Computer problems....help!?

Question

Is there any way that I can just erase EVERYTHING on my computer and just add what I want back on? I want to erase EVERYTHING I can possibly erase, but without doing irreparable damage to the computer. It's just not acting right, and there is SO much stuff I want to get rid of. Also how do I know if the programs are safe to keep, or ones that I need to keep? Please anyone help me!

Answer 1

You can format and reinstall Windows. This will delete everything on the drive. You will need to backup all your data, music, etc. first. You can not backup programs; you will need to reinstall all your programs.

If you are downloading programs to avoid paying for them, you should assume they are infected. Most themes and screen savers are also infected. Anything else you want to download and install first Google "software name" +"virus" and Google "software name" +"spyware". If results show complaints about spyware and viruses do not install it.

Backup your data. Find all your drivers and software and software keys now and develop a plan on how you will reinstall them.
http://blog.angrypets.com/2006/01/ultimate_prefla.html
http://www.thefuhrmans.com/reformat_hd.htm
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/l0910/32l10/32l10.asp

Keyfinder Thing 3.1.6
http://www.download.com/Keyfinder-Thing/3000-2094_4-10561260.html?tag=lst-0-1

Reformat and install. (Cleans drive loses all data)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx
http://www.whitecanyon.com/reformat-the-hard-drive-in-windows-xp.php
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/l0910/32l10/32l10.asp

Answer 2

If your computer brought a reboot cd, then you can erase eveything and reformat to the way you bought it. This will erase any new programs you've installed and will erase all music, etc. So be sure to save the things you want to keep. I think you can also go to the control panel if you are using a pc and choose what programs to uninstall. But I would suggest that you just reboot everything. My pc was recently acting up and I erased everything on it and reformatted it. I just made sure to put all the music and documents I need into an extrenal drive and then transfer them back.

Answer 3

Squee has a good answer - it's the best way to clean stuff off. However, you need to be sure to save everything you want to save permanently onto disk or burn to a CD. You also should be aware that any programs you have on there now will need to be reinstalled from their original installation disks, and you will need whatever codes might necessary to do that. Any programs you don't have the installation disks for, you will probably not be able to reinstall unless they were free downloads from the internet. Make sure you check on all your programs before you take the drastic action of reformatting.

Answer 4

Just clean install by sticking in an OS disc and formating your hard drive. You can keep your programs if you have the disk. Clean install will solve many problems but is recommended to be avoided. Programs that are usually all safe. But they conflict with other software.

Answer 5

Copy you personal and data files to another drive or CD / DVDs. Reformat your machine and install only the software you want.

Answer 6

Format your drive and reinstall windows is probally your best bet. If you still have the windows disc pop it in and reinstall it, it'll give you the option to completely wipe the hard drive and reinstall it.

Answer 7

Sounds like you want to format and reinstall Windows. Please read Lifehacker's tutorial on how to do so"

"Geek to Live: How to format your hard drive and install Windows XP from scratch" -- written by Gina Trapani (http://lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php)

Answer 8

go to link below for help
it may help you do spring cleaning