vista

[MRCPix]

anyone have to format there hard drive and reload everything? looking for suggestions. I am in the process of backing up all my photo's onto dvd.

[janetg]

yah - been there done that like at least 30 times...(not due to vista, but over the years..)

there really are no suggestions, but back up your email, photos...serial numbers for programs..and wipe away!!

one thing i've always done - if possible - is do a complete drive copy to a blank drive - that way as i re-install everything i need - i delete it from the backup so i know i've done it and have everything i need.

[MRCPix]

I have done it several times, but just wondering if there are any issues with vista on reinstall?

[janetg]

i've done it once on vista - i didn't have any issues...it worked for me the same as xp

[MRCPix]

Thanks Janet

[testvp01]

Back up everything from your "My Docs" area, Use your system restore cd that came computer. Some systems have boot option "F12" that you can hit to select the restore option. Otherwise use the vista install DVD and follow the prompts to format drive and reinstall. Good look.. Computer guy trying to learn cameras.

[Wes]

Back everything up onto DVD. The obvious stuff is in your "My Documents" folder, but you'll also want to go into your Documents and Settings folder to locate and backup your Favorites. I would also look for extraneous files hanging around in your C drive. After you have backed everything up, put each disc back into your DVD drive to make sure that you can read the contents.

I would also recommend going to the website of the manufacturer of each component in your machine and download the latest driver, and then back that up onto CD/DVD. Particularly, I would recommend making sure that you have the driver for your network card (this one is crucial), video card, and sound card. Most everything else should be generic enough that your O/S should have drivers available.

[mjdmike]

All the above is good info.

You might want to also export then copy any emails you might want to keep, if you're not using a web based program.

[Michelle Allmon]

Another option I would suggest is just get a new hard drive and reinstall the restore disk onto that. They are so cheap nowadays and it's a good excuse to upgrade, plus you won't lose a thing. Set up your old drive as a slave once you get setup and copy over what you need. Then wipe it and keep it as a second drive.

[Tapper]

If the drive itself isn't hosed, why would you format and reinstall? 99% of the time users do this, it isn't necessary.

Did you go back to the last restore point?