Reformatting Vista Laptop

[taichiperson]

As above - my other half has my old laptop but it's become increasingly slow and glitchy. I would like to reformat it and reinstall Windows - and presumably will have lots of drivers to update too. I'm not a complete techno novice, so can anyone tell me please if its reasonably simple to do?

[hc4361]

What make and model is it?
Many pcs and laptops have a 'restore to factory default' setting which makes it easy to do.

[taichiperson]

It's the dreaded Dell - it always was a bit flakey, with the blue screen of death featuring frequently. Inspiron 1525. Would a factory reset cleaqn the hard drive of photos, documents and programmes? Hubby only wants to use it to surf the net, store and process photos.

[taichiperson]

I also meant to say, would that retain the Windows OS?

[hc4361]

Yes, it would. The laptop would be exactly the same as when it was bought, so there will be a LOT of Windows updates and other updates but this should all happen automatically so it's just a matter of sitting back and letting it get on with it.

You will be amazed at the difference.

[tamborine]

Try this

http://ccm.net/faq/7319-reset-dell-inspiron-to-factory-default-settings

[taichiperson]

Thanks both, that's very helpful. I presume I'll also have to update a ton of drivers too. I'm still in two minds as to whether to do it myself or take it to the local Cyber Cafe. I don't think it came with discs - or maybe I've just misplaced them. I can't find any option to make restore discs.

[hc4361]

Do it yourself. The drivers will automatically update, too. I do it every couple of years with all my machines.

[hc4361]

By the way, you don't need disks.

[taichiperson]

Progressing nicely - though Explorer is still a bit flaky - when I try to update it, it goes to 'IE cannot display the page'. Perhaps that will change once I've got the Windows update done - 77 updates to be applied.

[hc4361]

:)

Do you mean Internet Explorer? If so, use a different browser, there are plenty of better ones to try

[taichiperson]

I've managed to install Firefox. Hubby always preferred Explorer...

[hc4361]

Hope all is well, now. He'll soon get the hang of Firefox, if it hates it he can try Opera, which I use, Chrome, Maxathon.....