Reformatting: Questions

[Llama]

Right now, my HDD is full of shite, and I've noticed over the past couple of weeks, it's become stupidly slow - Even trying to open the 'My Music' folder causes it to freeze for several minutes (Hell, it's freezing as I right this)

I'm thinking of re formatting my computer and starting fresh, but I have a few questions.

1) I don't have a copy of XP, because it came with the computer when I bought it - If I reformat, will it still work?

2) I have a wireless internet, will that need to be set up again? (I'm guessing yes)

 

[PvtRyan]

If it's freezing while typing that as you say, you may have what I had (and posted a topic about somewhere here): a busted IDE cable. No PC should become stupidly slow from just an old OS installation, my laptop still has its original install of XP and it's 3 years old now and works fine for the most part. Have you defragged?

 

[Stucco]

Actually, PC's DO get slower and slower over time because (partly) of the OS. It gets filled with crap in the registry (mainly) that takes longer and longer to sort through, etc, blah blah. Defragging certainly helps too, but only so much.

A re-format can do WONDERS for performance etc - you will REALLY notice the difference if it's been a few years (or never) since the last re-format.

However - Llama. You say you don't have a copy of XP. So how the HELL do you expect to re-install it? Re-formatting WIPES your HD CLEAN. Nothing left. Gone. If you don't have a disk with XP on it, how do you think you are going to put it back on? Of course, you also need the disk to re-format anyway, so it's really a moot point.

 

[Llama]

Not in a while, reckon that would improve performance?
Should I used the default XP defragger or get a special program?

oh, ok...bugger. Guess I'll just have to clean the registry / Defrag and see if it helps.

 

[VirusType2]

I'm thinking of re formatting my computer and starting fresh, but I have a few questions.

1) I don't have a copy of XP, because it came with the computer when I bought it - If I reformat, will it still work?

While I think reformating and starting over may fix the problem, I don't think it's necessary. I would run some diagnostics on the drive, check for addware/spyware, and yes, defrag.

Assuming you only have 1 HDD, then I'm not even sure you can format it from windows anyway, as that would be wierd. (crash?)

You need some form of disc to reinstall windows xp. I can't tell you what options you will have if you put in the restore CD that came with your PC, but you can check google, or give us the name of your PC manufacturer. (if applicable) Sometimes you have to request the disc by calling the PC manufacturer.

A good idea would be to burn a disc of all the drivers your PC uses (motherboard, LAN especially, onboard audio, monitor, graphics card, mouse, DVD drive, CD drive, etc.) Whether you decide to format or not, this is a good disc to have for if something were to happen...

 

[Asus]

Is the PC a HP, emachine or was it home built? Sometimes brand name PCs have a partition holding the Windows restore data instead of on CD. Although recently some have even stopped doing that and you have to make your own restore disk after you buy the machine. :\

A good idea would be to burn a disc of all the drivers your PC uses (motherboard, LAN especially, onboard audio, monitor, graphics card, mouse, DVD drive, CD drive, etc.) Whether you decide to format or not, this is a good disc to have for if something were to happen...

Pretty important.