Reformat of your Hard-drive will be just like buying a new computer.  All your programs will need to be installed.  All your email-settings will need to be added.  Your favorites will be a blank page.  Your email addresses will be blank.  We can help reset your email addresses.  We just need to know who your provider is? 

We presently are ramping up operations to provide national service.  In the meantime please request service by sending email:

Computers can either be dropped-off at our Peoria, IL location or email to request a Quick-ship computer mailing kit.  The kit includes a shipping box, service mail label, conformal foam shipping material (custom packs your computer), and instructions.  This kit allows maximum protection of your computer through the shipping process.  Our goal is to make it easier to ship your computer than loading it and dropping it off. 

fixit1@computerhelpamerica.com

Successful Reformat Instructions:

Request Computer Help America's Reformat Check-list to help with your sucessful reformat.

Sucessfully reformatting your computer requires the same steps necessary to  load a brand-new computer with programs and settings.  In actuality reformatting is easier than loading a new computer as existing settings can be recorded and then transfered to the reformatted hard-drive.

The client-side of reformat consists of a 3-Step process

• Backup
• Find
• Record
  

Steps you should take to successfully reformat your computer.

1. Backup document, image, music files, etc.
2. Backup email files (export)
3. Backup database files (export)
4. Backup outlook files (export)
5. Backup Outlook Express Files
6. Backup Favorites
7. Backup Instant Messager contact lists
8. Backup ICQ contact lists
9. Backup favorite program skins (i.e winamp, etc)
10. Backup special fonts
11. Find copies of Application programs and serial numbers
12. Find Operating system disk and serial number *
13. Find Device Drivers for all installed hardware
14. Record Network settings 
15. Record a list of application programs to re-install
16. Record email settings
17. Record internet settings
18. Record devices used with your computer (i.e printers, cameras, scanners, palm pilot, external devices)
19. Record any after-purchase video or audio cards installed on your computer (include installation disks)
20. Record any additional cards installed (include installation disks)

* Your operating system will be restored by one of these three methods.  View your operation and installation manual to explore what method your computer uses.  Typically just one of these three will be used.

A. Built in Restore – Some computers come with a built-in restore process saved to a second partition on the hard drive. 

B. Restore CD’s – Some computers come packaged with a set of Restore or Recovery disks. The first disk is a bootable CD and is inserted into the CD drive during boot-up.

C. Original Windows XP Disk – If you don’t have either of the above, then you will have to use your original Windows XP disk (you will need your Installation Key Code). If your XP CD is an upgrade version, then you will need an old Windows 95, 98, ME disk as well.