How often do you reformat your computer?

[Peach]

Lack of responsibility ... LOL

No matter what anti virus, spy ware, ad-ware solution you have, there are always going to virii, malware, or adware, that get onto your computer. The thing about Virii and the like is that definitions are not added to anti-ware until the malware is found. There are no 100% proof positive solutions to stop your computer being infected. Formatting is a scorched earth policy that will 100% get rid of any malware you have.

To say it is a bad example for the kids, and a lack of responsibility, is laughable to say the least.

Agreed, it actually shows responsibility instead of just dealing with the bullshit that infects your pc like alot of end-users do, and the "kids" on their parents networks who do nothing about their infected pc end up spreading it to all the computers on the network and just gives people like me more money in the long run.

 

[(cf)Eclipse]

basically whenever i kill the os from oc'ing
(which is typically once every 2-6 months)

 

[Qwertyman]

as me and mosin will say,we have o&o we don't need to reformat. plus i run daily virus/spyware programs and use firefox.

 

[FreiDOg]

i've formated once, and reformated once in the last, bout 5 years i guess.
When I bought the stuff, and when I did my major upgrade about 18 months ago.

 

[jpmkm]

Shit I haven't reformatted in years and my computer is running just as smoothly as the day I installed the operating system. I visit all kinds of websites, and I've never had a problem with spyware or viruses or anything of that nature. I always upgrade my video driver to the latest version and I have never had any sort of instability. I'm not going to reformat just to reformat. It wouldn't help a damn thing. Saying it is irresponsible to not reformat is just plain silly.

 

[Murali]

I used to format every month, but not because my computer got sluggish or anything...

Usually I have too many programs installed and don't really feel liek spending the time to cleaing it, tuning it etc etc. I've gotten formatting down to a science where it usually only takes me 1 hour, 30 minutes to get from where I was to a fully usuable desktop.

I have all my documents and programs saved on a 2ndary drive, so I format and can reinstall everything pretty fast... no need to swap media for it.

 

[ray4389]

This is not funny. Delete this thread. bad memories.

I had to reofrmat my comps like every week or at least month due to curruption or worms and viruses and spyware that was not removeable. Since I got my computer built and got it runnin ona router with sp2, and good virus protection I haven't had to reformatt since december when I built it

I will only reformatt now when it needs it.


DAMN SASSAR WORM!! DAMN SPYWARE!!!

 

[ccotenj]

voted "reformat? Ha!"

7 years on the last one (although i probably SHOULD have reformatted)...

hopefully as long on this one...

i hate reformatting...

 

[GeForceX]

Lack of responsibility ... LOL

No matter what anti virus, spy ware, ad-ware solution you have, there are always going to virii, malware, or adware, that get onto your computer. The thing about Virii and the like is that definitions are not added to anti-ware until the malware is found. There are no 100% proof positive solutions to stop your computer being infected. Formatting is a scorched earth policy that will 100% get rid of any malware you have.

To say it is a bad example for the kids, and a lack of responsibility, is laughable to say the least.

No matter what, you will always get a virus? You have a poor beat down mindset. You don't need to get a virus. If only you'd use your computer for its intended purpose(s), there's no need to talk so depressive like that. And if only you'd test your environment (websites, programs, security settings), you wouldn't have to necessarily deal with that either.

To back that up, I have a gaming PC which hasn't been formatted in over a year. I use it almost exclusively for my e-mails to even forum posting and guess what? No viruses, no spyware, not even a pop up. Because I've tested its environment and it fares so well that it's difficult to infect it unless someone decides to hack it.

It's your responsibility to maintain your PC's. And "bad example for kids" was slightly sarcastic by the way.

Agreed, it actually shows responsibility instead of just dealing with the bullshit that infects your pc like alot of end-users do, and the "kids" on their parents networks who do nothing about their infected pc end up spreading it to all the computers on the network and just gives people like me more money in the long run.

What if dealing with that "bullshit" could've been fixed within a few minutes providing you have enough experience to know what to do? Maybe you're just lazy, you rather let the format do all the work for you. Either way, it's still a choice.

