reformat

How often do you reformat your computer to a clean install?

I try and do it at least once a year.
They collect a lot of useless crap over time.

When I finally figured out how to format and do a fresh install, I was doing it weekly then monthly for a few months. Right now I am on the same install well over 4 years. It runs as good as the day I did the format only a little slower as I have well over 260 things installed on my computer.
Of course I do have help doing this. I have had Norton Ghost on this comp since the last format and have had to restore my entire drive more then once but, have not used Ghost in well over a year.
Some say to format yearly, others say format only when it is needed. I say if you keep up with the virus protection, spyware apps., etc. don't download junk and of course keep up with all the Windows updates and no issues. Format only when needed.

Shadow wrote:When I finally figured out how to format and do a fresh install, I was doing it weekly then monthly for a few months. Right now I am on the same install well over 4 years. It runs as good as the day I did the format only a little slower as I have well over 260 things installed on my computer.
Of course I do have help doing this. I have had Norton Ghost on this comp since the last format and have had to restore my entire drive more then once but, have not used Ghost in well over a year.
Some say to format yearly, others say format only when it is needed. I say if you keep up with the virus protection, spyware apps., etc. don't download junk and of course keep up with all the Windows updates and no issues. Format only when needed.

I agree Shadow only as needed but if your like us our computers get a lot of use (about 16 hours a day) and have to be done more often.

My laptop was formatted a few times, and it has been awhile, Probably Jan/ Feb 09 but I haven't even gotten everything installed back onto it.
The DT it has been a very long time, like you Shadow. 4 yrs probably, but I have used Norton Ghost a couple times.
it is clean from spy, virus, etc, but I do have about 6 columns of programs pop up when I go to start all Progz... (XP) I use them all, quite often.

not mentioning the standalone, no install necessary ones I have too. I can't imagine reinstalling everything.

thanks, I like to live by the motto of "don't fix it if it ain't broken".

Ok. I still haven't formatted my desktop, and this thread was started 10 months ago.
several months the computer wasn't even looked at, it was left on but no one was near it for 4 months when I was sick.
there are so many programs on it I would lose with a complete install was the delay, but it windows installer tells me I am running in safe mode, so I can't install anything else. lol I will have to do a fresh install but hate to as I lose too many programs even if I don't use them that often.

those giveaway of the day are handy sometimes.

Usually those Giveaway programs come around a few times, I have seen a few that have been offered several times, the same program.

Yea, I know, but I hate installing all the programs I have.
just me, I should have Carl near by, he seems to be reformatting and installing systems often. lol

I hate to reformat, I hate having to install all the stuff you had. I have to save all my pics first.

I format once a year, I back all my stuff up to another machine temporarily.

I agree w/ deb, even tho I have an external...still too much junk...those from WS and remember when I had my win 98 puter...that was reformatted once a month..(because I learned on that puter and I messed with EVERYTHING) this VISTA is hitting 2 years and I havent yet...its getting time

Fortunately, I don't have to format very often. I have Ghost images of all my operating systems on the main PC and laptops. A 'clean install' image plus current ones.

Carl D wrote:Fortunately, I don't have to format very often. I have Ghost images of all my operating systems on the main PC and laptops. A 'clean install' image plus current ones.

What does that mean for us slow people Carl lol

LOL Deb...(like I have room to laugh...)
been meaning to check out imaging programs...just getting lazy about the computer lately

Was up all night with my son Richard, had him in the er .His blood pressure was 228/124 and he was having a anxiety attack so I am slow today( really most days ) lol

wow ...hope he is ok...all well?