How can you tell its time to re-install Windows ?

[IluvIntel]

Hello,

I'm really curious about this one, upgrading my HD's tommorrow and I just think re-installing everything from scratch will keep it sweet and quick. Using Registry scanners and defragging occasionally, does have its limits, you know, sometimes when you uninstall programs and they never really completely uninstall....:stick: even using the windows XP add/remove panel...:mad:

Bloody annoying, manual fiddling around searching for files and folders is a pain.:(

How do others feel about this ?

[wildc4rd]

I reinstall every few months anyway, just keeps random junk at bay.

[trance565]

thats waht i do, i try to reinstall every 3-4 months

[IluvIntel]

I agree ! its been over 4 months now... time for the big rebuild !

Another question comes to mind, if you are using OEM software, how many times does MS let you activate it on the same pc ? and how can they tell that there is only one copy of the software floating around, I mean if you upgrade your hardware a lot, then that will make it more difficult for them to know that only one copy is being re-installed.

[krille]

They can't. So sometimes you'll have to activate by phone (they block internet activation of cd-keys if used a lot). But, really, the pirated versions of Windows roaming around the net are mostly Corporate Edition. Corporate Edition doesn't need activation and there are very easy tricks to use to get past the "windows genuine advantage" checks on WindowsUpdate. This is also why the "best" (optimized) "gamer's" version of Vista (or whatever they call it nowadays...) won't come as Corporate Edition (so you WILL have to activate that one... somehow, or crack it or something if you're a pirate).

Hope that clears things up!

[IluvIntel]

They can't. So sometimes you'll have to activate by phone (they block internet activation of cd-keys if used a lot). But, really, the pirated versions of Windows roaming around the net are mostly Corporate Edition. Corporate Edition doesn't need activation and there are very easy tricks to use to get past the "windows genuine advantage" checks on WindowsUpdate. This is also why the "best" (optimized) "gamer's" version of Vista (or whatever they call it nowadays...) won't come as Corporate Edition (so you WILL have to activate that one... somehow, or crack it or something if you're a pirate).

Hope that clears things up!

Interesting point krille, I activated it again last night and this time I was not put to a call centre O/S. It was a "talking computer" and I had no problems what-so-ever, very quick and easy. The last time I activated it, I was asked a question about why was I activating it again but this time that did'nt hapen...
They must have some way of knowing that it was only a "mild" hardware change on my part. But I have genuine curiosity about how windows XP generates its 'Installation I.D. number' ?

[D_o_S]

I go through periods when I reinstall my PC once every month, at other times I have it running for about 3-4 months before I reinstall (I don't reinstall unless I have to or want to, benchmark scores decresing is a valid reason to reinstall for me)

[Cooper]

You don`t need to reinstall OS. You can just make image of C:/ and when you`ll experience some misfunctions you could just put it into ROM drive and make that fresh installation :)
There are Norton Ghost and Acronis True Image that can help you make that image :)

[trakslacker]

I reinstall every 6 months or so. As said above, keeps the comp from running like crap. I have my drives split up in multiple partitions, with all data and setups.exe's for all programs on a separate drive so I never have to worry about formatting that drive. Just reformat the drives where the OS is and where all my games and proggies are actually installed, and just reinstall everything right quick.

As far as the windows activation goes, I've actually read up on this quite a lot recently. If you are reinstalling or activating the same OS a LOT(either on a sinlge computer, and especially if you install the same OS on multiple comps), they may make you call. But generally all you have to tell them is that its windows, it screws up a lot, the end. But be nice to them, b/c the ppl you talk to DO have the final say on activation, and if they don't believe you, you are out of luck. The other thing that sometimes causes activation over the phone it massive hardware change. Generally if you install new HDDs and a new Mobo they might make you call. I've heard of a few ppl that had to call from just using a new mobo. Outside of that though, you really shouldn't ever have to call them up.

[axion]

I just keep using it till something gets broken ;p

Highest would be about a year, average 6months or so.

[KingYubbo]

when your hardware starts going hay-wire, or your system starts to slow. You know you need to reformat. I usually do it every 4 months straight. Anything more and it feels too unclean.

[heater918]

I install XP update & register and install necessary drivers (no video drivers),firefox, firewall and Ghost that image on seperate drive. Than install applications etc. and Ghost that image. I can go for a clean 5 min. intall or full image if i havn't made a bunch of changes (uninstalls).Ghost9 works great with sata raid 0.