And you're responsible for the kids on your network that propogates the disease(s). A smart move would be to create a special kid's environment in which they can be blocked from many of the potentially dangerous sites and limited permissions from messing with the Windows settings. But no, you rather format everytime your kid gets on the computer.

At least I'll agree with one thing, formatting is indeed a scorched earth policy that will 100% get rid of any malware you have.

-J.

 

[Peach]

Unfortunately I do this all day working for a computer store, and I don't feel like doing it a hard way when I have an easy way of solving the problem (ghost). Customers at my work don't have that option because they don't know how to image their system and they want to keep all their documents intact. As for the network infection scenario, i know those solutions could be used, but i'm talking about your mainstream end-users here that click the "SPEED UP JOOR PC 4320986432897469874% CLICK NOW" banners.

 

[Chernobyl1]

No matter what, you will always get a virus? You have a poor beat down mindset. You don't need to get a virus. If only you'd use your computer for its intended purpose(s), there's no need to talk so depressive like that. And if only you'd test your environment (websites, programs, security settings), you wouldn't have to necessarily deal with that either.

To back that up, I have a gaming PC which hasn't been formatted in over a year. I use it almost exclusively for my e-mails to even forum posting and guess what? No viruses, no spyware, not even a pop up. Because I've tested its environment and it fares so well that it's difficult to infect it unless someone decides to hack it.

It's your responsibility to maintain your PC's. And "bad example for kids" was slightly sarcastic by the way.



What if dealing with that "bullshit" could've been fixed within a few minutes providing you have enough experience to know what to do? Maybe you're just lazy, you rather let the format do all the work for you. Either way, it's still a choice.

And you're responsible for the kids on your network that propogates the disease(s). A smart move would be to create a special kid's environment in which they can be blocked from many of the potentially dangerous sites and limited permissions from messing with the Windows settings. But no, you rather format everytime your kid gets on the computer.

At least I'll agree with one thing, formatting is indeed a scorched earth policy that will 100% get rid of any malware you have.

-J.

Maybe you shouldnt try and prejudge people.
How do you know he isnt capable of fixing his systems.
I'm pretty hardcore with PCs, but I also recommend a format every so often.
Open your eyes, the internet isnt safe and updates to your virus scanner happen very regularly. Why is this? Because new virii come out!
So are you saying that no one in the world can get the virus before the virus companies update their definition files.

How do you know you havent got a virus or spyware that isnt in definition file yet?
It seems you will say anything to delude yourself that your PC is safe. Even worse, because of your delusion, you are trying to push it on other people.
Your comments arent helpful

A poor post you have made. I say its you thats too lazy to think in terms of the real world and to respect other peoples problems.

 

[Peach]

Yeah, at work, i hardly ever reccomend a format, because i can hand delete the stuff the scanners don't pick up, but that takes time, but here at home, when I get a hiccup, i have a image ready to be slapped on to take me back, and its only 15 minutes of downtime. Wish i could do that at work, would put all of us computer techs outta work

 

[Komataguri]

When I add new hardware.


Other then that, I don't reformat unless I seriously fubar the system and reformating is the only thing that will get it running again.


However, in the past...2 months, I've reformated and reinstalled like...9 times.


So, whenever it needs it is what I'll vote.

EDIT

Note, before the recent reformat stent in the past two months, It was like....over a year before I reformated.

 

[Ruckus]

Just curious, but why do you guys reformat after upgrading the PC? And where do you normally keep your backups then?

I have 2 HDs so I backup everything to HD 2 and Reformatting isnt a big deal cause i ghost it usually. even though I have to do a real format now to upgrade this box from 2k to XP Pro, 2k aint cutting it anymore for me with all my programs seeming to need XP to run upgrades.

 

[TSS Modder]

ive had my lappy for 1 yr and 3 months, and ive probably reformatted about 6 or 7 times. now, a couple of those times was due to harddrive failure, and was experimenting whether it was windows or hardware failure, so i reformatted like 3 times in a few days.

but overall i typically reformat every 6 months. the family computer hadnt been reformatted for almost 2 years, and that was pretty well gunked up, so it desperated needed that reformat i have it 1.5 months ago.

