Reformat not a bad word
Reformat. A word that frightens the inexperienced computer users. Evoking memories of loss of data, hours after hours and the reconstruction of your system, change-over is often seen as a last resort and something that never should be done, except in cases of extreme emergency.
Currently, reformatting is a process that is neither difficult or hard and can make your old computer run like it did when it was again. I am often asked by customers, “I have to buy a new computer? In general, because their computers have decreased over time and feel that a new computer is the only way to get that speed back and make your machine run smoothly. The fact of the matter is, if the team was enough fast for what I needed to make the first time I bought it, then it is fast enough for you now without buyign a new one. There are exceptions, of course, as as if you had to keep up with the latest computer games then maybe an upgrade is in order.
The process is fairly simple. Make a list of all programs that you want to reinstall when you have completed the form so you know what discs you need and what you have to download. Then copy up all your important data to a USB hard disk extername. The place to start doing this in Windows Vista is C: usersusername, where username is the user name each account you want to backup, and Windows XP is C: Documents and settingsusername. Note: while this backup My Documents, My Pictures, My Videos, etc. not backup any other data that can be stored in different folders.
Then, using the Windows CD or recovery disk establishing just reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Then restore all data backup, reinstall all programs that want you back in the system and your computer will run like new. Basically, what format is equivalent to starting over with a clean slate. Cleaning the hard drive and start over. Depending on the system that should you take a couple of hours to do this.
If you do not feel comfortable doing this, call your computer. (I know a good one!) They know exactly what to do and need the fear of doing it yourself. It may cost a little money, but it will cost much less than a new system computer.
About the Author
Scott Gardiner is a computer technician, website designer, computer instructor and all around good egg from Bolton, Ontario Canada.
He specializes in helping businesses and individuals with their computing needs. Thanks to the Internet, he can now help people that hail from just about anywhere.
He can be found at his website at www.scottgardinertech.com
How To Reformat Your Hardrive & Reinstall Windows XP
Tags: computer, how to reformat, how to reformat a computer, how to reformat a mac, how to reformat hard drive, how to reformat vista, howto, software, windows, xp
