2006-10-05 11:42:11 · 8 answers · asked by shane h 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Oh yes! I am at a standstill on reinstalling the OS on my dell because I can't find the paper CD case it came in with the KEY!!!!
lol make sure you have that for sure!
2006-10-05 11:51:46 · answer #1 · answered by apinkfreak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon your OS. Windows is not too difficult to install, it just takes a bit of time. If you format during your reinstall it will remove the viruses on your hard disk, but if you simply "repair the installation" you will probably not clean the viruses out.
Formatting your disk, however, will also erase all data on your hard disk.
2006-10-05 18:46:33 · answer #2 · answered by ratboy_wustl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reinstalling your OS wipes out EVERYTHING. It completely erases your entire hard drive and lays down a new copy of your OS.
I have, however, heard that computer experts can still find old files somehow. I'm not sure how that works, but yes, doing this will rid your system of viruses.
2006-10-05 18:45:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not really all that hard to reinstall your operating system. Just be aware that it will wipe your whole drive: files, viruses, and all so make sure you have a backup of anything important.
It's mostly time consuming and then you have to reinstall all your old programs.
2006-10-05 18:45:11 · answer #4 · answered by RyanSmith 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
assuming your a windows user....
Its not too difficult, if you have never done it before, have someone guide you through it.....and yes, if you format your hardrive and re-install EVERYTHING will be gone off yoru computer, unless you do a partition and store important data or back it up onto discs....my suggestion....if you haev enough space righ tnow....partition a space on your hardrive right now(about 13-15 gigs) and format that partition....then install your OS onto that partition, this will keep your computer running in tip top shape longer than haing everything running on one partition.
2006-10-05 18:47:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you have your original disks and registration key.
I thought I could just use a key finder (you can for ME and 2K but not XP) but generic builders use one key to get all their machines working and you can't reuse it.
2006-10-05 18:48:45 · answer #6 · answered by Dennis K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, Use your windows or computer OEM install disk, it works with a stepbystep process. WARNING: This will delete all but few viruses, but DESTROYS ALL DATA ON YOUR HARDDRIVE.
2006-10-05 18:44:50 · answer #7 · answered by Sean Brackeen 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
try this scan before you go thru all that pain
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
2006-10-05 18:51:51 · answer #8 · answered by pops 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