How can you reformat so often...

[pontifex]

most people who reformat often probably have an image of their pc from right after they did it the last time so that cuts down on install time by a lot.

 

[JBT]

So far in my experiences formating with both win2K and in XP has been pretty useless. It doesn't really speed anything up. Pretty much any driver issues I've been able to resolve with a format.
When I do drastic hardware changes like video card from NV to ATI or vice versa and mother board changes I will format but thats about it. I ussually go a year or so with out a format.

 

[Barfo]

I used to do it every 6 months but now I've got Acronis

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: barfo
I used to do it every 6 months but now I've got Acronis

what does acronis do that makes you not have to reformat?

 

[kevnich2]

I have acronis also (Acronis is an imaging tool. I do a clean install, install all patches, drivers and any programs I KNOW I will be using, then run acronis and make an image). I also do alot of software installs, uninstalls, tests, etc on my laptop. My laptop probably gets reimaged every 6 months or so. My desktop sitting in the office, however is running on the same install (no reimages) for the past 3 years. The desktop is really only used for web-browsing and stuff by my wife. Acronis saves me hours (reimaging takes....5-10 minutes)

 

[rh71]

As some already mentioned, just image a good basic install - that will save you a couple hours of putting on the same old stuff again.

I used to do this a lot but not anymore since my system doesn't really get bogged down. In the last 3 years, I've only done it twice.. and one time was because of spyware I couldn't get rid of.

 

[Bateluer]

Since I first started using Win2k several years ago, I've been reformating less and less. Under Win95/98, I reformatted every 4 months, give or take.

Under 2k/XP, I usually format when something goes wrong. Reformating is part of a properly maintained system.

I do have several images that make it easier to restore all my data after a reformat. Also, almost all my apps and media collections are stored outside of the C:, so an emergency format won't wipe out all my data.

Formating will increase your system's speed, especially if its been a few years since reformat.

 

[TGS]

Going on two plus years on a Windows 2000 installation. I even have an old XP64 beta on my first partition. There is no need to format unless you have data corruption and require it. Defrag every once and a while. Add a firewall, and antivirus if you feel you need it and you are fine. I would much rather be concerned about security patches than remenant DLLs or registry entries.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: lozina

Why waste time on that when you can have a nice fresh install in less than an hour?

IMHO, that is nonsense. It takes me at least two full days of work to reinstall and recustomize everything. Just the OS means nothing. Good maintenance takes only a few minutes a day, and the following of good practices when installing and uninstalling software. And, there is always the wise use of restore points relating to software installs. There is no need to accumulate crap in your system and registry. That reflects a lack of discipline.

 

[Hadsus]

Since I don't image I don't reformat. Ever. Though that reminds me that with my next system (Conroe soon) it will be one of the first things I do.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

I can definitely recommend a fresh reformat. It does provide a boost as it clears out all extraneous garbage collected during installs and uninstalls. I'm overdue for mine, just need to back up my mail file, move some bookmarks and other misc files and I'm done in a couple hours. Good thing do to on a rainy day, or as it is today, a 100 degree day. It provides a nice stable platform.
Reinstalling apps isn't alot of fun, and patching up windows is less so, but it's all worth it in the end.

 

[jjones]

I only reformat when I have to, which is if I'm changing out the mobo. Other than that, it is a waste of my time.

 

[nageov3t]

I'm not one of those people who religiously reformats every couple months, but if I somehow get a virus or spyware on my computer, I'm a lot more inclined to just reformat the box than actually try and fix it.

I don't really keep anything on my OS drive except the OS, so it's not that big of a project.

 

[Alienwho]

I format with the seasons. My last format was summer, and it's treated me well. However, fall is coming, and so is a new school year. That means it's time to wipe it clean and start fresh.

 

[NaOH]

I do tons of movie authoring, deleting crap, installing and uninstallling. I'm still able to keep my computer in tip top shape (ad-aware and virus free, registry squeeky clean). I don't even waste any amount of time doing it either. You people who format periodically are just lazy.

I only format if my computer is totally fuxed or if I upgrade to a new mobo/cpu combo. That generally does happen very often if at all. Been using the same install since my last upgrade. Which is from March, still runs great in games, apps, etc.

 

[Azndude2190]

Its been two years since I reformatted and freshly installed XP on my desktop.I reformatted my lappy about 4 months ago...

 

[Powermoloch]

I reformat if it is necessary. Like for instanse as a virus/trojan/corrupt files.

 

[Mem]

I only reformat when I upgrade my motherboard, every few years or so,really easy to keep your OS running smooth,try using CCleaner,Driver Cleaner and a few other free programs I could meantion.

Regarding spyware ,plenty of good free anti-spyware programs around, really no need to reformat every 3-6 months IMHO ,unless you got nothing better to do .

 

[JRich]

I only format for major overhauls which are usually every 12-18 months. Most of the time I'm in Linux anyway so I don't have those pesky Windows problems

 

[erikistired]

i've been reformatting a lot lately, but mostly because i keep changing motherboards because i'm bipolar, or something.

 

[professor1942]

Originally posted by: NiKeFiDO
omg this argument is the lamest thing ever. just do what you do and move on.

QFT

LOL, what does it take, 30 minutes to quick format and reinstall XP? Pretty silly thing to argue about.

 

[CP5670]

I haven't formatted or even reinstalled windows since I first moved over to XP three years ago and don't intend to until I switch to Vista. Actually, the reason I'm still using an old IDE hard drive in my main computer and not a raptor or something newer is that I don't want to go through the hassle of reinstalling everything.

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: professor1942

Originally posted by: NiKeFiDO
omg this argument is the lamest thing ever. just do what you do and move on.

QFT

LOL, what does it take, 30 minutes to quick format and reinstall XP? Pretty silly thing to argue about.

only if you don't have many apps or customized settings. I'm with Corkyg, it takes me days to get it all back the way I lik eit. I go about every 2-3 years. For those always installing/uninstalling, look for a free VM app and start using that. Much much much much better and easier.

 

[BFG10K]

I too am amazed at the regular Windows reinstalling that goes on.

The only time I reformat is when I install a new motherboard and that usually happens every 2-3 years.

 

[Smilin]

If you reformat all the time it's because you suck.




It's ok though. If it makes you happy, do it. Embrace your suckness. Ignorance is bliss!