Reformat And Re-Install Windows 10

[Booldawg]

I bought a new desktop PC in August last year that came with Win 8.

After about 2 or 3 weeks I did the upgrade to Win 10. I don't think the install went 100% as planned; I notice if I walk away from the PC for more than about 15 minutes, when I come back it has totally frozen and wont run anything. Only option is to power off on the button.

Recently I noticed a lot of unwanted pop up ads and programs installing themselves. Also have adult webcam sites appearing randomly!

I have MacAfee but it wont run a full scan due to the 'freezing' problems as above.

I think its time to do a complete reformat and re-install but I don't have any discs, as the PC didn't come with Win 7 on DVD and I'm not sure how to find the registration code (I thought it was on a sticker on the PC?)

How is the best way to go about this?

[alavahalf]

If the computer didn't come with a set of restore disks then it probably has a restore partition (usually d:) from which it can be restored to factory shipped specs. If you check your manual, or contact the manufacturer, you should find some method to burn a set of restore dvd's.

[Booldawg]

I will have a look, not sure if there are virus type things on the HDD then all partitions will need formatting?

[Buenchico]

The pop-ups, etc are due to malware on your computer. Run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to get rid of them. (If you've not already got Malwarebytes on your computer, download and install the free version from here: https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/ Take care to deselect the pre-ticked option to take a free trial of the Premium version).

Getting rid of the malware might fix your other problems. If not, the freezing problem is most likely related to something associated with Windows automatically going into either 'Sleep' or 'Hibernation' mode after a certain period of inactivity (and then being unable to recover from there). It's a common problem across most versions of Windows, which is overcome simply by cancelling the setting that automatically invokes sleep/hibernation.

Reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows should definitely be avoided for the time being. There are plenty of other options that should be tried first, including using the built-in repair facility within Windows itself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-HKlr_3o0Q

[Booldawg]

Thanks Chris. I did download the Malwarebytes and will look at cancelling the sleep/hibernation.

Had the same problem running the Malwarebytes and I did with my McAfee and the freezing issue. It would complete the scan due to the freezing. Hopefully this can be rectified with the sleep setting being cancelled.

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe you have a physical issue with the PC and the OS upversion is simply a coincidence ?

Try a disk check. Run something to monitor temperatures. Is there anything in the logs to explain the issue ? Do a memory check. Consider removing upgrades such as video boards etc. and see if it still happens. Unplug external devices and see if it still happens. Etc. Etc. Etc..

[Old_Geezer]

Not that any of that will remove malware putting up ad windows.

Try running the AV and Malwarebytes in Safe Mode, see if that allows them to finish.

[Booldawg]

wouldn't rule anything out OG! will see if there is a h/w diagnostic test out there.

[VHG]

If you do want to reinstall Windows 10 then there is a built in facility in Windows 10 to do this (you dont need any CDs).

It is called Reset Your PC and the link below shows you how to do it. This will install windows 10 from scratch.

http://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-10-reset-your-pc-feature/

Then create a backup system image so you can always do a recovery whatever happens (if your hard disk crashes or whatever)

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-create-windows-10-system-image-backup-restore-it-1513321

[ivor4781]

more like a graphics card problem, drivers for instance

[pinkyboyid]

If you are still have problems an there is an Option available to Reset Windows 10 which reinstalls the entire system but allows you to keep your personal files intact.

See the following Microsoft article that describes how to go about performing a Reset process, see the section 'Resetting your PC':-

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-10/windows-10-recovery-options

[Togo]

I have had a read through the posts Booldawg. I think if I were you I may tempted to do a restore to prior to your w10 upgrade. Then make sure that you do all updates that are available in w8. After that I would re install the w10 from scratch. There are no product keys issued with w8 or 10. The systems recognise the hardware installed on the pc or laptop and uses that info for future verification (unless you buy the Microsoft install discs at about £100.) If your pc was installed with a pirate or previously registered w8 version it can cause problems. W10 is great by the way.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-10/activation-errors-windows-10

[CrapAtCryptics]

Personally I`ve never rated McAfee - if you havent already wiped your machine google Norton Power Tools and run one or both as required. if this does the trick then update all your drivers and pick your way through they various options and tailot 10 as you want it.

[VHG]

>>>that describes how to go about performing a Reset process, see the section 'Resetting your PC':-

Which is exactly what I said in the append one above yours.