reinstalling windows?

Hello.. I was wondering if anyone on here has any good advice about reinstalling windows. Can it make my computer run optimally once again? I have no problem losing the data that I'm not interested in saving. We are going to save all the important stuff on my boyfriends hard drive… i know this is a BIIGG step but it's something that i really think i need to do for my own sanity. My pc is running slower then a sloth lately! thanks! -bernadette

Hi, Yes you are right, reinstalling Windows is a big step, and should not be undertaken lightly. It is a time consuming process and of course offers scope for error. On the assumption that you are considering a format and reinstall (which effectively wipes out everything on your disc including all the accumulated junk that slows down a system after 12 months or more of use) It would be sensible to make sure you have backed up all your important data, files, information settings, email address book, Browser favourites/bookmarks etc and that you have verified that your backed up material is correct, not corrupted and reproducable. You will also need to ensure that your copy of the operating system is undamaged and is the correct one for your system and you have the appropriate service packs (if relevant) and that you have the correct product key easily available and you have also backed up all your drivers, and your application installation discs are all to hand. Phew!… I said it was not to be undertaken lightly. Some computer manufacturers provide a "Recovery Disc" that takes much of the pain away by providing an automated process that will try to restore your computer to the same condition it was in, immediately you took delivery of it from the retailer. If you have such a disc, now is the time to make sure you fully understand how it works and if there are any options like a"Non Destructive Reinstall" that you understand that this will not normally wipe out your drive. If you go ahead and reformat and then reinstall and assuming all goes well, most folks are mightily impressed with the speed and response that the system now provides. Most systems seem to fly after a format and reinstall and most folks are delighted with the improvement. One tip I would recommend is that if when you have reinstalled, your firewall and antivirus is up and running and all Windows updates downloaded and installed together with all your favourite applications, then it would be a good time to take an "Image" of your system partition using a product like Ghost, Paragon, Drive Image, Acronis or similar. Then when you need to repeat the process again in the future it will be a quick simple and automatic process that will take you just a fraction of the time. Good luck Regards paws