Hey, I'm really terrible with computers- i've accumulated enough junk on this one (and enough bugs and whatnot) to where i'd really like to just erase everything and start again with reloading the basics (as long as i can use word, internet explorer, aim, a couple of games, and upload pictures, i dont really care about anything else). Anybody know the easy way to reset my computer to the default programs and erase everything else that's been installed? Will that totally mess me up to where i'd have to reinstall a bunch of stuff? (as in, if my comp came w/ word, internet explorer, etc, will have to do anything special to get that stuff again once i've reset to default?) I know there are a few keys i can hit while i'm booting and it will apparently do the reset... just not sure what they are or if i'm on the right track. Thanks!

11/22/2005 9:10:28 PM

did you buy this computer new? did it come with a windows cd and applications cd or some kind of restore disk?

11/22/2005 9:51:18 PM

yeah i did... do i need to run all that stuff again or can i just make my comp go back to default while its booting up?

11/22/2005 9:52:30 PM

most computers come with a system restore disk(s). you just boot off of those, follow some simple instructions and it's back to factory settings.

11/22/2005 9:57:39 PM

It depends what you mean by "erase everything". Thats more commonly know as format and reinstall. Usually it doesn't need to be done if you are running Windows XP, as its usually easier to clean up things rather then start from scratch. I did a fresh of Windows XP SP2 on a work computer yesterday ... 40 updates from Windows Update took 1.5 hours or so. All this to say, getting everything back to "normal" will take a good 4-8 hours if you decide to go this route.

There are a ton of tutorials on the internet which can help you with this. You will need your system restore disks that came with your computer. Make sure you backup/save anything you want to keep. I'd hire somebody from Tech Talk ($20/hr or case of beer is usual going rate) to help you out with the backup part.

11/23/2005 6:28:13 AM

^ You can download updates ahead of time and run them during install.

11/23/2005 9:32:12 AM

^^

Quote :

"I did a fresh of Windows XP SP2 on a work computer yesterday ... 40 updates from Windows Update took 1.5 hours or so."

I'm not very familiar with windows, but did you install some kind of spyware program before updating the computer. I've heard that a windows box will usually get infected before all of the updates are run.

11/23/2005 9:45:48 AM

^^
Too much effort. WSUS Server (kinda sorta not really Windows Update)

^
Depends what network you connect it to ... guarantee with NCSU network it will be infected.

11/23/2005 1:19:49 PM

NCSU network is terrible for infections. if u plan to hook it up to that network after doing a format and reinstall of XP, be sure to download a firewall program to a CD and then install it right after u reinstalland right b4 plugging into the network. should do the same with symantec which is provided through the school for free for students.

11/23/2005 1:23:39 PM