 

[bonkrowave]

No matter what, you will always get a virus? You have a poor beat down mindset. You don't need to get a virus. If only you'd use your computer for its intended purpose(s), there's no need to talk so depressive like that. And if only you'd test your environment (websites, programs, security settings), you wouldn't have to necessarily deal with that either.

... I think I'll choose to live in the real world, not some fantasy setting. Virii, Malware, Ad-aware happen, even when using your computer for its "intended purpose".

 

[haroldmeyer]

I voted for once a year but I reformat when I have to.

 

[jpmkm]

... I think I'll choose to live in the real world, not some fantasy setting. Virii, Malware, Ad-aware happen, even when using your computer for its "intended purpose".

Wrong again, sir. My computer has many different "intended purposes" yet I have never gotten viruses, spyware, malware, or anything like that. Getting those things is NOT just a fact of life.

 

[bonkrowave]

Wrong again, sir. My computer has many different "intended purposes" yet I have never gotten viruses, spyware, malware, or anything like that. Getting those things is NOT just a fact of life.

Do you honestly think you share the experiences of the majority of computer users ?

 

[Ozymandias]

I use my computer for it's intended purposes, but sometimes, I'm just too lazy to go search through everything and figure out where all my GBs went. For most people, junk starts to accumulate, no matter what you do- between the downloads (of all types), the programs that leave crap behind when "uninstalled" (drivers too), and all sorts of caches that don't clean themselves out. Personally, I haven't reformatted since my last mobo upgrade (almost a year now) but then again, I try to take care of my computer. On family members' computers, it's often easier to reformat than to manually clean 1-2 years worth of garbage. But please! Think of the children and don't reformat!

 

[jpmkm]

Do you honestly think you share the experiences of the majority of computer users ?

I suppose not. I actually know what I am doing.

 

[bonkrowave]

I suppose not. I actually know what I am doing.

Because people who format often, dont know what they are doing.

Ya buddy ... you have the biggest e-peen.

 

[Ozymandias]

I think he was referring to the real majority of computer users- ie, people who are only smart enough to use AOL, not the majority of [H]ard Forum posters. In that case, he would be right, since a large majority of people barely know what they're doing to their computers. If that wasn't true, Dell wouldn't need (cheap) tech support in India.

 

[dan johnson]

I voted 'Whenever it needs it'

I've reformated my drive maybe 5 or 6 times this year, mostly because of dual-booting issues.

Normally though, I would reformat and reinstall every few months anyways just because I'm a clean freak like that.

 

[nah]

I do it about every six months, or so. Maybe quicker if it needs it. I just reformatted last saturday, after a long delay (the last time was in the end of May 04, when I got a new HD).

 

[BillLeeLee]

I chose the last option. I try to keep everything on my comp as organized as possible (all downloads go into a specified folder, for example). I run O&O defrag as needed (great program), periodically run Lavasoft/Spybot. I haven't reformatted this comp since I built it 1.5 years ago.

Haven't gotten spyware in the last 9 months or so according to the scans, and comp hasn't felt sluggish or anything.

Though, if I were to swap out the mobo, all I'd really have to do is backup my Documents partition, wipe out, and restore image. Just don't have time to just start from scratch anymore (I use Acronis, don't have Ghost).

 

[lithium726]

whenever my windows install wont boot when i install a new motherboard. (for my main rig) Since i really just stick to nvidia/AMD systems, that hasnt been for a good while

voted "whenever it needs it"; however,

i do all kinds of other formats all the time, for different machines... i tend to corrupt windows alot wtih some older stuff and overclocking... i have a shot of my dual tualatins at 1.8ish ghz somewhere around here... unfortunatly, the PCI clock was at like 50 or 60mhz at that point...

 

[GeForceX]

Maybe you shouldnt try and prejudge people. How do you know he isnt capable of fixing his systems. I'm pretty hardcore with PCs, but I also recommend a format every so often.

I don't prejudge people here. I was just merely being sarcastic. I believe most people here are capable of fixing their computers. So we can settle that here. I also do recommend formatting your computers once in a while. To sloppy, lazy, unorganized, irresponsible people that is. Just kidding.

I do format when I need to. That goes for reasons such as: Can't fix a bug that is hindering the computer experience no matter what you try to do (e.g. installing SP2 over SP1), too dirty/messy to backtrack its footsteps back to its original form, or anything in its extremest form.

