i bought a crap load of stuff to get rid of spy ware, viruses, adware, etc.. and it worked for about a week, now my computer is slower than ever. is there a way i can just blow everything away and start over? i don't care about any of the files on there, i just want it to run like it used to.
2007-06-07 06:13:37 · 23 answers · asked by cwaller0513 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
If you have an operating system disk, you can format and re-install. Be sure to do a full format as some spyware has been known to stay resident (and active!) even after reinstallation of the OS.
A decent step-by-step is here:
http://safecomputing.umn.edu/guides/reinstall_os.html
but be sure to print everything you need as, depending on the versions of your components and drivers, you may not get back on the internet straight away!
Good luck!
2007-06-07 06:18:49 · answer #1 · answered by bex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the brand of your computer, you probably have a "Recovery" CD that will restore your computer exactly like it was when you bought it. Certain Dell systems also have the restore files on the system it's self, so you don't need a CD. Keep in mind, that this will format your hard disk, which will delete all of your files, including any personal documents/pictures/bookmarks/etc. So, you might want to back up all of your important information before you do this.
2007-06-07 13:17:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok, when it comes down to this, you could just try and switch to Linux (Linux is virus free!!!). Download something like Ubuntu Desktop edition (free Linux system) and burn it to a disk, then you can stick the disk in and reformat your hard drive, thus deleting everything off your system and starting fresh. If you want to save files, then but a large flash drive, (one or two gigabytes will do) and then put your files on it.
The second option is to get your original operating system disk, (if your computer is a custom built one) and reinstall windows by formatting your disk. If you have a dell or other system made by a large company, then try finding your restore disk and try reinstalling windows that way.
http://www.ubuntu.com/
2007-06-07 13:16:04 · answer #3 · answered by Unblack 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do a total restore and start over like new. Turn it off, wait a few seconds then turn it on. Be quick for you only have about 2 seconds to hit the right key--the prompt will tell you--on my pc its F11. You will lose all added data but you should be able to reinstall all the important stuff on your disks. On you hit the restore key--it will guide you through the steps. This has worked for me before. Hope it helps you.
2007-06-07 13:36:43 · answer #4 · answered by Nemo the geek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can do a system restore. it takes everything off of ur computer except for what was on it when u bought it. u have to have a restore disk to do it tho. u couldve gotten one with ur computer but if u didnt, call ur computer manufacturer and order a restore disk. it shouldnt be over $30 and probably less depending on the model of ur computer. when u get it, out it in and follow the directions. it'll take a few hrs maybe, but ur computer will run like new afterwards.
2007-06-07 13:18:26 · answer #5 · answered by ilovemysoldier 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heres a step by step guide
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxpclean1.htm
I suggest you use vista because you can start over. Home basic only cost around £60/$110 if you look around a bit.
Or just use your restore disk. If you dont have one do a system restore to as far back as it will go but this will take a while.
Or just reconfigure your computer which takes less time.
By the way backup any important data
E.G Pictures, bookmarks , important data , SOFTWARE YOU PAID FOR LIKE MICROSOFT OFFICE. Even if you didnt pay initially you'll have to pay for it now.
Hope I helped
2007-06-07 13:18:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well yes there is > reformat the hard drive and reload the operating system ,as you stated you do not care about your current files . This will be a clean install then . Easy to do but time consuming .
2007-06-07 13:20:42 · answer #7 · answered by Big Joe 2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do a complete system restore, so it goes back to the way it was right out of the box. I've done that at least twice for an older PC I once owned.
2007-06-07 13:16:17 · answer #8 · answered by Dave R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are so many people using my computer,at least twice a year I have to restart my computer with the operating system install disk in the cd-rom,and allow it to reformat the harddrive and re-install the operating system,then using the driver disk for my motherboard,I re-install the drivers for my devices.
2007-06-07 13:21:19 · answer #9 · answered by rdaltonsr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way (considering that you don't have any files that you'd like to backup), you should format your hard drive (wipe clean) and reinstall windows.
Assuming that you are using Windows XP, below is a link to a step by step guide:
2007-06-07 13:18:50 · answer #10 · answered by mdqueenz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