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descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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Hello, and thanks to anyone who can lend me some help on this.

Recently I've had some malware problems with my PC, and to deal with it I've decided that I am going to format.

I went to the Dell website, and began following their instructions, but I run into a bit of a problem whilst trying to format my PC.

I turn on my PC, and press F8 for advanced boot options.
Select Repair my PC.

It loads a bit, then I encounter a problem.

I am required to log in using an account with administrater credentials...
It is my personal computer and has only one user account. Mine, which is the administrator.
The problem is, that when I enter the information for this account, which is the only one on my PC, It says that it is not recognized or cannot be contacted.

If anyone has experienced similar problems, or if this is NOT referring to a user account but something else instead, I would greatly appreciate some help from you. Thanks!

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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If it is of any importance, the screen before Username and Password screen is the one you would see if you locked your PC or logged off, except that instead of displaying the User account's picture, it displays an empty box titled "Other User"

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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My advice, reformat with windows 7 and not vista...

Do u have a windows 7 dvd?

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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Thanks for the suggestion but I don't have a Windows 7 DVD : /

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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U need to obtain one....

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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Windows 7 is not the only DVD used for formatting, you can use a XP DVD and delete the partition. If you can get any of the two windows DVD's your in good hands.

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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windows 7 is better becuz support for xp wil stop at some point in the near future

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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True enough but what he/she needs NOW is a solution, not a solution for the future. Simply borrow from someone, don't go purchasing a expensive software.

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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I don't see why you need to use F8. With the system shut down boot it and press F12 then load the Windows Vista disc and boot from the DVD drive. Then click Install and delete all partitions and click next.Smile...

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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I have the same problem. It was thought that maybe it is because the format was started in safe mode. I don't know if mine was or not *its been a few days ago when I started this trying to find answers* Could some one please help?

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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Hi immisfit and welcome to the forum,
A little more information about your machine will hepl a lot here..
Make, Model and which version of Windows was/is installed.

As you cannot format your C: drive from within Windows (Normal or Safe Mode) there will be a procedure you need to follow. This will vary depending on the brand of pc and the Operating system you are wanting to re-install.

Do you have the Windows disc that came with the machine?

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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Thanks for replying! I have a dell inspiron 531 running windows vista home premium service pack 2. no back up cd's

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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You may find a solution here.
http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?docid=266618

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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this is what I did try but this is where the problem is. after I select " Repair My Computer" it takes me to log in page with "other user" asking for password and id and when I put my info in It says that it is not recognized or cannot be contacted.

descriptionHelp formatting my Dell PC (Vista) EmptyRe: Help formatting my Dell PC (Vista)

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