You will be instructed to press any key to boot from a CD. Make sure that the Windows disk is in the disk drive before doing so. As soon as you begin, the CD will start to load files to the hard drive. Press enter once the loading is completed and agree to Microsoft’s user agreement.
If you are reinstalling Windows, you will be presented with two options for handling hard drive information. You can either delete the previous partition (which will wipe every file you previously had from the computer’s storage) or install the operating system on it (which will save your files. Either choice is fine, but if you plan to delete the partition it is important to backup any files you want to save as noted in part 1 of this tutorial.
For our purposes, we will say that you plan on deleting the old partition. After indicating you want to take this route, windows will ask you to confirm the step twice and begin setting up a new partition. You will be given several options for formatting the drive. Choose NTFS, as this is the most secure option. Also, opt out of doing the quick partition, as this is not a thorough process.
Windows will take a few minutes to format your C drive and begin to install the system files. When this is finished, your computer will restart and return to the screen that prompts you to press any key to boot to CD. Do not boot to CD this time, but instead enter your CD key (which is often printed a sticker located on the side of your computer).
Windows will walk you through the rest of the setup process using simple to understand instructions. Once you are finished, install your drivers and an antivirus program and you will be ready to go.
Be Your Own IT’s online support forum and YouTube channel offer great, free tips to help solve your computer problems. Make sure to e-mail Jeremy from Be Your Own IT if you have a computer help question we haven’t addressed yet.
