Thanks for the answers all. Some advice mentions reformatting or formatting. Whats formatting as distinct from reinstalling Windows XP?
2006-08-31 20:59:16 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
A reformat means to wipe out everything on your hard disk and start over.
Reinstalling XP COULD involve a reformat OR it could be considered a repair install where it reinstalls over the existing installation with the hope of "repairing" corrupt files.
2006-08-31 21:00:48 · answer #1 · answered by lwcomputing 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you reformat your PC, it's like wiping the slate (your PC) clean and starting over.
Reinstalling WinXP, is just that. You reinstall it over the existing files.
Which one is best? Well, depending on your computer situation, you could go either way.
- Has your computer been running slower and slower lately, despite the fact that you have ran all your anti-virus/spyware/disk cleanup?
- Have you lost some basic software functionality, but no error messages appear? (for example, you can download and read your email, but cannot send.)
--If this is the case, then you would probably be better off formatting your hard drive and then resinstalling WinXP.
On the other hand, it may save you some time, if you reinstall WinXP without the reformatting. If the reinstall "fixes" whatever is wrong, then there is no reason to reformat.
Good Luck!
2006-08-31 21:17:01 · answer #2 · answered by wigituu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Formating basically just empties your hard drive, operating system and all. You can format your computer without reinstalling XP, but doing that your computer just becomes a very expensive paper weight. So you would then have to reinstall the OS. I think thats what you were asking, hope it helps.
2006-08-31 21:04:59 · answer #3 · answered by modenum42 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the instriuction for the reformatting or formatting from the instruction guide.
Or send for service.
2006-08-31 21:06:53 · answer #4 · answered by Janice Tee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
reformatting is faster, easier and is something that anyone can do. All you have to do is back everything up and then your away. with reinstall you have to go through the whole process, If you want to do it fresh then do the reinstall, but reformatting would probably be best.
2006-08-31 21:02:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This web site has some decent instructions (including screen shots) of the different install procedures.
http://windowsreinstall.com/
2006-09-01 01:43:44 · answer #6 · answered by Angry C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't get it!
2006-09-01 00:15:06 · answer #7 · answered by Amiraan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