Formatting drives

**spam** · 03-15-2006, 02:22 PM

I have read that formatting your drive and re-installing your OS is a preferred procedure for DAW usage. Is this only to remove any unnesessary programs installed with the computer? I am purchasing a new desktop, so I will have no files to save and transfer. Input appreciated.

**AndyH** · 03-15-2006, 02:50 PM

Computers purchased as a package with OS, and possible other software, already installed are often in a configuration not desirable to someone who knows much about computers or who cares what activity occurs on them.. Starting all over with a clean drive and installing only what you want, configured as you want it, may be the only way of really overcoming what was done before you got the computer. This is especially relevant for a computer that will be used only as a DAW because unnecessary system and application activity can interfere with getting clean recordings and, less often, clean playback.

Also note, with some package deals you don't actually get an installable general OS that you can do with as you please. It may be difficult to get a proper install without buying the OS as a separate item elsewhere. If you attempt to reinstall, you end up with the same manufacturer configuration as you started with, no choice.

Complete formatting is not necessary, the Quick (erase) option will normally do the job, but the basic idea is to get rid of everything, then install only what is wanted. With various kinds of hard drives, the manufacturer provides utilities, available on their web sites, that make drive maintenance, including complete reformatting, markedly faster than using the MS method.

**spam** · 03-15-2006, 03:03 PM

Unfortunately I guess I won't know exactly what I am getting "bundled" with my system until I recieve it. I am getting a Dell and can opt to purchase the OS reinstallation disk. The OS is XP media center and have read that it is not a good OS for DAW applications so I seek advice. Thanks.

**AndyH** · 03-15-2006, 07:26 PM

In my limited experience, this OS reinstallation disk is a Dell customized version. Such things frequently won't even work if you reformat first; you have to start with what they installed and can only use the disk to "refresh" various files to their starting state.

Regardless of that aspect, Dell is convinced that they know what you should have on your computer and want to give you no chance to say otherwise. They are most definitely not DAW oriented.

I suspect there are other Dell owners around. Maybe one of them would be kind enough to reveal if current practices at Dell are any different.

**itsplayed** · 03-15-2006, 07:42 PM

Dell does now offer OS CD's only without the extra garbage usually associated with "bundled" software packages. I'm not clear as to whether this needs to be requested or is now part of policy...check with Dell. As far as using the Windows Media Center OS goes, you can forget about it...it's a no go for DAW use. It would be best to reformat and reinstall the OS before using it as a DAW. Be careful when selecting Dells for DAW use as they are very limited in PCI slots available....usually down to one on newer systems.

**spam** · 03-15-2006, 08:55 PM

Thank you AndyH and Itsplayed for your insight, I will look further into possible options. If you had ..... say.... 1000 bucks for a desktop, how would you go about it? I want to use a firewire mixer (phonic helix 18) for the input quantity.

**itsplayed** · 03-15-2006, 09:51 PM

Are you starting completely from scratch? Do you have a monitor(s), mouse, keyboard, hard drives, optical drives etc. able to be reused? What recording software are you using or plan to use?

**AndyH** · 03-15-2006, 11:01 PM

Every PC I've had for the past 15 years or more has been put together from parts. There are a half dozen small computer shops in the medium sized city near here. There are many online component sources. I've never had any interest in a prebuilt package. It isn't not very difficult to put the parts together.

**spam** · 03-16-2006, 05:47 AM

I don't need keyboard, mouse, monitor but everything else will be from scratch. I plan on using Audition 2.0. The Dell systems are less than desirable I know but seemed like decent starter system that I wouldn't mind scrapping down the line after I get my feet wet. I do know someone who can assemble a system for me, but I haven't researched it yet. I guess I should do more homework.

**itsplayed** · 03-16-2006, 05:56 AM

Buy the componants and have your friend build it for you. you'll have a much better DAW at a much smaller cost. Don't waste your money on something that is less than desireable for DAW use that you will want to scrap.