Open your eyes, the internet isnt safe and updates to your virus scanner happen very regularly. Why is this? Because new virii come out!

You are so right! The internet is totally not safe and it will never be. But you make it sound like you're guaranteeing that no matter what anyone does, they will get a virus. You see, that's not entirely true. There are ways for someone to thicken their security to the maximum and get an extremely low chance of getting a virus. But the problem is no one spends the time to do research and test their environments so they instead put all their faith in firewalls, AV programs, and start browsing cluelessly across the net. Now this applies to home users, not businesses. Businesses use a completely different perspective that security is everything. If formatting is one way, then so be it.

Once your anti-viruses have all its definitions, all its left is exploits to be hacked by those wild viruses out there. It's been debated and concluded that no matter how much security you put on, there will always be at least one exploit that's open to any viruses that was made for it. But viruses have limited ways to getting to that single exploit. That either requires you to download something, or go on unknown websites, or accept a permission, or someone to have physical access to your computer, etc. I've taught myself to not even bother with those feeble "click-on-me-to-get-extra-speed" attempts so that way it would be real difficult to infect my computer.

My method has been proven true enough that I've never gotten a virus or anything "dirty" at all in two years. To even make that statement more "surprising", that computer was using SP1 for a long time with even outdated patches. Yes, it is a bad thing and I don't advise anyone to try that but this goes to tell you that with certain guidelines on your usage of the computer, you can limit your exposure and likelihood of getting that nasty virus.

How do you know you havent got a virus or spyware that isnt in definition file yet?

What if I did get a virus but never knew? Even though I seriously doubt it (because I did have an AV program with extra security stuff), but if I did-- well it doesn't seem to behave erratically or steal my CPU cycles. I even made purchases on the net with my credit card and I don't see anyone charging silly extra things on my card either. Makes you wonder.

So are you saying that no one in the world can get the virus before the virus companies update their definition files.

No, I did not say that. Those that get viruses either have bad habits (pr0n obsession, clicky fingers, loves freebies offered on the net, etc), unsecured environment(s), uncaring of what they do with their computers, or they were unfortunately hit with sheer luck. I dare say that even I could get hit out of nowhere. That's why I do my regular back ups. But for those that prepare their computer(s) and network well along with common sense guidelines, they should fare pretty good with a low chance of being hit.

It seems you will say anything to delude yourself that your PC is safe. Even worse, because of your delusion, you are trying to push it on other people. Your comments arent helpful.

A poor post you have made. I say its you thats too lazy to think in terms of the real world and to respect other peoples problems.

I never said that my PC was 100% safe but it is for the most part secured. However, this wasn't my main focus. My main focus is that most people are too damn lazy (if not lazy, then unwilling) to test their environments which could prevent them from having to format their computer over a little bug that could be easily rectified or at least avoided altogether. But yes, I understand the mentality of formatting an entire PC when installing a new driver (even that's extreme to some people). It gives you that satisfied feeling knowing that you're having a well fit computer ready for battle. But think about it-- comparing to real life, that's like rebuilding an entire car when you wanted to upgrade your freaking exhaust. Not necessarily the best analogy but that'll do.

-J.

 

[XSNiper]

I do a quick format every time I get a really bad virus from pr0n sites.. So i vote whenever it needs it..And yes I happen to know what I'm doing but I also know how to use AOL..but I don't think AOL knows how to use the Internet

 

[SpeedRunner]

Whenever needed...

 

[GeForceX]

... I think I'll choose to live in the real world, not some fantasy setting. Virii, Malware, Ad-aware happen, even when using your computer for its "intended purpose".

Seriously, the 's are getting overused.

Guess what, bonko? What I've told you are all based on real world testing and experience. It's by far not fantasy. You can prevent vrii, malware and adware* (it's not ad-aware) from happening or at least minimize its chances. And when using your computer for its intended purposes, you should expect it to behave as is.

