Hello,

How might I go about reformatting an older Dell when I have no disks to do so?
I bought it used just to use as a secondary on my network. After purchasing it I found it has a illegal XP Pro on it. It is originally a Windows 98.

I didn't use it much and now want to clean it up to give to a kid.
But I would like to totally reformat it to original before doing so.
I want all of my stuff off of it as well as the illegal copy of XP Pro.

Now keep in mind...I am not a tech or programmer.
Just an old fart behind a computer learning from people like all of you on a daily basis.

So any help would be appreciated...as well as simple step by step instructions.

Thanks much for your time.

If you have a legal copy of 98 that you want to give away I can help you with the process for free. You just need to format c: drive and install.

If you don't I might have an un-regged 98 version in the basement that I could part with cheap.

Post here for more help or PM if if you want me to check the basement.

Grab a copy of the exact cd's for that dell off ebay ,because will make it easier for novice to do as it installls drivers and all software for you.

www.driverguide.com <--- if you know the components of the machine, you may be able to find the drivers there.

Get those, and an O/S, and you should be on your way.

well, you could get any Live-Cd of almost any Linux distro. Just put the cd, reboot, and format. I'd suggest Ubuntu , for the fact that I run it, and for its ease.
If you've any queries, PM me, I'll be glad to help.