Computer help

pump fake · Jun 17, 2011

I've been using my laptop for sometime now, but now that I'm back home I want to use my desktop. My desktop is around 6 years old, but its still pretty good. The problem is that it has been ridiculously slow since I came back home, I'm guessing it wasn't used properly (virus updates etc).
How do I clear the computer and start from scratch basically without deleting windows, since I don't have the CD to reinstall. I guess what I'm asking is how do I clear the hard-drive so all these viruses etc are gone from it.

str8hood · Jun 17, 2011

There are a few things you can do.....

You'll want to download MalwareBytes Anti-Malware, Trend Micro Command Line Scanner, Super AntiSpyware (all trial versions that will do removals) and run them on your computer in SAFE MODE. Then grab CCleaner (its free) and scan your computer for damaged registry and junk (this will free up some temporary space). Go through and trash all unnecessary files on the computer. Uninstall all unnecessary programs from your computer as well (games, junk that you haven't used in years).

That's the free way of going about it.

The other way is to contact your manufacturer (Dell, HP, etc) and purchase the recovery disks for the computer. This should run around $30 or so. Wipe everything (unless there are files you want to keep) and re-install Windows...

This is possibly your best option.

The last way I don't think I can discuss on the board. But it involves obtaining a copy of Windows (XP, Vista, or 7), wipe everything out, re-install windows. When it asks for the product key, use the one on the computer (usually the side or the back, sometimes the top) and you will be good to go.

Please note for the last option, you MUST use the version of Windows that the Sticker on the computer states, otherwise it won't activate, and you'll have headaches for a while.....

Hope this helped...

pump fake · Jun 17, 2011

At this point I think the last two options you gave me are best for my computer. Downloading all those things probably won't work for my computer. I don't have a copy of Windows, so I guess I should just contact my manufacturer and get the recovery disks.

yanky · Jun 17, 2011

When you start the computer press F10 I think to go to a system restore mode and see if that works. It should reformat your hard drive to how you got it when you bought it.