For example--you game on your gaming PC, treat it as such. Use software that are known to have no conflicts or has no questionable privacy policies. Use games that you know does nothing more than simply loads a game without connecting to the internet (Steam would be an exception though). Don’t install silly programs that add bloatware crap that would allow it to connect to the internet by itself (like AIM, P2P, etc). Run tweaks that you know are safe to use and will guarantee you benefits. As always, put an AV software and set up your favorite firewall that works. Disable things, even services (but be sure you know what they actually do) that allows you to “anonymously” connect to telnet, netbios, etc (if you don't need them). Keep your web browsing to a safe limit (such as esreality.com, ggl.com, gmail.com). Nothing more, nothing less. And of course, if you see spam mail—delete it!

By following those few things and some other methods, you will minimize your chances of getting anything by a significant amount. You are responsible for what you do, period. And I will say this bluntly—a lot of people do not know how to use their computers efficiently, or at least properly. But there is one thing that can’t prevent computer security problems—and that is direct attacks. Direct attacks from hackers, maybe zombies that keep targeting your IP, or whatever it may be. If you made an enemy, then no wonder your computer is being crapped out constantly.

What I’ve said on the above is actually not bad advice. It’s all good advice. And I still advocate using an AV and other security-related software too.

Wrong again, sir. My computer has many different "intended purposes" yet I have never gotten viruses, spyware, malware, or anything like that. Getting those things is NOT just a fact of life.

QFT.

I suppose not. I actually know what I am doing.

As many of you people may think he is being ignorant, he really isn’t. I believe he does know what he is doing.

I use my computer for it's intended purposes, but sometimes, I'm just too lazy to go search through everything and figure out where all my GBs went. For most people, junk starts to accumulate, no matter what you do- between the downloads (of all types), the programs that leave crap behind when "uninstalled" (drivers too), and all sorts of caches that don't clean themselves out. Personally, I haven't reformatted since my last mobo upgrade (almost a year now) but then again, I try to take care of my computer. On family members' computers, it's often easier to reformat than to manually clean 1-2 years worth of garbage.

Junk starts to accumulate no matter what you do? Programs that leave crap when its uninstalled? Caches that don’t clean themselves out? You have a completely piss poor mentality. You can prevent that! But no, you will remain being ignorant thinking there is no possible way to fix all that.

I clean out my “junk” automatically with little effort. I also can clean out “crap” automatically as well with little effort. I also clean out my “caches” easily within a click of a button. Ever heard of utilities that are widely free and available on the internet? Do some research on that and you’ll be glad you did.

And you can’t at least take some time to teach your family members how to operate those utilities or at least teach them the to do/not to do rules when browsing on the internet? My dad once had bad habits clicking on the “FREE TICKETS!!!” ads which causes his computer to suddenly have three viruses and fifty nine spyware (which are easily rectified, thank you) and a month later, he no longer had any problems. I’ve taught him especially well too. You can too.

But please! Think of the children and don't reformat!

Are you insert insult or something?

-J.

 

[lithium726]

I suppose not. I actually know what I am doing.

im going to agree.

my webbrowsing consists of hardforums, OCP, anandtech, hotmail, ttu.edu, penny-arcade, hardware store sites, hardware manufatures sites, and occationally imageshack. yeah, i occatoinally get a popup (mostly from imageshack) but other than that, nothing at all.

i havent had a spyware, adware, or virii infection for over 2 years(andi never really had a problem with it initially, i always wonder how the fuck some people get all this shit on thier PC's). this stuff is NOT that hard to prevent, guys

 

[GeForceX]

Thank you.

-J.

 

[Janitor]

All it takes is about 10 mintues of looking through your computer everyday making sure it's clean and safe. Do an AV update every weekend or so. Always keep your firewall on [it should be automatically on]

I remember GeForceX helping me fix my computer, he always gave me some tips for keeping my computer clean and organized. Well, now it's in tip-top shape. I barely even have any problems with it and I even use Steam.

[actually my brother uses Steam for CS]

what's the problem with Steam anyway?

If you're smart enough to do these things as I mentioned, I don't think any of us will have a problem. It's just that people are lazy sometimes and they don't think.

-C.

 

[Janitor]

I'm pretty hardcore with PCs, but I also recommend a format every so often.
Open your eyes, the internet isnt safe and updates to your virus scanner happen very regularly. Why is this? Because new virii come out!.

