Guide | How To Why Should I Format My Computer?

[Chromatinfish 123]

Many people format their computer, which means to reinstall Windows, and start fresh with factory settings. This guide is directed at people who don't know why and when to format their computer.

Reason 1: Malware Infection

If your computer is infected by ransomware or highly defend-able malware, it's easier just to format your computer and restore from a backup than plow into days of troubleshooting and trips to the repair shop.

Reason 2: Start Fresh, Start Light

If you have tons of software installed and your computer is bogging down, it's a good idea to grab your disk and reinstall! It's easier to start fresh than you think, install your favorite browser, antivirus (enter your key), and critical programs and you're all set to surf again!

Reason 3: Unbootable System

Some people might encounter an unbootable system which nothing can fix. Formatting your computer would be necessary at that point if Chkdsk and System Repair can't fix it (See my Black Screen guide). The BIOS/Setup Screen should boot, enabling you to reinstall your system. If it still doesn't work/unbootable after formatting, it's a hardware problem, grab a new computer.


Steps To Do Before Formatting Your Computer:

1. Backup critical files, documents, etc.

If you can (No Ransomware/Unbootable System) backup your important files, do it! I would at least backup my homework for next week, history reports I'm working on, and important forms to either a USB drive or something like Dropbox or Google Drive.

2. OEM? You're out of luck

If you bought a computer with Windows preinstalled, you will need to get a windows disk. You probably also can download Windows to a USB drive on another computer. If both options aren't available, you're out of luck

Hopefully this helps

Cheers, Chromatinfish

 

[Anupam]

I format my system every 2 months. I like to start Fresh But as I do it frequently I always keep backup of my important files on my Network Storage.

I try many software and in 2 months I fill my system with useless craps. So I again start it fresh and again make it dirty

 

[MalwareFire]

I format my system every 2 months. I like to start Fresh But as I do it frequently I always keep backup of my important files on my Network Storage.

I try many software and in 2 months I fill my system with useless craps. So I again start it fresh and again make it dirty

I cant format in 2/2 months man i lose very time

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

2. OEM? You're out of luck

If you bought a computer with Windows preinstalled, you will need to get a windows disk. You probably also can download Windows to a USB drive on another computer. If both options aren't available, you're out of luck

I have wondered, ..and this may be somewhat off topic, are we ethically allowed a provision to copy an additional version of Windows OS (such as ..7 SP 1) onto a separate computer or virtual machine, or are Microsoft rules, unlike antivirus programs, limited to only one device, virtual or otherwise, at a time?
Thanks in advance!

 

[jim lin]

thanks but

i'm sorry i do not understand "start fresh with factory settings" and 2. OEM? You're out of luck

you mean if i reinstall from my restore partition i'm not starting fresh with factory settings ?

or if i use Microsoft built in and/or imaging software for the hard drive i cant reininstall ?

also i made the dvd's for my pc i can't use those ?

i also have the usb one from with in Windows 8.1

next i got my Windows 8 Key and a iso




James

 

[NullPointerException]

I format my system every 2 months. I like to start Fresh But as I do it frequently I always keep backup of my important files on my Network Storage.

I try many software and in 2 months I fill my system with useless craps. So I again start it fresh and again make it dirty

Do you play games? You'll know how hard it is to re-download them...

 

[Anupam]

Do you play games? You'll know how hard it is to re-download them...

I play league of legends which is portable

 

[NullPointerException]

I play league of legends which is portable

It is indeed so hard to find Portable games. And to write them, without Java, is seemingly impossible. I didn't even know portable games existed, to be honest. But now, I at least know LoL is portable, thanks.

 

[StriderHunterX]

Ever since I bought my laptop,I have never needed to format.
I have been securing it since the beginning(even more since I found MT)...If it croaks,it's gonna be because of hardware issues.


That said....I'm a fan of the "F11" methods.I call it the Bazooka Blow Up or taking the "Hammer" to it.I feel I have no time to deal with insane infections(Although,I want and love to learn for when the event arises(Like a PC or server that for any reason,cannot be formatted...I have found some of those cases lately)

Nice list,overall.

2. OEM? You're out of luck

If you bought a computer with Windows preinstalled, you will need to get a windows disk. You probably also can download Windows to a USB drive on another computer. If both options aren't available, you're out of luck

In this day and age,you must know someone that works pretty closely with computers.Turn to them when you need a copy of any version of Windows...

 

[WinXPert]

Last time I did a reinstall was when Windows was broken beyond repair after testing one too many malwares.

it's easier just to format your computer and restore from a backup than plow into days of troubleshooting and trips to the repair shop.

No problemo, I'm the tech, won't be charging myself

Yes starting fresh sometimes is the better solution. Is it just me, making PC clean and throw lot of malware and try lots of junk, crap and what have you (@Anupam can relate). Anyway, no one to blame but me for forgetting to freeze the system prior to testing. Nasties specilly those of the patching virus family can wreck havoc to your system.

(See my Black Screen guide)

Okay will check this one

After a CHKDSK and failed Startup Repair, I'll do a Manual System Restore is possible, then try my luck with Tweaking AIO.

It is indeed so hard to find Portable games.

Can't find one? convert them.

 

[jamescv7]

For OEM's yes you may out of luck since you cannot have Windows ISO like 7/8/8.1 if the license has detected as not retail key version, but manufacturers deployed their recovery maker tool which all you need is to follow the requirements.

 

[LabZero]

I do not I format the PC from years . I have some OS images and use those . In 15 minutes everything is operating . For maximum security ( see ransomware ) some images are on external HDD.

 

[frogboy]

I do not I format the PC from years . I have some OS images and use those . In 15 minutes everything is operating . For maximum security ( see ransomware ) some images are on external HDD.

That is the best way i think.