Help with fixing a laptop

[Mehta23]

I've been asked to fix a laptop, and I just need advice on what to do.
Main problem is that backing up doesn't work (not sure if it even used to) using windows backups because of something to do with shadow hard drive something-or-other.
I think the best thing is to wipe and reinstall windows but am I right in thinking it'll all work fine once I install the drivers (from the manufacturer website)?
Because it's not my laptop, I don't want it to be any worse after messing about with it. Obviously I'll try making a system restore disk before the wipe, but I'm scared some things might not work as well (with a custom desktop it's much easier)

 

[Me_Droid_Freak]

If you install the correct drivers (which run things like WLAN, Sound, Graphics, etc...) it should work just as well as before. But don't forget to back things up like documents, pictures, windows mail contacts, etc cuz they won't be there after a wipe! If the usual backup doesn't work, just copy those personal files to somewhere other than his hard drive...
(Btw...what's this got to do with Android?)

 

[palmtree5]

Should be fine if you grab all the drivers for the computer before hand

As for personal data, use a Linux live cd to back that up before messing with it.

(Btw...what's this got to do with Android?)

That's why we have The Lounge and its subforums (including Computers & IT where this thread is located

Cheers!

 

[Mehta23]

Cheers. I tend to use here because the peeps here are pretty nice

Another question : if I do a factory reset (apparently it's just f8 at boot) then I don't need to worry about drivers... The only thing I'd need to do is merge two partitions on the hard drive without deleting one of them... Possible?

Cheers again

 

[unnamedny]

What are you trying to fix? IMO I would tell the owner that there are walware bounded with many applications. Because if it's true, issue might come back after you restore old apps. Ask the owner which movies, images, text files needs to be backed up and just do it. Format C:/ and install a fresh Windows. Good luck.

 

[Mehta23]

The factory restore would be to try and remove the trojans foudn in \Device....

If I were to reinstall Windows, I'd also remove the D: partition.

 

[unnamedny]

The factory restore would be to try and remove the trojans foudn in \Device....

If I were to reinstall Windows, I'd also remove the D: partition.

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