You, hardcore with PCs, I don't think formatting your computer every so often is a great idea, it's a waste of time. You should keep your PC organized and if you know what you're talking about, you could format every once 6 months or a year!

Yes, you're right, a new virii WILL come out, it always does but you can always prevent that from getting into your computer, how? Don't click on strange things, strange websites, strange spam mail. Then you'll get no viruses.

-C.

 

[UltimaParadox]

usually at least once a year

 

[bonkrowave]

Seriously, the 's are getting overused.

Guess what, bonko? What I've told you are all based on real world testing and experience. It's by far not fantasy. You can prevent vrii, malware and adware* (it's not ad-aware) from happening or at least minimize its chances. And when using your computer for its intended purposes, you should expect it to behave as is.

My last post said that Virii, malware and adware happen. In this post your contradict yourself. You say in real world testing and experience you can prevent it, and then you conciede that you can "minimize it". So which one is it ... can you totally prevent it, or does it still happen, like I stated, and you seam to say with "minimize it".

And was there really a need to link this thread in a totally unrelated thread and then tell me that I am posting posts unrelated to the thread topic ?

 

[GeForceX]

My last post said that Virii, malware and adware happen. In this post your contradict yourself. You say in real world testing and experience you can prevent it, and then you conciede that you can "minimize it". So which one is it ... can you totally prevent it, or does it still happen, like I stated, and you seam to say with "minimize it".

And was there really a need to link this thread in a totally unrelated thread and then tell me that I am posting posts unrelated to the thread topic ?

Been a while.

For me, I can prevent it. As for you and others, since I cannot speak for all the actions they do and choices they make, I will say, "minimize it". That's the only reason why.

No, I guess there's no need. It was just a fit of anger, or something. Apologies.

-J.

 

[Ozymandias]

Junk starts to accumulate no matter what you do? Programs that leave crap when its uninstalled? Caches that don’t clean themselves out? You have a completely piss poor mentality. You can prevent that! But no, you will remain being ignorant thinking there is no possible way to fix all that.

I clean out my “junk” automatically with little effort. I also can clean out “crap” automatically as well with little effort. I also clean out my “caches” easily within a click of a button. Ever heard of utilities that are widely free and available on the internet? Do some research on that and you’ll be glad you did.

And you can’t at least take some time to teach your family members how to operate those utilities or at least teach them the to do/not to do rules when browsing on the internet? My dad once had bad habits clicking on the “FREE TICKETS!!!” ads which causes his computer to suddenly have three viruses and fifty nine spyware (which are easily rectified, thank you) and a month later, he no longer had any problems. I’ve taught him especially well too. You can too.

All I'm saying is that stuff will accumulate. What, in your perfect computer, do programs always uninstall themselves without leaving configuration files/saved games/extra plugins/etc. behind? Do your drivers delete everything, unlike everyone else's? I'm not ignorant; I do clean out my system manually (thus "fixing" it), which is why I haven't had to format since my last motherboard change (which was in my original post).

Instead of attacking me, why don't you do something constructive act posting links to all the utilities that you use to keep your system clean? I don't think you realize that not every utility on the Internet does what it says it does, or as well as it's advertised. In which case, the utility becomes more crap that you have to clean! I don't have time to test how well every single system optimizer or cleaner works, so I do it manually instead. So please great master, educate instead of criticizing!

However, I wouldn't trust my family to navigate the Registry, hunting for invalid or obsolete entries, because they'd screw something up big time. They wouldn't remember to run a simple utility like Spybot or Ad-aware every week even if I told them- they just blow me off. Then they come running to me when something goes wrong. You try dealing with three younger sisters that are like that before passing judgement. That's why my father (a Luddite who can barely use the Internet) only surfs on the Mac, where he can do minimal damage that I can easily fix.

 

[Master [H]]

When it's big components like the motherboard (actually, this is the only upgrade that I do reformats for, even though it's not required), I just like to get a fresh start to make sure everything's running at its best.

As to where we keep our backups, at least I have a partition with all my files that is very organized. You only need to format the OS partition.

Same here. I've got my files on a file server as well...but, yeah, about the only time I reformat is with a new mobo...which is about the time I do my yearly upgrade.