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    Need to format new A8ja?

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by cinnamonsigh, May 31, 2006.

  1. cinnamonsigh

    cinnamonsigh Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    So, I'm getting an A8Ja tomorrow.
    1. Basically, will I need to format it?
    2. If not, is there any provided software that I should uninstall?
    3. Does the HDD come partitioned?
    4. If so, should I keep these partitions as they are?
    5. Any good software you recommend I install?
    6. Should I charge the battery to full before I turn on the laptop, or should I rush right in like I want to :) ?

    Any advice appreciated.
     
    cinnamonsigh, May 31, 2006
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  2. blue123

    blue123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    hey
    I dont know much about laptops so I cant help you with your questions.
    But im also considering buying this laptop. If you are able to, can you please post a little review, first impressions or so when you received it.
    And what is the price and where you bought it.

    Thanks in advance
     
    blue123, May 31, 2006
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  3. _radditz_

    _radditz_ Fallen to the Sith...

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    1. Basically, will I need to format it?
    you wont HAVE to, but can do so if you want to. It will make your laptop faster.

    2. If not, is there any provided software that I should uninstall?
    Not sure as i dont own that laptop but i hear asus dont add too much junk

    3. Does the HDD come partitioned?
    dunno but probably

    4. If so, should I keep these partitions as they are?
    Thats your preference, its best to have an apps partition and personal documents partition.

    5. Any good software you recommend I install?
    Look at the first thread in the software forum for ideas. Pick what takes your fancy. Its essential to have antivirus.a firewall and antispyware thuogh (i reccommend AVG, Zonealarm, Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware)

    6. Should I charge the battery to full before I turn on the laptop, or should I rush right in like I want to :) ?
    Im sure it would be fine to just rush in and let it charge while you are using it.
     
    _radditz_, May 31, 2006
    #3
  4. cinnamonsigh

    cinnamonsigh Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    Thanks radditz. Anyone else have experience with the A8Ja or any A8J?

    Blue123: I'm in Perth, Western Australia. I asked around and several computer resellers were able to order it in from Sydney for me. I ended up getting it from my university IT shop for AUD$2600. I ordered it Thursday the 25th, and will be picking it up tomorrow. I plan to do a review, but it should take about a week. I'll get it done ASAP for you and everyone.
     
    cinnamonsigh, May 31, 2006
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  5. SRD

    SRD Notebook Virtuoso

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    You really dont need to format asus laptops. They dont add junware to their pcs. So its pretty close to what you would get setting it up yourself. The only thing you need to do is convert the drive to NTFS. If you need to know how just ask.
     
    SRD, May 31, 2006
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  6. cinnamonsigh

    cinnamonsigh Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    Ok, lol, how? :) I think I've heard you can get file system convertors, and I also know you can choose your file system when you format. What is the best way to change to NTFS? Through command prompt?
     
    cinnamonsigh, May 31, 2006
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  7. Darrick

    Darrick Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    There is a FAT->NTFS converter utility included in the default XP install from ASUS. You just have to click and run it. If you decide to re-format everything, in XP install, you will have the choice of using FAT or NTFS.

    I re-formatted my A8Jm straight away, just booted from my XP CD, deleted partitions and format with NTFS, then let install.

    You can partition later on using Partition Magic or something like GParted Live CD from Linux which is free. That's how I partitioned mine after.
     
    Darrick, May 31, 2006
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  8. SRD

    SRD Notebook Virtuoso

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    In the command prompt window, type: convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs

    choose not to dismount and to convert on reboot.
     
    SRD, May 31, 2006
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  9. blue123

    blue123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Cool. Ill be looking forward to the review

    Blue
     
    blue123, May 31, 2006
    #9