Re-install OS

[BelfastSpartan]

so it's about getting that time to reinstall the OS.

Do you ever reinstall your OS?
What's everyones best method of doing so?

I'm using Win7.....kinda thinking of going back to XP!

Normally I just move the files I need to my external HDD, reinstall the OS then transfer everything back over. Though Win7 apparently makes a folder for you and saves stuff there....not sure how reliable it is though.

 

[Bon_Clay]

I've got 3 hard drives in my computer so I just make sure everything important is off the one with windows before reinstalling. I'm still using XP, when I stopped using windows 3.0 all the way to ME I had reasons to get a newer version, but XP still works fine and my computers kinda old now anyway so it will do.

Don't forgot to either back up your drivers or have a way to download them, I've made that mistake before and couldn't connect to the internet to get them.

 

[BelfastSpartan]

Yeah I can get the drivers off the acer site as I usually do.......good point about backing them up though!
I usually forget then have to connect via cable to download the wireless driver to get the rest.

 

[Smooth Operator]

Well first off I always have my main HDD split in two partitions.
About 10GB goes to the first one(for OS and programs) and the rest to the second part for important data, so even if the OS crashes and I need to do a hard format the data will be ok.

And then before a reinstall I collect all the newest drivers and program installation files in one folder on my second portion of the disk, and once I got a clean install I simply go through the folder and get it all setup in no time.

 

[BENZOOKA]

Dozens of times, on several computers. Just make sure there's nothing of importance on the partition you have your OS on. Remember to look for savegames you need. Especially when nowadays they're often on the OS partition, rather than under the game's own directory. Program settings (some can be exported) and such that will make you're life easier as you don't need to do all the changes.

Get all the drivers and programs you know you're going to need. Organize them under one folder. Then, format and reinstall. Install every driver right away. Install all the programs you now you're going to need, as starting installing one when you hastily need it, is a *****.

It just takes two or so hours and it clears everything up. Had to do this rather often in XP, 98 and 2000 before that, but now with Windows 7, 10 months and it's still nifty and nimble as ever, considering everything I got installed. Keeping registry clean, drivers up-to-date, not installing or doing anything stupid, knowing your stuff and fixing problems like driver-software compatibility issues does tend to make everything easier though.