OT-Reformatting my PC

[Zinnia]

My BF said we need to re-format my pc..It freezes up often, is SLOW, and has alot of "stuff" on it we don't use.. Has anyone ever done this to their pc and does it make a big difference?
I think I am more concerned about being a Jr. again, http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif--will I lose my oldie status, posts, the archives? He is (was, lol!) a Wiz w/ the computer-but can't answer my questions without saying "I'm not sure,,,but"... I thought I'd ask you guys before I let him do it.
Does anyone know anything about what actually happens to this board when u reformat? TY and (I feel stupid for asking!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia

[jms0310]

I'm not really an expert on this topic but I don't think you will lose your member status on this board because you will still log on with the same username & password. The reformatting will probably just clean out old files to make room for more. It will have nothing to do with how the CL board is formatted. You may want to run the disk defragmenter or system restore (both under accessories/system tools) to see if this helps before you reformat the system. These help get rid of excess junk on the hard drive.
Jessica

[luv2cook]

I've been needing to do it also but am scared to. I have so many things to consider, back up, etc. I know it's going to crash one of these days...

[RobinC]

It not a matter of if a Windows hard drive will have to be reformatted (slash & burn to us techies), it is only a matter of when.

You will not loose any status on CL, or any other web sites you have membership on. Be sure that you have all your usernames and associated passwords collected before you slash & burn. To use CL as an example, your membership info (name, # of posts, etc.) is all stored on CL's server, not your computer. This is why you can log onto CL from any computer in the world and post under your full-blown member ID.

I live in a very technical household. My DB and I run a web server out of our home. We have reformatted my machine a few times, and it is due for another slash & burn. My machine is getting flaky. Doing a slash & burn is one of the best ways to clear off old junk. Un-installing programs doesn't clean up as much as you think it would. A lot of residual mess is left.

*sigh*....time for me to start backing up my important stuff....

[Zinnia]

Thanks you guys. Sounds like it's something we all need to do once in awhile to keep these precious (addicting http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif), things at our fingertips! I will definitely make sure I have all of my ID's & pw's written down before he does it.. Thanks again, http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia

[Julie O]

You won't lose your member status, but you might lose your recipe file if you have one. It's set up as a cookie on your computer. No cookie, no recipe file. Other than that, you'll probably be happier after it's been cleaned.

[funnybone]

Instead of reformatting, I just go to the add/remove programs file under the control panel and take "unused" programs out of there. My PC is just over 3 years old and tends to freeze up as well. The other day, I wanted to try a new internet service and it caused our computer to freeze up - we had to reboot it if we wanted to disconnect.

I really need to get another computer that does not contain any of the kids games. I tried an old lap top DH has, and got a headache from the screen and that "mouseless thing" you keep your finger on.

Anyway, I find that removing the programs works, but before you know it, the kids load lots of them back on. It never fails! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif