How Often To Reinstall Windows

[i1800collect]

I know gamers who reinstall every month.

Why would that ever be necessary?

[sd_shooter]

I think you guys should get Macs instead of PCs.

[dms1]

+1 on CCleaner - I run it once a month - also I have done a lot of experimenting with virus scanners and to me the free Microsoft Antivirus seems to be the least invasive resource hog, I run it on all of my PCs now.

[NSR500]

I think you guys should get Macs instead of PCs.

Let me correct you...

Everybody should get on Linux.

[IntoForever]

Once I set up a computer I clone the HD. When it's time to re-install I dump a copy of the clone on a new HD and use that. Quick, no more worrying about drivers for every piece of hardware. Run new updates (always on the anti-virus/firewall first) and I'm off and running. New HD every year regardless, sledge hammer or rifle range for the old one. Personal stuff and photos are on a different HD with it's back-up.

[Uhhlexxxis]

I reformat a fresh copy about every 6-12 months. Noticeable difference in performance. store all of my stuff on an external HD.

[amd64]

Ghost FTW.

+1.
Periodic image backups of a stable, "clean" system is the way to go.

[paul0660]

Sidetrack....is Ghost or a similar program easy to use, and in fact if I put the C drive image on a new HD it is as simple as replacing drives to get it to boot with everything in its place?

My system is running very well, after 3 years, I am knocking on wood but really don't want to have to reinstall all my programs and drivers.

Also, will the new image have the same glitches and crud the old system did, and likely not be optimal?

[Exile Machine]

Let me correct you...

Everybody should get on Linux.

+1 www.ubuntu.com

[DaveInOroValley]

Zero once you buy a Mac

[DaveInOroValley]

I think you guys should get Macs instead of PCs.

Some folks will go through their life never knowing almost 100% computer bliss. They all have issues, yes but after working on everthing imaginable over the last 20 years I'll stick with what I know is the least BS system.

[brianinca]

>>>
P.S. yes I'm being silly - but I was a Microsoft Technet guy for 10+ years. I've learned through the years - to never touch a Microsoft OS until Service Pack 2+ is released.
>>>

Crap. What's your MCP number?

I've got clients with 6 year old XP boxes, haven't been touched since they left Dell.

People have fun reinstalling Windows because they've nothing better to do with their time, and recommend same to others.

>>>
but after working on everthing imaginable over the last 20
>>>

Hmmm, my oldest Mac is an '84 128K. Macs have PLENTY of issues, as does every other computer. BS is in the eye of the beholder, many Mac users are too ignorant to know when they're being hosed.

Regards,
Brian in CA

[chris]

>>>
Hmmm, my oldest Mac is an '84 128K. Macs have PLENTY of issues, as does every other computer. BS is in the eye of the beholder, many Mac users are too ignorant to know when they're being hosed.

I have never used a MAC but i know that MAC users think they are superior to PC users for some reason. i have noticed a bit of snobery from Steve Jobs though. i do however like my iPod which is the only apple product i own and it has issues also. like all products they have their strengths and drawbacks as well.

[Merc1138]

The idea that buying a mac somehow sets you above the average PC user and makes your computing experience immune to the garbage is a farce. There is mac malware, there are settings in OSX that people screw up, and there is hardware in a mac that people somehow manage to break, just like on a PC running windows, or even Linux for that matter.

If you want to have a better experience with computers, learn why you need to format every 6 months and then stop doing whatever it was.

My grandmother knows less about computers than my uncle, I've had to fix my uncles computer in one way or another a half dozen times over the past few years, the only thing I've ever had to do with my grandmother's computer was install a printer for her.

The difference between them is simple, I told them both to not click "OK" or "YES" buttons without knowing exactly what it was, and to not click on random links if they didn't know exactly what it was for. However my idiot uncle clicks every damn link, hits "OK" on every popup, and has even disabled his AV software at some points because it stopped him from doing something. Now I no longer touch my uncle's computer and it's currently FUBAR and I refuse to fix it.

It really isn't hard to develop decent computing habits, doesn't involve years of college, and anyone at any age can do it.

[Brianguy]

Only when you're installing a newer version


registry cleaner, defrag, disable unwanted services, system tweaks, etc

I recommend Auslogics Boostspeed. It's not free but you can get it some other way if you choose.