Windows XP: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS?
- 8/21/09 2:39 PM
Reinstalling and reformatting
by xpdeg - 8/14/09 11:38 PM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The short answer: It's the simple solution to a complex problem. The long one: If you are not very techie, and you don't know how to solve a difficult issue with your PC,the easiest path is to reinstall everything from the ground up.
Let me tell you what happened to me. I got a virus and it deleted many of the essential files that windows needs to work properly. And, since the virus would not let me use a cure for it, I reformatted the hard drive. The virus did not survived, but the first thing that I did after installing windows back was to do a scan and installed the anti-virus. With the whole system infection, I don't know if there was another viable solution. Someone esle might need to answer that one
Some times, even when you don't have a virus, you don't have a clue what is causing a problem with your system. And, finding the answer, is a tedious process so it's faster to just redo everything.
I real professional might know exactly what to look for, but that is going to cost you as much as a new system. But, you don't have to be exactly a professional to redo everything.
Now, some people redo everything every six months, why , because every system collects junk just by working everyday. Your system keeps copies of everything you do on that computer even when you don't save it, and those files can tell your story, get fragmented and some times your computer makes multiple copies of it. That is reflected in the responsive of your system. With time, windows will get slow; that's inevitable. It does not matter how much memory or hard drive you got; it will happened. Why, because your hard drive will actually have to drive in this microscopic junk jungle to find the files you are looking for or that your system needs to do something.
If you don't believe me just think about how many criminals after deleting incriminating information from their computers, investigators still would find it in their systems.
But, redoing everything is not that easy either. You will have to back up your vital information on some kind of removable media to feed it back to your system when you finish reinstalling. You will have to have your drivers available so you can reinstall them and you will have to have your software to do the same.
Well, I hope that answered your question, and don't be afraid to reinstall, that will make your system work like the first day you brought it home. Remember how happy you were?
Why reformat and reinstall?
by hacktheplanet22 - 8/14/09 11:39 PM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In my opinion, most hard drives need to be reformatted and Windows needs to be reinstalled on a regurlar basis if one is using a pirate version of Windows as Microsoft regurlarly will install `updates` onto a pirate system and have freely admitted these `updates` will, over time, degrade the functionality of the operating system to a point of non functionality. A suitable registry cleaner and HD crap eliminator like CCleaner or TuneupUtilities 2009 will sort out a majority of problems aswell as a regurlar sweep with an anti-virus checker. Despite the nay sayers who proclaim Defragmenting of a the hard drive to be the computer version of prayer beads and almost useless in it`s usefulness, I have found this to be untrue and can have a positive effect on HD performance.
pirates of the windows
by xpdeg - 8/14/09 11:50 PM In reply to: Why reformat and reinstall? by hacktheplanet22Would updates to a valid windows copy degrade it?
Unfortunatly, hotfixes occassionally create slowdowns
by asus_mb - 8/15/09 12:29 AM In reply to: pirates of the windows by xpdegService Packs fix problems associated not only with MS updates but also other vendor issues.
Please see MS TechNet KB articles.
See XP-SP3 fixes for Hotfixes that it corrects. (yes the fixing get fixed)
Link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480.
Unless necessary for a security patch, get the recommend SP to get to a stable level (also google: Patch Tuesday).
Bottom line - fresh install with the latest SP will speed up the PC
-HTH
No need to reformat
by natalia - 8/23/09 6:42 AM In reply to: Why reformat and reinstall? by hacktheplanet22There is no necessity to reformat your Windows operating system UNLESS you've been hit by a destructive worm, trojan or virus which causes obvious problems like preventing access to the whole or part of the system even via Safe Mode). (Some of these do not cause direct disruption to your system and often you're not aware you have such nasties aboard until you run your security software).
The free software, Regseeker has a built-in registry cleaning tool which will remove orphaned files belonging to deleted software programmes. You simply type in the name of the software programme you've previously removed and click OK. (I run that tool twice for every deleted software programme, to make sure all such straggler files are gone.)
I also examine the Classes Root, Current User and Local Machines sections of the registry separately for any orphaned files of the removed software. If any are found which is rare after using Regseeker, I remove them once I'm positive such files do indeed belong to the deleted software. Occasionally, some files of a particular software type are needed if you have more than one article of software created by the same software company aboard your system. You have to make sure you note the differences between the types of software made by the same company, before removing straffler files. If you do remove some accidently, simply reinstall the needed item(s) of software and the file or files should get reinstated in the registry once again.
Also, to keep my systems, (Windows XP and Visa), up to speed and as bug-free as possible, I run the usual across-the-board maintenance software on a very regular basis.
