How often do you format?

[EeyoreX]

I format my computers only for a couple reasons.

I am installing a new/different OS.
I am replacing my motherboard.

I am negligent in my ghosting though. I keep saying "Next time I format, I'll ghost." When I upgraded my motherboard last, I still hadn't gotten the latest edition of Ghost, so I didn't do it. Unless I chose to start from scratch again it'll be a while before I get to ghost. All my critical data and irreplacable stuff is backed up regularly. Anything I might lose is no loss. My Windows XP ran solid for a little over a year before this motherboard upgrade. Was as fast on day 365 as it was on day 1. My Windows 2000 machine ran great for at least 2.5 years. I recently reinstalled that though, as I was playing with the eval of Server 2K3.

I have been known to format other people's machines to fix their collosal screwups, but once I do that I try to educate them on how not to screw up so badly as to require me reformatting their systems. Usually it works.

\Dan

 

[zephyrprime]

I never reformat. There have only been 3 times I've done a fresh install on my main computer: back when I first got dos 2.1, once when my HD crashed, and then when I got Windows XP. In between, I went through many HDs and systems but I always just copied HDs over to new HDs and didn't reinstall the OS.

Here's a tip for you guys: delete useless stuff out of
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

 

[Mem]

Only when I upgrade my motherboard or change OS, my last reformat was Nov 2001.

 

[Dufusyte]

Why is everybody ragging on Win95? I have not reformatted OSR2 since originally installing it six or seven years ago.

 

[compudog]

I have not performed a format on any of my machines in well over a year. Most critical systems here are Win 2K or XP. On client computers that come in all screwed, (usually win9x) I find it quicker and simpler to back up their data and format/re-install. Sure they lose settings, but they pay me by the hour and they don't want me to spend too much time. I coach them as best as I can, but once they got on the Interweb they are screwed. I have one client that never connected to the 'net and has not called me since I delivered the PC.

 

[pukemon]

Originally posted by: thorin
How about:

"When I build the system"

I don't understand how ppl F up their system(s) soo much. I have systems that haven't had windows (2k) reinstalled in 3 years that still run just as well today as when they were first setup. Too many people put too much CRAP on their system that they don't understand, and no one does any cleanup/maintenance these days.

Thorin

yeah, what he said. i know exactly what goes on my system, so i don't have to reinstall every few months. winxp is also a big factor, it doesn't seem to get trashed anywhere nearly as bad as win98se did.

 

[MistaTastyCakes]

No formats here unless I pop in a new mobo. I used to be all format happy until one day I got tired of backing up and reinstalling over and over again just to do it in a month. Been about 6 months now and with proper maintenence and restraint from downloading useless crap that'll bog me down, the PC runs just as fast as it did on day one, according to my benchies and it's feel

 

[dgseik]

Originally posted by: Dacalo
I used to do it like one in two weeks back in Win98 days.

Now, maybe twice a year or so

 

[pelleplu]

Originally posted by: zephyrprime
I never reformat. There have only been 3 times I've done a fresh install on my main computer: back when I first got dos 2.1, once when my HD crashed, and then when I got Windows XP. In between, I went through many HDs and systems but I always just copied HDs over to new HDs and didn't reinstall the OS.

Here's a tip for you guys: delete useless stuff out of
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

I don't know if anyone has posted this site before, but there are two great programs (there are a bunch of good programs actually, but two are startup related). One that monitors all the different startup foldes/reg keys and tells you when I program tries to add itself there, and one is a Control Panel applet in which you can see everything that are in the different startup locations. You can of course remove and disable and add things yourself there.
Oh, the site can be found here

 

[PLaYaHaTeD]

Okay, to everyone here that takes pride in NOT reformatting your computers after years and years of use, get off your ass plug. What exactly do you do with your computer? Word documents every day? No internet access? Haven't installed a piece of software since 1942? (And i dont mean the game)

Seriously, just because you use your computer about as conservatively as a nun in a porno store doesn't mean that you are using computers the "right way". I keep my system as clean as possible. I know what is installed on my machine. However, I don't restrict installed programs to microsoft word and acrobat reader (by the way, ver 6.0 is bloated). My suite of software evolves slightly every few months.

And you know what? Sometimes performance slows down a bit. And that's okay, because it's a great excuse to go on a download fest, and install a whole bunch of programs to see if i like them. Once i know exactly what i like, i line them up for a reformat and clean install. I'm on the front of technology all the time and i know firsthand what software i like and what i dont like because i try it out.

Live a little.... Geezus

 

[PLaYaHaTeD]

NOTE* The previous post was not directed at everyone who choses not to reformat. It was directed towards people who think they are handling things so much better than a person who formats on a regular basis.

 

[wetcat007]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
i format for fun sometimes

That is sad...

