How often do you format and re-install windows?

[JE78]

Its been a while since I've formated and re-installed winXP pro, probably a little over a year. I don't have any major problems with my system, just a re-occuring start page changer that my virus software picks up right away and I delete it. The only hardware upgrades i've made has been from a ATI 9000 Pro to a ATI 9800 pro, a seprate tuner card, a 2nd 200gb HDD and a NEC 3500a. I'm installing and unintalling pretty freaquently but like I said, I don't have an problems. Just wanted to get som opinions. Thanks

 

[htmlmasterdave]

Usually about every 4-8 months these days, somewhere in there.

 

[Machine350]

About every 6 months for me.

 

[jdiddy]

Originally posted by: htmlmasterdave
Usually about every 4-8 months these days, somewhere in there.

 

[OMGoddess]

Until something craps out.

 

[RaNDoMMAI]

Originally posted by: OMGoddess
Until something craps out.

 

[Cogman]

Honestly Windows XP has really been pretty good as far as not needing to be reformated. Linux was funner though

 

[Maggotry]

Damn. What are you people doing that requires a reinstall every 4 to 6 months???

 

[Varun]

I still run 98 (too cheap to buy XP and don't really need it - plus I don't feel like stealing a copy)

Longest I have run without formating is about 3 years. The OS still ran fine, I just had a lot of crap programs I never used anymore.

I think people are a bit extreme, or they just enjoy doing it if they format as often as the others who have posted. Personally, I hate doing a format and reinstall. My wife bugs me for weeks to install this and update that etc.

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: OMGoddess
Until something craps out.

 

[Don66]

Whenever the mood strikes me:evil:

 

[imported_oralpain]

Lol, I haven't had any windows install in the last 3 years last more than 40 days. I usually have to reformat every other week.

Then again it's rare for me to keep a motherboard more than 40 days so that explains some of it.

I also like to tinker alot and try various OSes.

I hate reformatting, but its something I have to do. If I want my computer to work that is.

I go back and forth between windows 2000 SP4, XP SP1a, and XP 64-bit 1069 and 1218. haven't made up my mind on wich one I hate the least yet, but I'm leaning to Windows 2000 SP4.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Once every 5 years a least.

 

[dgseik]

until infected by virus......kakaka...

 

[Acanthus]

6-8 months.

 

[0roo0roo]

1yr... i have a ghost image, makes it easy i just wait until the system is hosed.

 

[Ka0t1x]

Somewhere around once a month? Somethig like that.

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Originally posted by: OMGoddess
Until something craps out.

..........or minimum of after 3 years on main boxes. Consider it 3rd year spring cleaning.

One old comp serves as guinea pig for new OS or apps and gets reformatted often.

 

[effee]

I've formatted 5 times in the last 2 months damn viruses

 

[Bonesdad]

Wow, I haven't reformatted since installing XP about 14 months ago. Still don't feel the need. Doesn't anyone else do simple maintenance?

 

[oldman420]

Originally posted by: oralpain
Lol, I haven't had any windows install in the last 3 years last more than 40 days. I usually have to reformat every other week.

Then again it's rare for me to keep a motherboard more than 40 days so that explains some of it.

I also like to tinker alot and try various OSes.

I hate reformatting, but its something I have to do. If I want my computer to work that is.

I go back and forth between windows 2000 SP4, XP SP1a, and XP 64-bit 1069 and 1218. haven't made up my mind on wich one I hate the least yet, but I'm leaning to Windows 2000 SP4.

 

[fuzzynavel]

usually every month or so for me.....always installing and uninstalling stuff...only got 40GB HD so it fills up quite fast!

 

[magratton]

Originally posted by: oralpain
Lol, I haven't had any windows install in the last 3 years last more than 40 days. I usually have to reformat every other week.

Then again it's rare for me to keep a motherboard more than 40 days so that explains some of it.

I also like to tinker alot and try various OSes.

I hate reformatting, but its something I have to do. If I want my computer to work that is.

I go back and forth between windows 2000 SP4, XP SP1a, and XP 64-bit 1069 and 1218. haven't made up my mind on wich one I hate the least yet, but I'm leaning to Windows 2000 SP4.

Sounds like you were running ME.

 

[OMGoddess]

Originally posted by: oralpain
Lol, I haven't had any windows install in the last 3 years last more than 40 days. I usually have to reformat every other week.

Then again it's rare for me to keep a motherboard more than 40 days so that explains some of it.

I also like to tinker alot and try various OSes.

I hate reformatting, but its something I have to do. If I want my computer to work that is.

I go back and forth between windows 2000 SP4, XP SP1a, and XP 64-bit 1069 and 1218. haven't made up my mind on wich one I hate the least yet, but I'm leaning to Windows 2000 SP4.

Stop visiting the p0rn sites.

 

[Jeff7]

When I really need it. This here installation of Windows XP is a little over 1 year old, and still running pretty nicely.