How Many Times Have You Re-installed Windows On Your PC?
By La de Boheme
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
United States
February 25, 2010 6:50pm CST
I'll admit, my curiosity is piqued by some of the responses I have read in other discussions concerning computer problems. It seems many people recommend formatting and/or re-installing the OS as the cure-all for all problems. I'm sure it is a cure-all, but to me, it's a drastic measure and a last resort. I don't relish the thought of losing all my documents and files and settings and starting over.
I'd like to know how many of you have actually re-installed Windows and if you've done it often. I am NOT referring to crashes or total system failures, but as a solution for any and all problems. Just my opinion, but once is one too many times for me.
9 responses
@ConsumeMore (2)
• Denmark
27 Feb 10
I format my hard drive/re-install Windows at least 3 times a year. Not because I have problems with virusses or anything like that, but because formatting seems to be the easiest way to manage my files. I always have a bunch of useless files lying around on my hard drive, so every once in a while, I just save the stuff I want to keep on an external hard drive and format my computer.
I don't think that formatting is something you should only do when you HAVE to, but just something you do to keep track of your things.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
27 Feb 10
You are right in that all sorts of extraneous files will accumulate over time that are hard to get rid of -- hidden files, within the registry, etc. I find it interesting that you have incorporated a clean install in your maintenance program, which would definitely work to rid your computer of this pesky 'trash'.
You seem to have the routine down for making it work with the least disruptions like saving the important stuff to an external HD for easy restoration.
Good for you! 
@kaylachan (71941)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
26 Feb 10
Most computer programers recommend you reinstall windows at least once a year, twice at the most. Now a days you have two ways of doing this, a total system wipe, or an "upgrade" where your current documents and settings are saved and your hard desk is cleaned and windows is freashly installed. Of course I had a computer once where I felt like I was doing it almost every other day it seemed. I don't like to do it often because over time it reduces your overall memory and I can't afford to upgrade my memory. Most computers cost what it would take to upgrade and have it installed.
I could probably do it myself, but I can't see well enough and wouldn't know how to direct my partner, George, how to do it.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
26 Feb 10
Yes, I have read that some computer experts recommend that, but I thought of it as overkill. Do this still recommend it with the newer OS's which are easier to maintain (defrag, etc.)? Experts, help me out here.
Regardless, I have never done it. To me, doing a clean install is out of the question. If I want to start over, I'll get a new computer.
@clickicy (571)
• Indonesia
26 Feb 10
No. I've never reinstall my acer ever since I buy it last years. All I do is defragmenting it every three month. I dont think it is necessary to regularly reformatting your hard disk drive.
As for viruses and worms... I use antivirus and firewall to protect my PC. I always backup my files to DVD-RW. I install them before connecting to internet and installing other software.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
26 Feb 10
Sounds like you have all your 'ducks in a row'.
Regular maintenance. Back up. Security measures in place.
I do the same and have never had to re-install the OS and hopefully, will never have to.
Regular maintenance. Back up. Security measures in place.
I do the same and have never had to re-install the OS and hopefully, will never have to.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
26 Feb 10
4 times! 
I don't think I even want to know what made you have to reinstall the OS that many times.
I don't think I even want to know what made you have to reinstall the OS that many times.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
26 Feb 10
It sounds like you have done more of a repair operation, than a total reinstall. I agree, if you have Windows files or components missing, then you would definitely have to recover those.
@Vick77 (488)
• Mexico
26 Feb 10
I've installed windows on my PC only two times since last 3 years, I think it's not necessary reinstall each time you have a problem whit the OS, the most can be fixed, I hate have to reinstall all programs and configurations each time I reinstall windows from scratch.
I have several partitions on my hard drive, and I put all my documents, music, videos... on one of them, so if I have to reinstall windows, all my personal docs are safe there.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
26 Feb 10
To me, twice in 3 years would be too many times. Like I said, once is one too many times. I have never had to reinstall Windows. *knocking on wood* You are absolutely right, it is not necessary to start over every time you have a problem.
Nonetheless, I do believe in being prepared. I burn an image of my entire HD to an external HD via Acronis, so if (God forbid), something should happen, I could restore within minutes. None of that tedious reinstalling.
@vamsimajeti (934)
• India
1 Mar 10
I have re-installed windows on my PC for nearly 10 times since 4 years. I have reinstalled because of virus issues.
@May2k8 (18392)
• Indonesia
1 Mar 10
I backup my documents once a year, and never format the entire contents of my hard disk. If I install new windows that I do is delete the files that are used for windows and rewriting the existing system files on my hard disk. But, usually for re-installing I do not need as long the OS is running as usual.
