Hey guys :)

Im wanting to get rid of all the stuff thats on my computer as i have downloaded a lot of crap through the years and its going very slow.

However i thought to be able to do this you would need the windows vista disc to reload everything but i do not have one as everything came pre installed when i bought the computer.

So just wondering what i can do to start again, or maybe not start again but to get rid of all the crap thats hiding in the background making it run slow.

Thanks in advance :D

You could do a system restore to a date you choose

What make and model is the computer? If it's a Dell or something it will probably have a restore partition with the factory supplied image on it.

do a google search for "ccleaner" and install/run. its a nice little program that should help clean up your system, its pretty user friendly.

Should also be noted that if Windows Vista was a charged for advertised product for the PC, they MUST provide a copy of it - otherwise they are in breach of the EULA (and putting you in breach of it as it happens)

Would the 'Disc Defragmenter' assist?

Easiest way is to click on start,control panel,internet options,delete and then delete all.most of the crap is in temp folder,then do a discfragmenter.This will delete any unused stuff

Hardest way and it will be as if from a shop is to continously press f2 on boot up to delete using a partition it will reinstall windows automatically but you do need to reinstall all your software inc microsoft office manually with discs.But if you really are clueless to any of the instructions dont do it, can permanantly screw up your comp.

Hey guys :)

Im wanting to get rid of all the stuff thats on my computer as i have downloaded a lot of crap through the years and its going very slow.

However i thought to be able to do this you would need the windows vista disc to reload everything but i do not have one as everything came pre installed when i bought the computer.

So just wondering what i can do to start again, or maybe not start again but to get rid of all the crap thats hiding in the background making it run slow.

Thanks in advance :D

I would recommend the following rather than a complete rebuild...

1. Uninstall as many unwanted programs that you can that have built up over the years
2. Download a free spyware removal tool like Ad-Aware and do a full system scan
3. Make sure your anti-virus software is up to do date and do a full system scan
4. Make sure you have the latest updates from Microsoft
5. Do a defrag if you want to tidy up your hard disk

That should help and you don't have to worry about screwing up your PC or having to find a copy of Vista

If you have a vista key (ie, have paid for the software) then I would feel fine about downloading a copy off the internet, maybe using a bit torrent site.

Just make sure you get the right version. Eg Vista Home Premium (which im guessing you will have, it should say on the sticker)

Or just get Windows XP and make everyones life easier.

Don't know if this works on all laptops but on my Lenovo Thinkpad (on XP Pro) on start up theres an option on start-up to press the blue thinkvantage button which takes you into a seperate menu, from there was an option to completely wipe the hard drive and return to a factory fresh status.
I've also tried something similar on my Samsung laptop running Vista but can't remember how I did it on that one, I'm guessing it basically formats the hard drive obviously leaving the OS partition.

i think the OS is formatted as well. i believe some manufacturers have a very small separate partition that contains a factory image of the OS (or at least the installation files)

personally, i don't think you need to rebuild your PC as there's a decent chance it could go wrong if you're unsure about how to do it (and i guess you are as you're asking on here). just try tidying it up first and that might do the trick

Hey guys :)

Im wanting to get rid of all the stuff thats on my computer as i have downloaded a lot of crap through the years and its going very slow.

However i thought to be able to do this you would need the windows vista disc to reload everything but i do not have one as everything came pre installed when i bought the computer.

So just wondering what i can do to start again, or maybe not start again but to get rid of all the crap thats hiding in the background making it run slow.

Thanks in advance :D


In the line below replace the xxxxxxxxx with the name and model of your computer and Google it


How do I re- install the operating system for a xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Or you could try tapping the F8 key (until it starts bleeping) when you first start up the computer. This could bring up a list of options including "Re-install"

Thats the way for my Dell 3000

yep as above its usually one of the F keys you press as you start your pc, as said type in google restore to factory settings (along with make and model of your PC)

http://dban.sourceforge.net for all windows up to xp

hi if u want xp pro pm me. better than vista

hi if u want xp pro pm me. better than vista

200% better IMO

Hey guys :)

Im wanting to get rid of all the stuff thats on my computer as i have downloaded a lot of crap through the years and its going very slow.

However i thought to be able to do this you would need the windows vista disc to reload everything but i do not have one as everything came pre installed when i bought the computer.

So just wondering what i can do to start again, or maybe not start again but to get rid of all the crap thats hiding in the background making it run slow.

Thanks in advance :D

When starting up try pressing F12