Reformatting

[AngryABCGirl]

My hard drive has 2 GB left on it and it's running sluggishly. I have a backup drive but it's gonna take forever for me to verify which files are current and what not.

Anyone have an effective system for reformatting that will make this process less time-consuming?

[LaiSteve66]

Just reinstall the OS (assuming you're running Windows) and select quick format.

[drydem]

Hard drives run slowly because
1) it fragmented . If the Hd is fragmented then run defragment sw.
2) it over 66% full - if the HD is full then remove data from hd until 33% full
by backuping data and removing unnessary software. A good start
might be running the clean disk mini application.
3) the hd is failing - if the HD is failing then backup the hd
and replace hd with new one.
4) the BIOS is misconfigured - if this is so get a real tech to help you
out.
5) the hd directory is corrupted or has formatting problems - then
boot from the original XP installation CDROM - select the Repair
Windows XP option. Following on-screen instructions....

[goodintentions]

Just forget all the mumbo jumbo everyone else tells you. Do what I tell you to do now.

Reinstall your os. Create 2 partitions, one big and one small. If you have a 80 gb harddrive, make one partition 10 gb and one 70 gb. Put the os in the smaller of the 2 partitions.

Save your data in the big partition. Keep your os in the small partition. If you get malware or whatever, chances are it will install itself in the partition where the os is. If the shit hits the fan, you could always reformat the small partition and reinstall a new os there. All your data in the big partition should be untouched. Another benefit to this is your computer won't lag because of fragmented data.