 

[wetcat007]

Originally posted by: Dufusyte
Why is everybody ragging on Win95? I have not reformatted OSR2 since originally installing it six or seven years ago.

People still use Windows 95??????

 

[pelleplu]

Originally posted by: PLaYaHaTeD
Okay, to everyone here that takes pride in NOT reformatting your computers after years and years of use, get off your ass plug. What exactly do you do with your computer? Word documents every day? No internet access? Haven't installed a piece of software since 1942? (And i dont mean the game)

Seriously, just because you use your computer about as conservatively as a nun in a porno store doesn't mean that you are using computers the "right way". I keep my system as clean as possible. I know what is installed on my machine. However, I don't restrict installed programs to microsoft word and acrobat reader (by the way, ver 6.0 is bloated). My suite of software evolves slightly every few months.

And you know what? Sometimes performance slows down a bit. And that's okay, because it's a great excuse to go on a download fest, and install a whole bunch of programs to see if i like them. Once i know exactly what i like, i line them up for a reformat and clean install. I'm on the front of technology all the time and i know firsthand what software i like and what i dont like because i try it out.

Live a little.... Geezus

Well said! I agree with you 100%! I test new apps all the time, thats part of the fun of even having a computer
And (almost) nothing beats the feeling of a new fresh reformat/reinstall.. mm... I'm formatting next week when I get my computer, I can't wait!

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: PLaYaHaTeD
Okay, to everyone here that takes pride in NOT reformatting your computers after years and years of use, get off your ass plug. What exactly do you do with your computer? Word documents every day? No internet access? Haven't installed a piece of software since 1942? (And i dont mean the game)

Seriously, just because you use your computer about as conservatively as a nun in a porno store doesn't mean that you are using computers the "right way". I keep my system as clean as possible. I know what is installed on my machine. However, I don't restrict installed programs to microsoft word and acrobat reader (by the way, ver 6.0 is bloated). My suite of software evolves slightly every few months.

And you know what? Sometimes performance slows down a bit. And that's okay, because it's a great excuse to go on a download fest, and install a whole bunch of programs to see if i like them. Once i know exactly what i like, i line them up for a reformat and clean install. I'm on the front of technology all the time and i know firsthand what software i like and what i dont like because i try it out.

Live a little.... Geezus

A lot of people do actual work with their computers. Reformatting can be very time consuming.

They do have a point that less-computer knowledgable people will put a bunch of crap on their computer and won't maintain it properly. A well maintained system can last for quite a while if the software they use isn't garbage. Also, you don't need a performance slowdown to go on a download fest. Just have your system backed up.

I install things all of the time. I just follow common sense rules, like those that thorin has presented. Sometimes it still ends up badly, but I try to make sure that I can go back. Just use a little common sense and you'll be fine, barring some catastrophe.

If you want to format that often, go for it. Have fun with your system, but realize that for the majority of home computer users, formatting is nothing but a completely avoidable pain.

I'm going to reinstall Windows soon, assuming I can get my SCSI card to work...

 

[moonshinemadness]

Scandisk, Defragment and RegEdit are your friends, use those everymonth or so and you should be able to keep your rig running sweet as possible for as long as possible.
I normally reinstall after an upgrade so the new drivers have a fresh base to work on and it usually works! Failing that i do it every 3-6months.

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: pelleplu

Originally posted by: zephyrprime
I never reformat. There have only been 3 times I've done a fresh install on my main computer: back when I first got dos 2.1, once when my HD crashed, and then when I got Windows XP. In between, I went through many HDs and systems but I always just copied HDs over to new HDs and didn't reinstall the OS.

Here's a tip for you guys: delete useless stuff out of
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

I don't know if anyone has posted this site before, but there are two great programs (there are a bunch of good programs actually, but two are startup related). One that monitors all the different startup foldes/reg keys and tells you when I program tries to add itself there, and one is a Control Panel applet in which you can see everything that are in the different startup locations. You can of course remove and disable and add things yourself there.
Oh, the site can be found here

Ummmm why install something else when msconfig already does this? (Re: The underlined section).

Thorin

 

[chr6]

i consider myself a 'format when i must' kind of person. also a 'when in doubt, wipe it out' guy..
that's WIPE, not WHIP.

i also format with big hardware changes, motherboard, video card.

 

[jhu]

reformat? i hardly ever reboot!

 

[pelleplu]

Originally posted by: thorin

Originally posted by: pelleplu

Originally posted by: zephyrprime
I never reformat. There have only been 3 times I've done a fresh install on my main computer: back when I first got dos 2.1, once when my HD crashed, and then when I got Windows XP. In between, I went through many HDs and systems but I always just copied HDs over to new HDs and didn't reinstall the OS.

