REFORMAT!!

[GZFant]

I am very curious......is reformatting a computer a good thing?? How often should I do this?? The computer is a Dell 2.0ghz P4 with 768RDRAM. Thank you

 

[Dacalo]

well, the specs has nothing to do with reformatting.

you should reformat when you feel that there are errors on your computer that cannot be fixed, or when installing a new video card (clean install helps)

 

[KickItTwice]

Basically, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[MedicBob]

Originally posted by: KickItTwice
Basically, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Basically that's right. Personally I tweak until I HAVE to reformat.

 

[Jerry944T]

If you play allot with settings and drivers and such you will need a reformat eventually. You WILL screw something up. But like someone said "if it ain't broke don't fix it." The corallary to that is if you try to fix it when it isn't broken it will be shortly.
Ask me how I know!!

 

[RVN]

The best way to learn is to take things apart and figure out how to put them back. Sometimes you screw things up unknowingly and get used to them. Reformatting gets 'em back.

Right before I wipe the slate clean and reinstall, I'll try all kinds of programs and utilities to see whether I'll like them or not. It gives you the freedom to try experimental things, knowing that you're going to go back to "stock" factory fresh if they don't work out.

 

[BSEagle1]

From what I've learned and experienced, it's generally a good idea to scandisk and defrag once a month, and reformat about once a year. Thats what I do, keeps things running smoothly. Or atleast If I were you I'd buy a USB Pen drive or in some other way back up your data first. Or you could just wait until something messes up. My old celeron 400 went for three years of toil and abuse without being reformatted before it left my possession.

 

[Nothinman]

The only time you should have to format is when you broke something really, really bad. Or if you run Win9X, which breaks itself periodically.