Why should you reformat a computer?

Reformatting a computer should be done only as a last resort when no other attempted treatment to fix viruses, overheating, crashing and other problems has worked. Reformatting a computer is a last resort.

All efforts should be made to find a solution to the problem before you consider reformatting. Just because a computer is running slowly is no reason to reformat. First you should try the “disc cleanup” feature on your Windows system. If that does not work then it may be time to defragment your computer using your computer’s built in defrag program or a defragmenting system of your choice. A computer that needs to be defragmented is most often the problem. Defragging should be done regularly to help the computer run smoothly.

If defragging the computer does not work, you may want to try “system restore” or a system registry cleaner of your choice. Most often the system restore will do the trick if it is a register key problem. If none of these problems work and you are still having problems with your computer such as running slowly or crashes, then it may be time to consider reformatting. The problem could be a virus in which case, reformatting would take care of that issue. You may want to run a comprehensive virus scan before you reformat and see if there is a “fix” for it. If all efforts have failed and you have done everything possible to try to find the problem, then reformatting may be the answer.

Reformatting wipes the slate clean so you will need to back up all information you want to keep including important files. You will also need to reinstall programs including Windows if you reformat. Since you are effectively eliminating every piece of information stored on your computer, reformatting should be done only as a last resort. Most often if the problem is a virus the only way to fix it is reformatting. Other than that, reformatting should not be done unless all other solutions have failed. It is too easy to lose information that you thought you had backed up.

Reformatting your computer should be done to give the unit a fresh start. It should be done if the old information has somehow slowed or damaged the computer beyond repair and you want to try to save the computer itself. Reformatting can be done yourself or you can have a professional do it. Remember that once you reformat ALL information you had on the computer will be gone. Backup your files to a CD or DVD. If you back them up to the hard drive and then reformat (erase the hard drive) then you haven’t saved it at all.

If you’re old computer needs a fresh new start, that is when you should reformat. It should be done only after careful consideration but it can often times restore the life of a computer that is beyond repair without the reformat. Viruses often damage the computer and the only solutions are reformatting or getting a new computer. Reformatting is much cheaper than getting a new computer.