Problems with Reformatting my Hard Drive.

[Tipseeee]

Hello, I would like to ask for a couple minutes of your time and your expertise, seeing as I have very little when it comes to computers. I purchased a custom built computer from DigitalStormonline.com in January of 2010. Its primarily a gaming computer, but I also surf the web and download music as well. Up until about a month ago, it was running great. No problems what so ever, and it ran all my games perfectly. A month ago, I started having problems with viruses and addware. I ran a couple different virus/spyware protection programs and nothing came up as harmful to my computer. So a couple days ago, i decided to reformat. I spent the past 2 days backing up all the files I wanted to keep on an external hard drive I recently purchased. This morning, I went to reformat it. I put the recovery disk in, as it says too in the owners manual I received. I then restarted my computer, and the recovery program came up. It asked me if I wanted to delete all partitions and saved files on my computer, and I clicked yes. About 3 seconds later, the screen went black and it read, "Program exiting due to Error Code 1." My question is, what the heck is Error Code 1? I'm hoping its some sort of default response, but it being a custom built computer, im not so sure. I really want to reformat my computer and start from scratch so to speak, but I've tried 3 or 4 times now and I get the same result...Error Code 1. Any ideas or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and help.

 

[Bill2]

Error code 1 is usually a catchall for general errors so its not very useful. Can you describe this recovery disk you are using? Does it have any markings or brand imprinted on it? Also, if you can still use the computer, is there an OEM logo in System properties?

 

[Tipseeee]

Well the disk is pretty basic. Its all white with a white sticker on it that reads


Digital Storm Customized Systems
Custom Image Disk: 11464


As for the OEM part, from my understanding it stands for Original Equipment manufactuer...But im not exactly sure what that means. Theres a big Windows logo on the top right hand of the window...not sure if that'll help.

 

[Bill2]

This appears to be a custom recovery disk so its difficult to provide a generalized solution. I suggest you contact Digitalstorm or post on the DS support forums/ community. Its possible the disk is bad, or you are not following the instuctions to the T, or there is another disk which is needed to prep the system.

 

[gregrocker]

Many tech enthusiasts find a clean-copy DVD of their OS version and reinstall using the OEM Product Key on the COA sticker on machine. Any installer can also have all versions unlocked using the ei.cfg removal tool. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html

Make your Recovery DIsks or save a Win7 backup image of the entire HD first so you have a path back to factory condition. Then wipe the HD of all code: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/70248-troubleshooting-msconfig.html

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Then save a Win7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html