reformatting laptop

[Zelda]

So I have an alien ware and I have a problem. I tried to reformat it after a virus got on it.

Now everything is messed up.

When I try to boot, It loops the bio's over and over giving me errors i've never seen...but that's not the biggest problem.

I've tried alien ware respawn and It ate the Op system.

I tried to put even a free version of 10 on it, But when I try to install it wont let me saying it can't place it on the hard drive.

Anyone know anyway I can put anything on a USB to reformat the hard drive 100% then put an op on?

I'm writing this as i'm heading out the door to work sadly, So won't be able to respond till I get home in the morning.

 

[motive]

try to boot it with linux if not take the hardrive out hook up to another pc via cable and wipe it clean from there.

 

[Zelda]

try to boot it with linux if not take the hardrive out hook up to another pc via cable and wipe it clean from there.

How can i get Linux on a usb to boot from it?

 

[Johnny]

When you turn your laptop on the first thing you see should be a BIOS screen. Somewhere on that screen should be an option to go into Bios Setup(for me it's F2.) When you get to the BIOS there's 2 things you want to do.

First you need to check and see if the BIOS is able to see your hard drive. This might be listed on the Main page. If not I believe you can navigate to the ADVANCED section and choose Performance Options to view connected hardware. You should see your hard drive listed. If you see your hard drive then move to step 2. If not you need to troubleshoot the drive.

Now you need to navigate to the BOOT section and disable UEFI / secure boot. Once this is disabled you will be able to navigate to Legacy boot and choose your boot sequences. If you plan on installing from a DVD you need to make sure your CD Drive is #1. If you plan on installing/booting from your USB you need to make sure to put USB Boot at #1.

It's much easier to just factory reset the machine but I suspect you accidentally formatted the recovery partition. It's good practice to put recovery partitions on a DVD instead of on a HD. Good luck.

 

[Zelda]

Sadly, I don't have the CD's to reboot from anymore, Alienware refuses to send me new ones even for cash due to its 5 years old.
I can make a boot from U SB but i have Zero idea...nothing on the net is walking me in this..

 

[Zelda]

Here is the first problem
"Reboot and select Proper Boot device
Or insert Boot Media in selected Boot device and press a key"

I've tryed booting from hard drive, eveything to get past this...no luck..

Now i can boot from USB drive.

 

[Zelda]

got a boot working from ubuntu, But get an error.
End Kernel Panic - not syncing: VFC: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(2,0)

 

[Zelda]

Ok fixed that bug, Found had to had the stick as a FAT32

 

[Johnny]

That's because there's no file system on the hard drive. Carl please put the Linux cd down and take your laptop to a professional before you hurt yourself. Linux is the last thing you need to be using atm. You need to get your hands on a Windows version that matches the product key sticker on your laptop.

I am curious, though. How exactly did you format your hard drive? Where did you do it from?

 

[Zelda]

That's because there's no file system on the hard drive. Carl please put the Linux cd down and take your laptop to a professional before you hurt yourself. Linux is the last thing you need to be using atm. You need to get your hands on a Windows version that matches the product key sticker on your laptop.

I am curious, though. How exactly did you format your hard drive? Where did you do it from?

What's funny. I useto fix pc's my self. Was one of the top tech's but that was 7 years ago at Staples...(Yes go laugh now)
I can't use the sticker due to 2 of the keys are missing on the laptop, They burned off over time....(sighs) and I lost the CD's ages ago. Tryed to call Alienware. They refuse to dig up my info due to age.
I tryed to use the respawn that's active va my desktop and this mess all started.

 

[Johnny]

Without a Windows installation disc and product key I got nothing. I'd work on doing whatever it takes to find that. Good luck.