need help formating comuter

freyaluck

I have decided it is about time a gave my computer a format and started all over again. It has been running slow for months and often locks or closes files ect for no reason and I have now had enough. Cannot find any viruses, spyware ect have done systym restore point, have defragmented and numerous other things.
Is it wise just to go back to factory settings first and see if that helps or just go the whole hog and do a compleate format. If I do a complete format what disks will I need to re install the basic operations. To hand I have the windows xp re installation, Microsoft works, Drivers and utilities and disk 1 of 2 application. My computer is a DELL Dimention 2400 if that is of any help.
Thanks
Frey

isgman

Use the Dell "Re-Install" disk and this should put your system back to the same state it was in when you first unboxed it, it "should" do an unattended install of the O/S and any other software that was there when purchased.

freyaluck

hi thanks for that the problem is I moved a couple of months ago and a few of the disks have gone walkiesThe only re instalation disks I have are windows xp and one for restalling dell dimention euro tools system software but onlt have the 1st not 2nd disk of this.
Is there any way I can get replacement dics
Cheers
Frey

pgb2006

If your PC is still in warranty, give dell a ring and they might send you some. They did with me when my dell laptop went all wrong but I never got any with my PC in the first place.

If not you can download then off the dell website. Just go to https://www.dell.co.uk , then go to support and help, drivers and downloads and then just but either your system tag in (can be found in the BIOS or on the side of your PC) or your system model and download away.

If you don't have broadband, you might want to try and buy some off ebay because you will be waiting a while.

Hope this helps,

Phil

freyaluck

OK I think I am geting there I have The windows xp operarting system reinstalation cd Is this the one I need, sorry not usually to bad at these sort of things , But I don't want to compleately stuff up my computer:o
Thanks
Frey

albertross_2

Does the PC have 256MB of ram, if so, it might run better with 512..If you could elaborate on the problems, we may be able to help.

freyaluck

The computer has 512 mb so thats not a prob.
It is genrally running v.slow everything takes forever to load even basic files. Pretty much everything crashes or doesn't respond at least every few days. Usually when I am in the middle of something. Like this moring I was using spreadsheet to sort out my finances and suddenly nothing works and I had to re boot the computer.
I have had it two years and never formatted it before .
I defragment once a month and other things to try and keep it ruuning smooth, I think I just need to wipe the hard drive clean.
Never had a trojan or serious virus. I have various spyware and anti virus, have run the crash analisys tool to detect faulty programs and nothing has come up. so done everything I can think of really.
If you can think of anything else that might be the cause that would be great.
Cheers
Frey

freyaluck

hi can any one else help
Please
cheers frey