Lessons learned

Every once in a while, I do some computer spring cleaning. That means I back up the files, reformat the hard drive, reinstall the applications, and restore the personal files. I wish it was as easy as that. Lesson #1 for me, make sure the installers work. CDs can get scratched or just plain degrade and then there will be that one important operating system (OS) (i.e. Windows) installer file that cannot be read by your CD drive, and it basically kills your entire day of installing. Then you're left with good old MS-DOS. So that you don't have to go through the pain, I am sharing some lessons learned from experience.

(Oh, it's best to have a reliable copy of the OS installer somewhere, so spend for that CD-R/W)

First of all, it helps to create a boot disk so that you won't get stuck with a hi-tech system that cannot boot. I recommend the Windows 98 SE bootdisk, which also allows you to boot with CD-ROM support.

Here are some spring cleaning tips:

Some things to backup:

1. Personal/Work files
2. Device Drivers
3. Internet connection settings (phone number, username, password)
   
4. E-mail (if stored locally)
   
5. MP3s
6. Pictures
7. Downloaded applications
8. Serial Numbers
9. Instant messenger contacts or messages
10. Browser bookmarks
11. List of some things to backup

The essential installers:

1. Operating System (Windows, Linux (yeah, right))
2. Office Applications (MS Office)
   
3. Internet browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox)
   
4. Antivirus software (McAfee, Norton)
   
5. Multimedia applications (Media Player, WinAmp, Quicktime)
   
6. File compression software (Winzip,WinRAR)
7. Device Drivers
   
8. Games, games, games (of course they're essential!)

And of course, the basic steps to a clean install:

1. Boot from your favorite bootdisk
2. Run FDISK and destroy all hard drive partitions,
3. Then create a new one (or create many, it's all up to you)
4. Maybe a restart is needed after this
   
5. Format the newly partitioned space
6. Copy the OS installer files to the hard drive or boot using the bootable OS installer CD
   
7. Install the OS
8. Install the applications
9. Restore files

That should do it. Happy spring cleaning!