what's the purpose of reformatting your pc?

Answer 1

To install a new operating system?

Generally, upgrading from one version of an OS to a newer version is never flawless. It's always a good idea to have partitions on your disk, so you can keep your personal files (documents, photos, music, whatever) in a partition seperate from the OS itself.

Windows tends to get messy after a while, especially if you use it harshly (shutting down the computer without logging off is a good example). So you might be forced to reformat and reinstall your system.

Answer 2

Reformatting your hard drive or a partition of the drive erases everything on it. Sometimes if your operating system has been
damaged by a virus or other problem, the re-installing of the system from scratch is the only way to repair it. Reformatting is the first step.

Answer 3

That is used as a last resort when all else fails and you have many unacceptable problems with your computer. It is always best to do a system restore first.
You could try the System Restore which takes you back to a time when your computer was working good. Go To:
start
programs
accessories
systems tools
system restore
This process is completely reversable. And does not remove your personal files. Just go back one checkpoint at a time until your puter is working good again.
E

Answer 4

In general, it's like house-cleaning for your PC. Completely wipe out everything and reinstall everything to make sure no uninstalled DLLs and registry entries and old drivers to clutter your Windows setup.