Windows if you are running Windows XP. This shouldn't be a problem. I've reauthorized it a couple of times for the same reason, and even once for buying a new PC and moving Windows over to it.

The other things to consider are that you will be able to restore all of your necessary software and data. For example, if you use Quicken, you'll need to make sure you save your Quicken files. Same thing for your Word documents, your saved passwords--you get the idea. Even software you have downloaded may not be still available so make sure you've got everything backed up and ready to reload on the new system.

You should also pay special attention to device drivers. If you had to download something from a manufacturer's site or install drivers from a CD, you'll need this again. I once forgot to backup my video card drivers when I reinstalled Windows and had to download them again from a different PC and transfer them over to the reloaded computer.

Good luck!

Try this.

Make sure you have a copy of the version of Linux you want to install on a CD.

Then startup your PC and get to the command line prompt.

Type this,

format C:

After your hard disk is reformatted load the Linux CD and do your install.

You can also go here to get more and better help,

http://www.linux.org/

Have fun, be prosperous, and be safe!

You need to remember to copy all of the files you want to save to another disk. Don't forget about emails and bookmarks.

If you want to go back to Windows you wil need toreinstall it from the CD and reauthorize it.

they will tell you here to save your important files here..the only problem with that is that some of your files may actually be corrupted which could be the cause of the system failing...so save some but do not reinstall them into reformatted system right away..run a scan on them first.

http://www.bootdisk.com/ there are some tutorials there

try some forums for the spyware removal and try to download hijackthis from download .com (run the files it finds in search engine to determine the status of file)

backup important files. then format away.