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Why Should I Format My Computer?
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<blockquote data-quote="Chromatinfish 123" data-source="post: 249160" data-attributes="member: 23007"><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Reason 1: Malware Infection</strong></p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p><strong>Reason 2: Start Fresh, Start Light</strong></p><p></p><p>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! </p><p></p><p><strong>Reason 3: Unbootable System</strong></p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Steps To Do Before Formatting Your Computer:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>1. Backup critical files, documents, etc.</strong></p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p><strong>2. OEM? You're out of luck</strong></p><p></p><p>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 <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite111" alt=":(" title="Frown :(" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":(" /></p><p></p><p>Hopefully this helps</p><p></p><p>Cheers, Chromatinfish <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite109" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Chromatinfish 123, post: 249160, member: 23007"] 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. [B]Reason 1: Malware Infection[/B] 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. [B]Reason 2: Start Fresh, Start Light[/B] 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! [B]Reason 3: Unbootable System[/B] 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. [B]Steps To Do Before Formatting Your Computer:[/B] [B]1. Backup critical files, documents, etc.[/B] 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. [B]2. OEM? You're out of luck[/B] 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 :) [/QUOTE]
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