1. What is the easiest way to format a laptop hard drive and reload Windows?
The laptop currently has a version of Windows in another language. I would like to wipe the hard drive and install a fresh version of Windows XP.
**if your CD is Bootable then its easy to format from CD,
(Don't Delete any partition if you need the file from other partition)
2. How many 'real' drives does my laptop have?
In Windows Explorer, I see C: and D:, although I am not sure whether it has one physical hard drive. For the new install of Windows XP, I only want ONE drive. However, I don't really want to muck around with drive partitions etc. I don't really know how to either
**** It is practical to put 2 partition one is use for back-up, and other partition use for windows operation.
if you are not sure then right-click the drive and look for properties to make sure if it is Physical or vertual.
and if you have enough space in your drive
3. Is it possible to keep the drivers which are currently installed? If so, how?
*** if you don't have the back-up file of that driver, then keep that driver for your re-installation.
but its beter to find new to avoid retain preview infection. XP is easy to find the driver through device manager connect to internet.
important to have back-up driver of all network card you have.
Regards!!!!