I format and re-install windows when it gets to unstable to
by migwell030744 - 8/15/09 12:20 AM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
After a while even with virus progs and fire walls also reg cleaners there will be stuff that sticks on the hard drive. There will also be other corrupt files that cause untold dammage. Like your dust bin at home that is emptied each week it eventually begins to smell even if you have placed all your rubbish into plastic bags etc. Leaks will occure and you will need to wash out your bin as I need to re-format the hard drive, you then start with a, as new, clean place to put all the things you want in it with out any problems of corruption or smell in the case of the bin.
I hope this explains why I format a hard drive, some one will no doubt say he or she, can get around this problem another way but I find it easier to do it this way.
Yeah, it's easy, but...
by rbsjrx - 8/15/09 12:33 AM In reply to: I format and re-install windows when it gets to unstable to by migwell030744"...some one will no doubt say he or she, can get around this problem another way but I find it easier to do it this way."
On the rare occasions when it is necessary to reinstall the OS and all my software from installation media and backups, it usually takes me at least 3 days to be fully functional again (although I can usually begin working again in only a day and a half). That's not "easy" in my book! If I were an average user that only ran at most a few dozen applications, maybe it would be, but unfortunately that's not me.
Generally not necessary
by Igiveup2 - 8/15/09 12:53 AM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A number of conditions can degrade the performance of Windows, but it is generally not necessary to do a reformat/reinstall to solve them. The phenomenon of "Windows rot" is preventable with good maintenance practices and avoiding software that uses the registry improperly. Keeping the system free of malware and periodically defragmenting the hard disk is adequate maintenance for most people.
Registry issues are a little trickier to deal with, but they can under some circumstances cause a hit to the performance of Windows. The registry is essentially a database that contains system settings and configuration information. Software alters the registry when it is installed in order to be recognized by the system. When software is uninstalled, sometimes keys are left in the registry that are no longer valid. When system resources are used dealing with invalid keys it can slow the system down, or in a worst case, cause instability. If you are a user who installs and uninstalls a lot of software, this might become an issue. How to remedy this? The first step is to take measures to avoid leaving behind odd registry keys and files when software is uninstalled. If the software comes with its own uninstaller, use it rather than the uninstaller in the Windows control panel. Third party uninstallers such as REVO uninstaller (free from CNET downloads) also do a more complete uninstall than does the Windows uninstaller. I like REVO. It performs an analysis of the registry keys related to the software being uninstalled and presents it to you, allowing you to confirm all of the components you want to uninstall. You can select the level of thoroughness regarding what will be uninstalled. The advanced setting gives you enough rope to hang yourself. Don't use it unless you really know what you're doing.
You may also use a registry cleaner such as CCLEANER (free) to periodically maintain the registry. Be aware, however, that there is a chance that a registry cleaner will take something out of the registry that is still useful. Be sure to back up the registry when using a registry cleaner, so you can restore it if you encounter a problem. CCLEANER also allows you to deselect registry items to be deleted if you suspect one could cause a problem.
Some software based on conventions from the bad old days of Windows will alter the registry as part of its operation. Is the software you're using up to date?
All that said, the last time I encountered a Windows computer that required a reformat/reinstall was in 2003.
It sort of is a magic fix
by say592 - 8/15/09 2:00 AM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
While many users will go years without doing a fresh install, formatting and starting over really is the easiest way to refresh a slowing computer, rid it of bloat, and have it running as good as new. Even users that run a very tight system, and do not have many (if any) problems with viruses and malware, a fresh install will still provide a clean and pure Windows experience. It gets rid of start up tasks and processes and should clean any malware (malicious items rarely embed themselves deeply into hardware now, they are more geared towards mass distribution).
I used to only use a fresh install every eight months or so, because it can be quite the chore to reconfigure everything (often takes four hours or so), however, the process has been largely simplified thanks to nLight and other slipstream programs. These programs will allow you to integrate your drivers and updates onto your install, saving you the hassle of having to install and configure them. In addition to that, you can also set it up to do an unattended install, so you don't have to worry about babying the install and clicking through occasional prompts. After setting up a slipstream disk, I reinstall every 3-4 months. While the time period is largely dependent on your personal needs, I would still highly recommend starting fresh periodically. Even more so if you are experiencing any sort of software problem.
Cveats regarding reinstallations
by rbsjrx - 8/15/09 7:32 AM In reply to: It sort of is a magic fix by say592One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the dark side of reinstallations. When you reinstall Windows from scratch, you typically reload Norton AV, MS Office trial, and whatever other cr*pware and blooatware came with the machine. I already mentioned that with as much as I have installed on my primary Windows machine, reloading Windows (which is typically necessary every 18-24 months) it takes me about 3 days to get everything fully restored and reconfigured. Almost half a day of that time is spent ripping out the garbage (ripping out NAV by the roots can be especially challenging). Then after I get rid of NAV, MS Office trial, and all of HP's lame trialware games, I still have to go back and repair the registry, which is the final key to permanently getting rid of many of these things.
