3 Reasons To Reinstall Your Windows

Check out the benefits of taking the plunge.

#1 Speed up
Over time, Windows gets bogged down with clutter: too many programs leftover traces of old programs, redundant files and so on. Reinstalling Windows from scratch clears out all of this rubbish, speeding up your computer as a result.

#2 Fix problems
A fresh reinstall fixes most non-hardware related problems. If your PC has reliability issues or crashes regularly, and you've ruled out hardware causes like a faulty power supply or failing hard drive, a reinstall should make it much more stable.

#3 Take full control
A clean slate lets you craft Windows to your tastes and needs. Take a drive image once your'perfect setup is in place, and you'll never have to reinstall again - instead, just restore the drive image and bring it up to date.

Don't start installing without this checklist

Get backed up
Make sure all your important files and settings are backed up - use the Windows Backup tool, or try Comodo Backup 3 (on the disc). Also follow the tutorial on page 26 to take a fail-safe drive image of your entire hard drive.

Source drivers
Make sure you can reconnect to the Internet after you've reinstalled Windows. If you're using an installation disc, you'll need to download the modem (USB connection), Ethernet (network cable) or wireless drivers from the manufacturer.

Verify programs
Make sure you've got any program installation discs and relevant product keys safely written down or backed up. Try Belarc Advisor (on your disc) if you can't find those keys, or be prepared to pay $25 for Recover Keys (recover-keys.com).