Wiping a computer

[A Mum]

Just wondering if I would be capable of 'wiping' my own computer !!

My kids computer is soooooo slow and it whines all the time...lol... just want to wipe it and start again basically.

Can anyone help me out with suggestions and instructions or guide me to a website or 'tool' that can do the trick.

Thankyou

[smac]

A mum that doesn't know how to clean? Appalling.



To be serious, you most likely have a recovery disk or a windows disk that came with your computer. Load that in and follow instructions.

Make sure you back up all of your data, documents, emails etc first.

[A Mum]

I was thinking that when I was typing... someone is going to say something about cleaning !! ... hey but a picture too....

Thanks for that smac... I will hunt around and have a look for the disc.

I typed 'wiping a computer' into google and it came up with some websites, but I thought I'd ask around first.

Thankyou again

[Dissident]

Depends on your expertise.

You'd basically want to wipe the computer, ie format it.
This removes ALL data from it... nothing left at ALL.

Then you'd reinstall Windows from scratch - and then reinstall all your programs again.

This isn't overly easy for a novice, or someone who hasn't done it before, if you know someone with a bit of a PC background they might be able to help you. Or, you'd have to pay for the service (which differs, depending on where you are).

[gadj1976]

I try and de-frag my computer if it's running slowly, and it seems to help.

[Psyber]

Some people worry about it but I've regularly used Easy Cleaner - a free download - to clean off what it calls "unnecessary files", such as log files, bak files etc.

I have also used it to clean the registry on a non-critical machine without any problems, although I prefer Registry Mechanic for that purpose. Invalid residues in the Registry can slow things down, as can not enough space on the hard drive if it is getting cluttered with the log and bak files.

A good clean up, then a several defrags and see how it goes. If it is still troublesome consider the format and reinstall option then.

[A Mum]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions/help.

My brother in law is very good with computers and has previously wiped computers for me, but he is really caught up with work at the moment so I didn't want to bother him so much this time.... but will probably be able to wipe it from your suggestions and if I get stuck contact him.

I'm not sure defragmenting it will help as I think it's beyond that.

Thanks again