These instructions detail how to erase your hard drive and start over for Dell computers purchased from Cavalier Computers through the DCI (Desktop Computer Initiative) program. People with non-DCI computers should view different instructions available in the appropriate link listed to the right under RELATED LINKS.
Required before you begin:
- All of the discs that came with your computer when it was purchased
- Installers for any software that you have added since purchasing this computer
- Access to a working computer to download necessary files you will burn to CD or copy to other removable media (e.g. USB FLASH drive, external hard drive)
- A printed copy of these directions
- Two to three hours of your time
Warning: All files currently on your hard drive will definitely be irrevocably destroyed as part of this process. You need to back up all files of any value to the U.Va Home Directory Service or to removable media as directed at the beginning of these instructions.
The Ultimate PC Cleanup: Wiping Clean and Starting Over
- Back up every file on your hard drive that you care about. See ITC's instructions on backing up your files.
- Gather together all the resources you will need to rebuild your system:
- DCI System Restore Discs (white, glossy cardboard envelope with blue Dell logo containing one DVD or three CDs with numbers on the discs matching the SI: number on the silver tag on your computer) -- Call the Help Desk at 434-924-3731 if you have lost these discs.
- MS Office DVD case (with Product Key label inside) or CD jewel case (with Product Key label on back)
- If your system has a printer, you'll need the printer's software CD.
- Installers for any software that you have added since purchasing this computer
- A CD-R or CD-RW of your own making containing installers you can download from Software Central for Windows Service Pack 2, Symantec Antivirus and newdefs (the Symantec local virus definitions). Also consider adding the installer for SpySweeper.
- Disconnect all cables and devices except for your AC power supply. It is important to connect to AC power. It is especially important to disconnect Ethernet and all USB-connected printers.
- Place your DCI System Restore Disc in your CD/DVD drive and shut down your computer.
- As you restart your computer, watch the upper-right corner of your screen. When it shows F2 = Startup / F12 = Boot Menu, press F12. You'll only have a couple seconds to do this.
- When the boot menu appears, use your down arrow key to select the CD/DVD drive and press the Enter key.
- Answer all the text prompts appropriately. You will be warned that you are about to wipe all contents from your hard drive. If you have multiple discs in your system restore set, you will be prompted when to change discs.
- When the restoration of the image is complete, you will be prompted to remove the disc from the drive and restart your computer. Do so.
- When Windows starts for the first time, the logon prompt will show Student in the ID field and the blinking cursor will be in the password field. The initial password is here@uva. You will be immediately prompted for a new password. Give one you can't forget and no one else can guess.
- Once Windows starts, click Start:Control Panel:System. Under the General tab, it will tell you that you have Microsoft Windows XP / Professional / Version 2002. If the next line doesn't say SP2, install it from the CD you made back in step 2 of these instructions. Restart when directed.
- Check the version number of the antivirus software on your computer. If it is Norton Antivirus version 7.6 or earlier, click Start:Control Panel:Add/Remove Programs and uninstall both Norton Antivirus and Live Update.
- On the disc you made in step 2, run the filename starting SAV. That installs the current version of Symantec Antivirus, likely newer than the version installed by the System Restore Discs. When it is complete, run newdefs.exe (the most current virus definitions) from that same disc. Also consider installing SpySweeper.
- Get the Product Key from the orange/yellow label in or on the MS Office CD case. Launch MS Word. Answer the prompt for the Product Key. Shut down Word.
- If you have a printer, install the software that came with the printer before you physically connect the printer. If you connected the printer first, call the ITC Help Desk at 4-3731 to be coached through the process of untangling the technical problem that arises.
- Connect to the Internet via a wired Ethernet connection.
- As soon as the network connection is functional, run Windows Update (a.k.a. Microsoft Update) from the Tools menu of Internet Explorer. Answer Yes to all prompts until you get to the screen with two buttons, one labeled Express (Recommended). Download and install all updates offered by the Express option. Avoid the Custom button.
- After restarting, repeat the previous step until Windows Update reports that there are no more remaining updates for your system.
- Reinstall any software you've added to your computer since you purchased it. Avoid free software loaded with spyware like Limewire, iMesh, and their ilk. There is no such problem with music purchasing software like iTunes or the new Napster.
- Restore your data files to your computer.
For the future: You'll be using a computer for many years. Eventually, you will lose the contents of your hard drive. The only dependable escape from losing your files with it is to back up your files to media that won't perish with your hard drive. See our recommendations for backing up your data.