formatting computers?

Question

my msn been closing down on me alot lately my brother reckons my pc needs formatting its only the msn im having trouble with is formatting the answer thanks

Answer 1

Try a system restore first:



Start button -> Programs -> Accessories -> System tools -> System restore.



Restore it to a date before it started going wrong. Otherwise, you could try installing an update for MSN (Do you have Windows LIVE?)



Hope this helps,

Answer 2

Formatting is a way of clearing your hard drive and starting from scratch it will wipe out everything you have currently on your computer and re install a fresh copy of windows or whatever sysyem you are running.

It should only be done as a last resort .

If it's only msn playing up try removing it from the control panel add/remove programs list and do a fresh install.

You could also try removing any cookies and old internet files as they may be slowing your computer down.

To do this go to the control panel then click on internet options and in the general tab go to browsing history and click on delete this will bring up other options delete which ones you think nesecesary.

This wont hurt your computer in anyway.

Lavasoft has a good spyware removal program called zone alarm which is free to use i would recomend using this at least once a fortnight to delete all the crap that you pick up whilst surfing the net.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I don't think you need a Format for this.Formatting and doing a Clean installation is the last resort.



You will not be able to lose data always. So you need to learn how to troubleshoot. I have forgot when i last formatted my hard disk.



If you are having problem on MSN. Open a Question about it here. I wish you will get a suitable answer and you will not need a format.

Answer 4

Formatting your system wipes it completely clean, which would take care of your MSN problem for sure.



If MSN is your only issue, de-install and then try re-installing it. If all else fails, contact MSN. Good luck with that.

Answer 5

Reformatting is wiping the computer completely clean. You'll have to save all pictures and personal files you want to keep as this will wipe them out of your computer. Also you may have to search for and find drivers for things like your audio and video cards. If it is just MSN.. why don't you look for a browser update, as this may be the problem. A total format is really kinda drastic for this type of problem.

Try the browser update then, run your security programs. If you don't have any good protection on the machine...

I suggest you go to www.download.com There is a search bar at the top. Type in :

AVG FREE anti-virus download it then update it.. Then look for SPY BOT Search and Destroy..download it and update it.. After you update Spy Bot , click on "Immunize" on the main Spy Bot page.. let it run ..A window may pop up telling you, so many things have been blocked and there are so many that can be blocked... if it does , then click immunize at the top. This loads the definitions. Click block pages silently also.. Look for and download , Zone Alarm free fire wall also..You need one of these too. Then go to www. lavasoft.com and look for AD-Aware SE personal edition..Download it and then update it... These programs are all free..Then run all three programs. The Firewall runs itself.. You will need to run all three programs at least once a week..The AVG protects constantly. And can be set up to automatically update, and scan for problems. But you will have to open and check for updates and run the programs manually for the other 2.. I also recommend Abexo registry cleaner ( also available at download.com) but be careful when you delete registry files it may be something you want to keep look at each one before you delete them.

Answer 6

Check if you have some programs you dont need and unistall them, and also uninstall messenger.

Then download this free program:



http://www.ccleaner.com/



Run all the cleaners there, most important is the registry cleaner.



You might also want to install this free program:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

And check if you have some spyware messing with your computer.



After those things, install the messenger back.



If those things wont help, also check for viruses.

If nothing works, then your windows may already be so messed up that formatting could be wise.

Answer 7

have you tried you defragemate? Do you have a spyware program, if so use it.

Answer 8

No.