Should I reformat ?

by The Riff Jul 30, 2007 3:26PM PDT

Is it a good idea to reformat your computer?. I've been told its good to clean up your system but that it can also cause a lot of problems. I use xp with the sp2 update and my computer which is about 4 yrs old is getting very slow, I run antivirus and antispyware tools and also ccleaner every few days to try and keep it clean.

Also my antivirus subscription is nearly due to be renewed, if I renew it and then reformat do I lose my paid for subscription? or would it be better to reformat (if I need to) and then renew it.

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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You can...

by John.Wilkinson Jul 30, 2007 3:57PM PDT

Windows does tend to slow down over time, even with proper maintenance, so a lot of people decide to take the plunge and backup all of their files, reformat the hard drive, and then start setting everything up again from scratch. I rather try to avoid that since it can be a long and tedious process, but if it's reached that point then it may be the simplest option.

As to your antivirus, no, you won't lose your subscription but you will have to download all of the updates again. And if you don't complete the process before the subscription expires you will not be able to download any of the updates you lost. Then again, you should never let the subscription lapse anyway unless you're moving to a competing product...you never want to be unprotected against the latest threats.

Hope this helps,
John

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how do you reformat the computer and where do you go to do t

by Thamala Aug 3, 2007 6:06AM PDT

where do i go to reformat my computer.

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That depends...

by John.Wilkinson Aug 3, 2007 4:17PM PDT

If you just want to reformat the hard drive DBAN is a nice tool to do so, but that does not reinstall the operating system, which I assume you would want to do. In that case you can click here for a guide to reinstalling Windows XP from scratch, but it assumes you have an XP CD. If you have a system recovery CD either provided by the computer's manufacturer or one you burned then you still boot to the CD as in the above link, but the interface will be entirely different and you'll need to follow the on-screen directions, performing a 'destructive recovery.' If you need specifics we'll need to know the make and model number of your computer as well as what copy of Windows XP you have (retail, OEM, or system manufacturer's, though.

Hope this helps,
John

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Your computer..

by Me, Myself and You Jul 30, 2007 4:23PM PDT

will only "slow down" significantly if it is not properly maintained. Better to keep it running and maintain it rather than jump to format every time "My computer" takes more than one nanosecond than normal to open.

Its usually because program fragments get left in the registry (which are often never cleaned out) or old shared DLLs in the Windows\System Folder.

You could also have some nasties in your system.

Also, if your gonna stick with that antivirus that your paying for (not a good idea, IMO) renew it after you have reformatted. Sounds like your computer has reached such a stage where it would be a good idea to reformat, and from here onwards keep it in good shape.

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Also remember you can re-install Windows without formatting.

by Me, Myself and You Jul 30, 2007 4:26PM PDT

Just delete the Windows and Program Files folder from DOS and re-install from there. Depending on whether its NTFS or not, and how the security of the user account has been configured, My Documents may not be accessible afterwards. Use caution.

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Doesn't work.

by Kees Bakker Jul 30, 2007 5:01PM PDT

You can't delete Windows XP folder from DOS.

Kees

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Oh.

by Me, Myself and You Jul 30, 2007 5:07PM PDT

I must have been thinking of 9x. I never knew that -- my bad.

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Thanks for the help guys

by The Riff Jul 30, 2007 6:51PM PDT

I'll probably reformat to start clean again. By the way any tips on what internet security suite I should get. I've been using Norton 2006 but was thinking of moving to Avast because of the good reviews they've gotten.

Thanks again

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whatever works for you.

by Me, Myself and You Jul 30, 2007 11:50PM PDT

for me? AVG free and Antivir free.

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Re: whatever works for you

by jusalone Aug 4, 2007 7:36PM PDT

I have the free AVG too. It works greatly and I was told that unless I was working in a office using a computer or had my own business or worked at a large business I would not need to purchase a premium version of an anti virus. And AVG has daily updates too. I was taken royally by Trend Micro in 2002. After I got this Win XP it had PC Cillin built in. I was supposed to have a year's updates with Trend Micro but they kept charging me for the updates after I made the purchase from them for the premium. I complained and they would not refund either.

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Actually (wasnt thinking..)

by Me, Myself and You Aug 5, 2007 6:55AM PDT

when I said DOS I really meant the windows recovery console, or some kind of third party version like FREE DOS that allows you to access and manage NTFS. Still, I might be wrong as I never actually tried deleting the system folder myself, but I have accessed NTFS many times.

Should I reformat ?

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