From the cleanin-out-my-closet department...

[J.J. Maxx]

So I've had my computer for quite some time and it's really starting to get all wacky and have errors and is just filled to the brim with junk leftover from long-deleted programs and trash temp files. So here's the deal.

I am so entrenched on this computer that it scares me to have to re-format it. But thats exactly what I need to do. I need to do a clean wipe of the entire thing. But over the years I have amassed so many things on this computer that I'm afraid I will lose something forever...

Whats the best way to go about this task?

[vegeta1215]

What operating system is on it? I've done a clean install of Windows 98 several times (clean install being a total format, then install).

This is the document I read to learn how to do it: http://www.hexff.com/win98_install.html

Pretty much, you need:
-A Windows 98 boot disk (that has FDISK and FORMAT on it)
-A Windows 98 cd
-Any cd's or disks with drivers you need (esp the modem/ethernet driver, that way you can at least download all the others if you don't have them)

[J.J. Maxx]

Re-installing windows isn't the problem, I can do that. But what about my Road Runner? I dont know how to re-set that up... And I will have to back up all my personal junk...

[War Lord]

You have cable internet?
That's not too hard to setup.
What are your computer specs JJ, Why not just use Windows XP?
It will detect all drivers and internet stuff automatically....
Not to mention it's hella more stable and faster.

[J.J. Maxx]

I have Win98 SE with a 6gig HDD and a PII processor. (Not sure what speed.) I don't know if my PC could support XP and I don't feel like spending a fortune to get it either...

[War Lord]

I could send it to you for free.
As long as you have at least 128 megs of ram, XP is fine.
I ran it on a PII 333 and it ran fine.
My friend even went as far as to run it on his P200, and it was ok.
It'll run faster than 98 as well.

[Thunderbird]

I think your system falls below the minimum specs for XP.

I'm not entirely sure that you can for sure avoid losing something that you want permanently.

[J.J. Maxx]

I have 160 meg of RAM... 2 Ethernet cards, TV Tuner card, modem, cable modem, optical mouse, 17" Monitor...

So would I have to format to install XP, WL? And I thought XP had all these anti-copying features where you had to call a number if you changed stuff and whatnot..

[deathbyhokie]

i've also been thinking about re-formatting, but XP came preinstalled on my computer, and without any discs. is there any way i can reformat, and not have to buy XP again?

[Verman]

You guys crazy I wouldnt install XP on anything less then a PIII. With 256 mgs of ram, 10gb HD.... it takes 2 up eh.

But im a whiner and want my computer running fast

Id stick with win98 mr. Maxx...Burn or copy over all the files you wanna keep then blow away the drive....it will feel good