Computer issues.

**Infamous** · 08-20-09, 01:08 PM

and if i wipe it and i dont have an windows disk im screwed right ?

**WileECyte** · 08-20-09, 04:37 PM

You kinda need a Windows disc in order to reinstall... To wipe it, you can just delete and re-create the partition using the Windows install process or you can use a program like DBAN to completely wipe the drive.

**yayupp** · 08-20-09, 05:53 PM

Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Clean Up

Check EVERYTHING, hit OK.

Then,

Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Defragmenter
and run it.

You'd be suprised how much space you can free up.

You can also,

Start>My Computer.
Right click on your "C" drive.
Select Properties.
Go to the Tools tab.
Under Error Checking, click Check Now.
Check EVERYTHING, hit Start.

That's where I always start when my computer starts running slower.

**finc.hairy** · 08-20-09, 09:34 PM

I'd check out msconfig also - you can see what starts-up every time your PC loads up windows. Usually if it's full of spyware and malware and other crap, there will be a startup service for it guaranteed!

Start -> Run -> type "ms config" then press Enter
Click Startup Tab -> expand the far left column

Also check your processes

Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape
Click Processes tab

If this is unfamiliar territory than EVERYTHING will be unknown to you
Note the # of processes you have running when the machine is at idle (bottom left corner)
If unsure about what a process does, search it on http://www.processlibrary.com/

These are some maintenance tasks you can do before deciding to reformat and good for regular performance knowledge and maintenance. Also a great way to create an image, if you ever get tired of reformatting and decide to re-image instead!

**HeavyG** · 08-21-09, 12:21 AM

You could also try a system restore (if you have it turned on) and restore your system to an earlier date (like the first one it saved). This could eliminate a bunch of the slowness you have been having.

A fresh install is always the best thing to do. If the drive is really bad, I would recommend wiping it to 0s and starting fresh. A good rule of thumb for a gaming PC is to do a reinstall every 8-12 months. This keeps the crud off of your drive and your system running smooth as silk.