Reformatting/reinstalling

bern · Joined: Mar 12, 2007 Posts: 1432 Location: ann arbor

When I ran Win98, I used to backup, and then reinstall Windows from scratch every 6 months or so when the computer got flakey or slow.

I have been running my present install of WinXP sp2 for several years with no trouble. In fact, I have been quite happy. But in the last several months, I have been getting increased flakeyness that I have been able to correct, but I am getting the idea that a reinstall might be a Good Thing to do.

I have backed up all my data to a different hard drive, I have the install programs and keywords of my main programs backed up to CDs, and am ready to do a complete format of my hard drive to map out bad cylinders, etc, and I am prepared to use my laptop for a couple of days while everything gets reinstalled and reconfigured.

Now my question: What is the best strategy, in your estimation, to do this? Use the Windows CD to format the drive? Use something else? What next, etc..

thanks

bern

clhenry · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject:

Bern the windows XP disk will do just as good of a job as any after market. But i wonder why you don't just do a repair install? That will replace all window components without losing any personal data. Of course you will have to update windows afterwards.
I have used the repair option on many computers, and it has never failed to clean up and or repair any problems with the operating systems.

bern · Joined: Mar 12, 2007 Posts: 1432 Location: ann arbor

Werebo

Whereas a repair/install will 'refresh' WinXP and restore it to it's original glory, it won't delete all the 'junk' that gets scattered around - the stuff that disk-cleaners don't pick up on etc.

A format and fresh install of just the software you use will!! Either way, the longest job will be the Windows updates/patches/bodge-ups Wink

PS The WinXP format utility on the installation CD will do the job just fine Smile

goretsky

Hello,

If you are concerned about the state of the hard disk drive, you may wish to first run the hard disk drive manufacturer's diagnostic software and perform any low-level "destructive" testing of the disk. Afterwards, you should be able to use their utility program to partition the hard disk drive and format the disk volume(s). When finished, you can then boot from your Microsoft Windows XP installation disc and begin installing the operating system to the freshly-formatted hard disk drive.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

Duh! Why not just clean up your drive?

I run XP-Pro, year after year with NO slowdowns or BSOD's, etc.,
with nothing more than a good weekly maintenance (cleanup).

I'm reminded of the old joke about the guy who traded off his six month old car. A friend asked "why did you trade off that almost new car?" and the man replied, "because the ashtrays were full."

He paid dearly for his own laziness.

I ran Windows 98 and later 98/SE from their release till I updated to XP a few years ago, with NEVER a reformat.

All that's required is running a few simple programs once a week to keep your HD clean and running smoothly.
Don't forget Chkdsk and Defrag.
I simplify that process some, by putting my own XPcleanup.bat program in my Startup folder, so it runs every day.
Temp files, temporary internet files, and other garbage never get a chance to pile up and adversely effect performance.

But, of course, if you enjoy reformatting your HD and loosing tons of stuff, be my guest! It's just not MY THING.

Cheers Mate!
The Doctor

bern · Joined: Mar 12, 2007 Posts: 1432 Location: ann arbor