What operating system?

Hi Manteno
I'm running Windows XP home edition

Have a read of that. :)

Thanks Manteno!

hey arri,
if you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, I've had good luck with the service dept. of creative computing on menual, just east of washington. they did a great job replacing a failed hard drive, getting the old data off and reinstalling windows.

I still use Windows 2000, never had an ounce of use for XP. Windows 2000 is one of the best operating systems ever. Knock on wood...but I have NEVER had a crash in 5 years of using it.

if your windows install has gotten crumbed up, yes, it's a really good idea. it's also a good time to make sure you have the latest drivers, software updates, etc. on a fresh install.

couple things:

make sure you don't connect it to the internet before installing security updates/patches as well as antivirus (put the latest definitions on a cd before formatting)

microsoft will send you a cd with SP2 and other updates for free. takes a couple weeks to come though, but very handy.

also, to avoid this happening again (computer fudged up due to malware),

stay up to date on AV definitions
get spybot, keep it updated and run often
get adaware, keep it updated and run often

and stop clicking the shady links on porn sites.

thanks everyone!

note, it won't get rid of viruses if the virus is infecting a file that you wind up keeping. for instance, a word document that you backup. however, it DOES clear out a bunch of junk in the windows registry that may be slowing down your computer. also gets rid of some spyware as those usually attach in windows or program file directories. i would scan everything you backup before you burn it and make sure everything you backup is clean. then go and format.

i'm about to do it for my computer. i like doing it once every 2 or so years. i've had reformats do wonders for my computer.

BACKUP ALL CRITICAL DOCUMENTS.

you don't 'reformat' a computer's hard drive, you format it.

cheers =)