Computer Running Slow? Maybe It Is Time To Do A Clean Install
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Over the years I have experienced the dreaded computer slowdown that plagues us all. But I learned once again why a clean install of the operating system sometimes offers the best results. Let me set the stage for what happened.
I recently replaced my wife’s three year old Gateway laptop with a new Toshiba laptop running Windows 7 which I will be covering in another article. The Gateway was running slowly for the past few months and I tried ALL of the cleaners, registry fixers, defragmentors, junk cleaners, fixers, you name it. The computer was still a slug.
So after backing up the files I did a full clean install using the built in recovery that came with the Gateway laptop. Everything went without a hitch and the system was returned to its original state when I first bought it. I installed SP3 for Windows XP and did all of the Windows updates.
Bottom line is that the system is now running faster than it was before.
This AM I saw an ad on TV for a company that promises to get your system running fast once again. I am sure you have seen the ads before. Instead of wasting your money on trying this product, may I recommend doing a clean install after you backup your stuff.
You will be surprised how well your system will run.
Comments welcome.
2 Comments
Thomas Lessman
October 25th, 2009
at 11:10am
The question is, what do we do if we don’t have the original install disks? I bought my ex-wife’s HP Pavilion with Win XP Media Center. She lost the setup disks a long time ago, so is there any way I can back up the programs that are on it now, then re-install them after reformatting? For that matter, HOW can I re-install the Media Center edition of Windows XP when I don’t have the original disks?
Thomas Lessman
Ron Schenone
October 25th, 2009
at 11:47am
Hello Thomas,
Do you have the original license number, maybe located on the tower or bottom of your laptop? See if you can find that first.
If not, you can use MagicJellyBean here:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
You can use any Windows XP Media Disk to install Windows and use the license key HP provided for the original system.
I would also check on the HP site to confirm the drivers are still available for your system.
You can’t backup programs, just data. Programs need to be reinstalled.
Since this is a blog and not a forum, may I suggest you try our help forum at:
http://help.lockergnome.com/