5 years

[FoxhoundOp]

I've had this installation of Windows XP installed since Sept. 2003 and I was wondering if I should reformat just for the hell of it? There aren't any system-breaking errors and I don't think my computer is running any slower than when I restarted it. Is it healthy to do an occasional reformat or should I just leave well enough alone?

[eeyrjmr]

if it aint broke...

[Jay_oasis]

if it aint broke...

I second that.

I have had all these teeth in my mouth for 19 years, should I pull them all out and get new ones?

[Martyr]

if it aint broke...

you havent messed with it enough.

[heatlesssun]

The need to "reinstall" Windows every now and then is a myth. Generally the "need" arises from malware and bad system administration, defragging and backups.

Like eeyrjmr said...

[RangerSVT]

I have had all these teeth in my mouth for 19 years, should I pull them all out and get new ones?

I seriously felt like closing my internet browser when I saw the aforementioned quote.

[DeaconFrost]

I wouldn't even be thinking about it unless it was slowing down, or you were planning some major hardware swap outs.

[digital_exhaust]

I agree with the "If it ain't broke" line of thinking. If the machine is running fine, why mess with it?

I also agree that if it really is still running fine, after five years..... you haven't been screwing around with it enough;)

[Carloswill]

O.S. decay is not a myth. I think every 2 years is a fair life span for Windows XP. The way the registry clutters as well as other factors, I feel that a reinstall is never bad thing but if your system is not slow and you have no security issues - leave it but I would recommend a reinstall after 5 years.