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Files deleted in error need not be lost forever

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I use a Compaq Presario CDS 520 computer (486 processor, 4 MB Ram, upgraded to 8 MB, with CD-Rom and 1.44 MB disk drive). I have inadvertently deleted some original program files from the hard disk.

To restore them I got a Compaq Presario 'fulfilment kit' from the Compaq Order Centre in the US. However, the DOS and Windows in the kit are earlier versions (Windows 3.10) than the Windows in my Compaq (Windows 3.11). The attempt at restoration failed. I am still waiting to hear from the Compaq Order Centre.

I would like to know: 1. How to reformat my hard disk.

2. Can I use Windows 95 on my computer? I use it mainly for word processing, e-mail and Internet access. Is 8 MB of Ram sufficient? 3. If I use Windows 3.1 instead of Windows 3.11, will I be able to use the CD-Rom, e-mail and Internet as I do now? What is the difference between Windows 3.1 and Windows 3.11? Dr B.A.P. KARUNARATNE Shamshuipo You could have used a utility called UNDELETE provided in DOS 6.0 or above. According to Nick Chi, a systems manager at Asia Online, DOS marks a deleted file as 'deleted' in a computer's File Allocation Table, but the contents of the file are still stored in the clusters on the disk until they are overwritten. DOS can unmark such files provided the clusters are not re-used or altered. Other programs such as Norton Utilities can do this job better.

To answer your other questions: 1. Back up your system and data files - such as the CD-Rom driver and personal documents - on the hard disk. Insert the original DOS installation disk (6.0 or above) and power up the PC. Press F3 in the first screen to get back to a DOS prompt A. Type 'format c:' and press ENTER.

2. Don't use Windows 95. It can run with 8 MB of RAM, but will be slow. It is also not stable in this environment.

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