formating

[unkoman]

I'm planning to format and install a fresh copy of windows since the whole system is starting to slow down from over usuage. I have one question though; is it better to zero format it for better performance or just deleting the partition and creating a new one is a better option.
Thanks

[ktkendall]

Probably if U defrag the HD, and clean things up a bit you won't need to reinstall. Use msconfig and disable all in the startup tab, and scan and clean all spyware/virus. Almost every PC I have worked on that isn't totally out of service due to major hardware failure, that has been all they really need...

[unkoman]

Thanks for the quick reply!
I've been defraging, scan disking, spy ware checking, etc. but it has been two years since I installed the OS, and it's filled up with unused registry, un erased files, etc.

[pam123]

I agree with ktkendall but, since you've only got a 60gb hdd, you really may be in need of a reformat and reinstall.
If you've got less than 12gb free then a reformat is in order ( If you've just had it with flaky drive problems then 'ditto'.).
Just for the learning, and if that's not a Dell or other OEM computer, use the low level format if you want the experience.
Otherwise, remove partitions and do a full format.
If you only have one partition then just do the full format of that partition.
There is a quick format but you've asked us about a drive wipe.

[EzyStvy]

I never bother with a zero fill. I only delete the partitions to make different size ones.. A good old format is all that is needed.

[neochivers]

yep format install

[Dark Nova]

i would buy a new HD, a bigger one. format the other one but reinstall Windows XP on the new one. then you have two HD

A 160GB internal HD is about (70.00$ canadian)

[unkoman]

Thanks for the great help everyone!

[1badtech]

Originally Posted by unkoman Thanks for the great help everyone!

If you do format, make sure that you delete the old partition first and then create a new NTFS partition.

If you don't want to format, try this.

http://www.microsoft.com/AtWork/getstarted/speed.mspx/

and read this.

http://downloads.wugnet.com/whitepap...OIofDefrag.pdf