You know what sucks when you reformat a hard drive....

[Shuffler]

... always remember to backup all your trojans, worms and viruses. Also type out that you plane to format your drive so anyone using your machine as a soldier can properly setup to reaquire the machine once format is done.

Once your machine is setup then access your router and place this machine in the DMZ to facilitate better access to outsiders that may need to setup their software too.

This BS has been brought to you by your friendly neighborhood 5huffl3r    

[Enker]

Forgetting to back up all your favorite website addressess...boy trying to remember all of those is a real PITA!

If you use Firefox, you can export your favorites to a HTML page, copy it over to the new one, and import them back in.

[Fishu]

• Follow up after performing a security wipe.
• Follow up after reallocating the partitions.
• To switch between FAT to NTSF.
• Prep for changing operating systems.

Converting FAT32 to NTSF does not require formatting. However doing it the other way around would require it, but I find very little use for that.

Reallocating partitions on a hard drive with stuff in it would be better achieved with proper tools that do not require formatting.

Between Windows versions I have never formatted hard drives. It'd be too much hassle.

[Stalwart]

Converting FAT32 to NTSF does not require formatting. However doing it the other way around would require it, but I find very little use for that.

Reallocating partitions on a hard drive with stuff in it would be better achieved with proper tools that do not require formatting.

Between Windows versions I have never formatted hard drives. It'd be too much hassle.

Maybe there is a language barrier and we are just mis-communicating.
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

[OOZ662]

Windows tends to degrade over time. Who knows why, but it does. Things just stop working or run very slowly, and it varies as to what goes on every machine. Personally I've slipstreamed my XP Home install on software that was meant to do Pro, so my system tends to ditch things at an accelerated rate. Usually first to go is the ability to shut down/reboot/logoff without the kernel crashing before getting to the options (I click "Log Off or "Turn Off Computer" and explorer crashes). Then things will begin running slowly in general.
(Sorry if that was longwinded, but I was waiting for my internet connection to come back...another wonder of this computer)

Generally, when a computer starts slowing down, behaving strangely, or what-have-you, it's good to reformat. Many keep a schedule (think Skuzzy said his was 3 months?) to format regularly. Then again, those of us who do that have a separate partition for Windows.

[Fishu]

Generally, when a computer starts slowing down, behaving strangely, or what-have-you, it's good to reformat. Many keep a schedule (think Skuzzy said his was 3 months?) to format regularly. Then again, those of us who do that have a separate partition for Windows.

I've simply deleted the folders; either by booting up from different drive or boot disc (usb included). Though, lately I've bought a new hard drive at least once a year and I've simply installed windows the new drive. So, now I have 4 different OS installations (2*XP, Vista, Win7), since I've been too lazy to remove those - hey, i might need them!

[Fishu]

Maybe there is a language barrier and we are just mis-communicating.
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Just tell me what is the issue instead of putting me down like that.

[Stalwart]

OK Fishu, You asked:

Why reformat the hard drive? I've never reformatted one, other than the brand new drives (not much of a choice there).

I gave your four specific examples of when you would need to reformat a drive.  And even though, by your own admission you have no experience with it, you proceeded to argue my points, and quite poorly.

My first reaction was that you obviously have no idea what you are talking about.  For example, you can't change the allocation of space on a hard drive without disrupting the file system.  Therefore, if you repartition your drive you have to format the new partitions with a new file system before you can access them with an OS.  This should be quite obvious.  In fact it's so obvious that I considered that you might be trolling.  Either you're trolling, or you like posting arguments about things you really don't understand.

Then I saw you are from Finland, and considered that English is probably not your primary language.  Maybe you misunderstand the "formatting" we're talking about.  Since you are probably an intelligent person, I gave you the benefit of the doubt.

So, which is it?  Do you not understand what we're talking about, or do you just argue things you don't understand?

If you really can't think of a reason why someone would want to format a drive on occasion, then you really don't have any credibility with me in this thread.

[OOZ662]

For example, you can't change the allocation of space on a hard drive without disrupting the file system.  Therefore, if you repartition your drive you have to format the new partitions with a new file system before you can access them with an OS.

I actually have resized my partitions without formatting without causing damage. I didn't enjoy the experience (scared crapless) of it though. Would rather have just had them right to start with.

[ghi]

I have a question about  my laptop 17' HP,,the screen is cracked on the sides  broken, the laptop starts but the screen is dead, i can't control it without screen. Now this happen 2nd time since i got it,1st time was replaced under warranty, now the warranty expired  and i've been told would cost 400$  to replace it. I don't want to waste $$ to fix it, when i can buy a new one for 5-600$.
My question; How can i transfer the hard drive info to other computer / external hard in this condition? is it possible to hook it to some other monitor, to read/copy the hard ?

[Spikes]

Ghi,
You can hook up a monitor to the VGA port on the back of the laptop (blue port) if it has one and switch your display function on the laptop keyboard so the display will show up on your monitor.

[OOZ662]

My question; How can i transfer the hard drive info to other computer / external hard in this condition? is it possible to hook it to some other monitor, to read/copy the hard ?

From your word usage (and no insult intended here), I would recommend finding someone who knows what they're doing to help you. In the mean time, find a SATA to USB conversion cable, enclosure, or dock. Here's a search that returned some useful results.

[Ruler2]

You know what else sucks?

Forgetting to put the internet drivers onto a flashdrive... >.<

you can always download em though, can't you?   

[trigger2]

you can always download em though, can't you?   

Heh, yeah...

"Page cannot be displayed."

$*#*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reschke]

If you use Firefox, you can export your favorites to a HTML page, copy it over to the new one, and import them back in.

That would have been a great thing to do IF I had remembered to do it before the format and install of a new OS; I will be using this Xmarks thing in the future.