And speaking of the registry, I know that when working with HP's official system restore disks (TTBOMK other vendors are no better), the first thing you must do after reinstallation is to run Windows update to pick up everything that's not on the CD-ROM. So, the sequence is:
1. Reinstall Windows.
2. Install all of the available Windows updates.
3. Uninstall the trialware and cr*pware you don't want.
4. Repair the registry to completely erase all traces of the stuff you just deleted.
5. Reinstall everything from your installation media and backups.
Skip any of these steps and you're on your way to having to redo it all over again sooner than otherwise necessary.
win XP -e-machine D3315-NO win XP disk-came on mchine
by CBAUMANN - 8/22/09 2:40 AM In reply to: It sort of is a magic fix by say592As a layman of 83 years of age- still learning- How do I reinstall
win XP if I don't have disk-- (like I have tried to download but can;t get it done---everyone one wants to -SELL -it or a way to do it)- -Also hate buying progrms on line-as you don't have a copy
to reinstall --or we will mail you a copy for extra $9.95 plus shipping--(shipped with out any installation CODE- A MUST HAVE)
TO OPERATE)---AGAIN HOW DO I GET WIN XP DISK TO REINSTALL IT..
ADVISE....& THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INFORMATION & HELP..\
cbaumann219@sbcglobal.net
To reformat or not to reformat that is the question
by jjbrain - 8/15/09 2:10 AM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My son reformats his hard drive on a fairly regular basis. Me, I would rather have a root canal than reformat my hard drive. Think of it this way; you have a closet that needs cleaning out. You can either take everything out (reformatting) and put back only what you really want to keep or you can sort through the stuff while its still in the closet and remove only what needs to go ("add or remove programs", defragmenting, cleaning up the desktop, etc.). Reformatting requires reinstalling the OS (and all the updates) and ALL the programs that you use (don't forget to reinstall all your data files as well!) All that reinstalling takes a long time, and for me, results in a huge headache. On the plus side a reformatted hard drive is neat, tidy, and best of all it is speedy. There are times when reformatting cannot be avoided (a corrupted OS, a hard drive failure, just to name two reasons) and you have to bite the bullet and get the job done. There are also times when a hard drive is just so cluttered and/or full of "stuff" that it is easier to empty it and start fresh as opposed to trying to clean up the mess one piece at a time. In any case backing up your data on an external hard drive can make reformatting much easier as all of your files are located in one place. So for me the bottom line is that I will reformat only if I HAVE to and I back up everything in order to make an ugly job as easy as I possibly can.
how to return dell computers t o factory settings
by jon dash - 8/15/09 3:08 AM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've had DELL Dimension 2350,for about 6 years now & I'm planning to give it to my 6 year old nephew, but before I do this I want to return it back to factory settings so that its performance is nearly like new.
Does any one know how to do this?
Reformat and Reinstall XP-use and abuse
by diveroli - 8/15/09 3:36 AM In reply to: Reasons behind reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
"Windows ageing": Some knowledgeable technicians insist that "Windows ages" and you should reinstall every year. Actually, unless you have a faulty hard disk or viruses, the Windows files remain unchanged, but indeed the Registry gets lots of entries all the time, inevitably gets corrupted, and sooner or later errors appear and Windows needs to be reinstalled. HOWEVER, I for one dislike reformatting and reinstalling Windows, and the hundreds of applications installed in my main PC that would take weeks to reinstall. My PC has been running intensively all sorts of involved work and game programs for over 5 years now: I have had my dose of BSODs and other issues and have resolved them without EVER reinstalling Windows! It is running absolutely OK. My recipe: when a problem arises I stop, investigate and find the cure. Otherwise sooner or later the problem will recur. And of course at least once a month I run two different programs to cleanup the Registry (the best one for my taste is always good old Norton WinDoctor, which can be run direct from the Norton SystemWorks 2004 CD without installing anything), and a few times a year I check and defragment the hard disks.
I understand however that for the less technically-minded user the above is difficult and soon she/he gets to the point that installations, uninstalls and viruses have corrupted Windows to such an extent that reinstall is unfortunately the only option. I often find this in my customers.
Regards
Joe C. Di Veroli
Seattle PC Service
Bray, Ireland
Knowledgeable?
by rbsjrx - 8/15/09 7:35 AM In reply to: Reformat and Reinstall XP-use and abuse by diveroli"Some knowledgeable technicians insist that 'Windows ages' and you should reinstall every year."
That's not knowledgeable, it's just a lazy way of dealing with tyro users.
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