Here's a tip for you guys: delete useless stuff out of
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

I don't know if anyone has posted this site before, but there are two great programs (there are a bunch of good programs actually, but two are startup related). One that monitors all the different startup foldes/reg keys and tells you when I program tries to add itself there, and one is a Control Panel applet in which you can see everything that are in the different startup locations. You can of course remove and disable and add things yourself there.
Oh, the site can be found here

Ummmm why install something else when msconfig already does this? (Re: The underlined section).

Thorin

I don't have msconfig

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: PLaYaHaTeD
Okay, to everyone here that takes pride in NOT reformatting your computers after years and years of use, get off your ass plug. What exactly do you do with your computer? Word documents every day? No internet access? Haven't installed a piece of software since 1942? (And i dont mean the game)

Hmmmm lets see, I: Do alot of web development, graphic design, programming (VB, C++, a bit of Delphi), gaming (lots of gaming), and yes even some word and excel docs. Lots of internet access (DSL is great!). I install software all the time, I simply take 30 seconds to do some research first for alternatives and other user complaints, and do custom isntalls so I know where all the crap is (if I decide to remove it after testing/use).

Seriously, just because you use your computer about as conservatively as a nun in a porno store doesn't mean that you are using computers the "right way".

I haven't heard anyone here say they use their computer conservatively, I've only heard people mentiong that they don't clutter them up with crap.

I keep my system as clean as possible. I know what is installed on my machine. However, I don't restrict installed programs to microsoft word and acrobat reader (by the way, ver 6.0 is bloated).

You just contradicted yourself

My suite of software evolves slightly every few months.

Doesn't everyones?

And you know what? Sometimes performance slows down a bit.

Ummmmm maybe you missed it but that's the point half of us are trying to make .... performance degredation is not a certainty (at least not for some of us).

And that's okay, because it's a great excuse to go on a download fest, and install a whole bunch of programs to see if i like them.

Again I don't recall anyone saying you shouldn't try out new software.

Once i know exactly what i like, i line them up for a reformat and clean install.

If you've got time for that then great, alot of us have better things to do then mess up our computer and then spend a few hours rebuilding it.

I'm on the front of technology all the time and i know firsthand what software i like and what i dont like because i try it out.

Ummmm I didn't hear anyone here say they weren't on the front line of technology simply because they pay attention and maintain a clean system.

Live a little.... Geezus

Live alot! Live clean! Live with not wasting time on reformatting and reinstalling.

Thorin

 

[jose]

I format my personal computer once a year because that's when I upgrade (mobo & video) & my virus software also expires.

But I have computers that I haven't formated since 1986 !!!

But of course they are running Unix. ;p

Regards,
Jose

 

[jhu]

what kind of computer have you been running since 1986?

 

[JackBurton]

Okay, to everyone here that takes pride in NOT reformatting your computers after years and years of use, get off your ass plug. What exactly do you do with your computer? Word documents every day? No internet access? Haven't installed a piece of software since 1942? (And i dont mean the game)

Seriously, just because you use your computer about as conservatively as a nun in a porno store doesn't mean that you are using computers the "right way". I keep my system as clean as possible. I know what is installed on my machine. However, I don't restrict installed programs to microsoft word and acrobat reader (by the way, ver 6.0 is bloated). My suite of software evolves slightly every few months.

And you know what? Sometimes performance slows down a bit. And that's okay, because it's a great excuse to go on a download fest, and install a whole bunch of programs to see if i like them. Once i know exactly what i like, i line them up for a reformat and clean install. I'm on the front of technology all the time and i know firsthand what software i like and what i dont like because i try it out.

Live a little.... Geezus

Let's just say I'm sure I have ALOT more apps installed on my machine than you do and I haven't reformatted in a looooong time. Your suite of software evolves slightly very few months? I'm usually installing, uninstalling or upgrading every few days. My primary drive is 80GB and I only have 17GB free. And it ONLY contains the OS and programs that are installed. Full apps, mp3, movies and other crap are stored on 2 other 120GB hard drives in my machine (first 120GB hard drive has 7GB free and the other 120GB drive has about 30GB free).

Live a little....quit wasting your time reformating and develope some troubleshooting skills.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Dacalo
I used to do it like one in two weeks back in Win98 days. Now, maybe twice a year or so

My sister-in-law's 128 MB RAM Win98 machine is so toasted it's ridiculous. It's got at least one virus that's brought it to its knees. There's an email virus that's pretty darn nasty. For example, I get emails that appear to come from other people in her address book - not very nice. The machine is totally unusable. They just got a new system from Dell and they are going to try to get their data off the old HD and then reformat it and give the old machine to their daughter. I'm helping them do all this stuff on the phone. I was telling my brother how to remove the HD yesterday and it turned out to be his floppy drive! We'll resume this evening. First thing I had them do was install NAV 2002 on the new computer and run Liveupdate. I figure (hope!) that NAV will be able to handle the gremlins and orcs on their infected HD.