How to Repair a Computer Without Reformatting

Reformatting your hard drive will erase all of your data and programs.

When a computer has had so many problems and nothing you do fixes the problem, the last resort is to reformat the computer and start over. The reason for this is that installing many programs can eventually interfere with the Operating system and other programs. Before you should reformat, however, there are several good options to try first to fix the problems with the computer.

Instructions

1. Uninstall unnecessary and complex programs that are not working right. Go to the Control Panel and choose "Add or Remove Programs" or "Uninstall a Program" in Windows 7. Select the program to remove and click "Uninstall." Removing junk and excess programs may eliminate some problems. Uninstalling and then reinstalling problem programs may also fix those programs which you need but are not working correctly.

2. Go to the Start menu and choose "Windows Update." Let the website find any software or operating system updates. Choose the suggested updates and select for them to be installed. Often an update can fix a problem with a driver or the operating system.

3. Install and run antivirus and spyware remover software. Often viruses and spyware can cause your programs to not work correctly. You can get spyware remover and antivirus free from Microsoft and other software makers or purchase some versions online or at computer retailers. Some versions work better than others.

4. Reinstall Windows. You can reinstall Windows without reformatting. When you restart the computer with the Windows boot CD in the drive, you can select to install Windows without choosing to reformat the drive. This may cause the loss of some or all data and programs, but in many cases it saves your data and even some programs that are already installed.

References

• Henry Amon; Information Systems Specialist; Salisbury, Maryland