BleepingComputer.com: Reinstalling Windows or Reformatting Hard Disk?

You know, these previous days I haven't used my laptop because of some problems, I already posted my problem still waiting for the result and i'm really out of patience now.. So what's on my mind now is to reinstall the os or reformatting hard disk.. which is better can i choose reformatting the hard disk because it is faster than reinstalling windows? What will happen when i reformat the hard drive? will the system go back normal? i don't care now about my files since i have a backup what i want is to back my laptop in good state.. please i need answers and please teach me how to reformat hard drive thank you..

Without knowing what problems you are experiencing, if you want to start from scratch with a "clean system" you should format.

Boot to your OS disc. Choose the option to delete the existing partition and then recreate it. Format. Install. After installing you'll need to download and install all drivers starting with the chipset driver and followed by the video driver, sound driver, etc. Obtain the drivers from the website of your laptop manufacturer, not from Windows Update. Next install a GOOD anti virus application. Then download and install all Windows Updates (except for hardware / driver updates as previously explained).

If you need more detailed instructions you can look at any or all of these links:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/install-reinstall-uninstall

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUDp1zKML08

This post has been edited by Allan: 03 November 2011 - 07:31 AM

Hi,PinoyNoob.
What is the make/model of the laptop in question?
Do you have Windows 7 install media?

Sorry, Allen. Didn't see you there....

You have an open malware topic at http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic425622.html and it appears to me that you have received a fair amount of help thus far...so i have to wonder about your comment re "xtill waiting for the result".

As for reformatting vs reinstalling...reformatting is part of reinstalling. It's necessary to format in order to install any version of Windows. Formatting is part of the Windows install process.

If you don't intend to reinstall Windows, then formatting the hard drive/partition is a necessary step in preparing the drive to be used for storage of data files.

There is plenty of documentation available on the Web...if you have any questions about installing Windows, reformatting a drive/partition, and such.

If you have an OEM syxtem (any laptop is an OEM system), then the procedures for installing Windows are governed by the manufacturer of the system. Such procedures should be detailed in the user/owner manual and/or at the respective website of the system manufacturer.

Louis

hamluis, on 03 November 2011 - 07:45 AM, said:

With all due respect, that's not actually the case. As I'm sure you know, there are many folks who intend to do a clean install of the OS but do not format first, and then end up with multiple Windows Installations. It is not necessary to format in order to install Windows - it's simply an option presented during the installation routine.

oh hi allan thanks for the comment
how about reformatting the hard drive using the computer management?
will the errors and virus will be gone ?

You cannot format the system drive from within Windows. You need to do it at boot.