ultra newb windows question

[LtPage1]

ok then- my computers been running pretty sluggishly lately, and its time to reformat/reinstall, etc. ok then- im still pretty new to windows, and pcs in general (its been a little over a year since i built my computer). how exactly should i go about doing this?
i dont wanna make a stupid mistake that screws me over. thanks!

 

[wkwong]

well, i don't know if this is the BEST way to to do it, but this is how i've been doing it.

1)make a start up disk, and run fdisk and delete your partitions.
2)then put in your windows cd and reboot. do a full format.
3)create a new partition(s). (i'd recommend making 2 partitions. one for programs and windows(15-25gb), one for storage. so next time you don't have to back up all your mp3s, pictures, movies, and what not)
4)go through the tedious windows install and once you set everything up, update, grab anti-spyware programs to protect your fresh install.

 

[Schadenfroh]

see my Prevention for programs to install to prevent the spyware from returning after your reinstall, make sure you have a firewall and all the windows updates before connecting to the net