Site Meter Home Computer Talk » Blog Archive » Old Age? Or just clogged arteries? Part 3

Old Age? Or just clogged arteries? Part 3

by

thinking.jpgIn Part 1 of Old Age…? I talked about defrag and the speed increases it can give. Here is the process mentioned in Part 2

What is needed is to restore Windows to something approaching the condition it was in when it was first installed. Remember how zippy it was when you first got the computer? So what we need to do is to start the computer using the Windows CDROM rather than the Hard Disk. To do this we interrupt the normal start up procedure.

Start the computer and press the key to enter Setup. On some machines it’s the Del key, on others F1, depending on the maker. Most PC’s will have a brief message as the computer boots up to tell you which key will bring up the CMOS setup screen.

Now it’s difficult to cover all the possibilities here, but what you want is either the Boot screen or the Startup screen. Once you find it, you will see a variety of start up options, including Hard Disk, CD Drive, (or DVD Drive) Floppy Disk and USB devices. You want to set it to start from the CDROM first.

If you’re lucky enough to have an IBM laptop or desktop, you don’t have to worry about the start up changes – press F12 at the beginning and you can choose which device to start from.

The Windows CD will run and show messages across the bottom. Let it run until the ‘Welcome to Setup’ screen appears. It offers options to Set up Windows, (Press Enter) to Repair Windows (Press R) or to Quit (Press F3)

Press Enter.

The next screen is the User Agreement. If you don’t have enough boredom in your life you can read it. Otherwise, press the F8 key.

Setup will search for previous version of Windows and (should) find the one you normally use. (Usually in C:\Windows)

Press R to Repair.

Let it run to completion.

The process will take maybe 40 minutes or so and at the end should return you to Windows. If you experience any problems, please post here and I will get Mr JM to do his thing.


Leave a Reply


About Home Computer Talk

This site is for home computer users. Learn more about how to use your PC at home and ask questions. Any questions will be answered promptly.

Home Computer Talk Author(s)

Blogging Flair

Technology Channel Posts

  • Cell Phones + Social Networks = Love?
    [caption id="attachment_262" align="alignnone" width="128" caption="Social Networks"][/caption]Wireless industry ready to interface with Facebook, MySpace and Bebo Everybody at this week's Mobile [...]
  • LG X120 Netbook
    LG Electronics has announced it is launching their newest netbook called the LG X120. The laptop is a cute one with only 10.1″ screen with backlit. Powering it is an Intel Atom processor [...]
  • Uniea Haptique HardShell Case for MacBook
    This hardshell cases for the new MacBook aluminum are made of ABS plastic coupled with soft touch coating. It offers a textured feel, almost leather like, and protects the surface of the laptop [...]
  • Haier shows off it's offerings to the masses
    [caption id="attachment_1757" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Haier netb ook, G1 and G2"][/caption]The fine folks over at Haier shows off mysterious "NetBooks," Android phones Haier's [...]
  • Hackers target Gamers
    [caption id="attachment_887" align="alignnone" width="128" caption="Xbox"][/caption]Although I'm not a gamer, everyone should be aware of hackers and malware. According to microsoft, What's the [...]
  • Microsoft Equips Individuals With New Training Resources Needed for Jobs
    [caption id="attachment_733" align="alignnone" width="109" caption="Microsoft"][/caption]Second time around for this bit of news, but very apropos in today's business climate. Microsoft Corp. [...]
  • LG Phone's Transparent Keypad Expected to "Make A New Fashion Statement"
    [caption id="attachment_259" align="alignnone" width="950" caption="Transluscent Phone"][/caption][caption id="attachment_258" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="LG GD-900"][/caption]Firmware or [...]
  • Preorder Nokia N86 at Expansys
    [caption id="attachment_1754" align="alignnone" width="162" caption="Nokia N86"][/caption]Engadget breaks this story: European markets can expect to see Nokia's N86 handset on or about July 22, [...]
  • Microsoft Tests Vista SP2, Readies Windows 7 Updates
    [caption id="attachment_884" align="alignnone" width="116" caption="Vista"][/caption]Lots coming out of Redmond these days. Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 is reportedly [...]
  • Five Steps to an E-friendly Résumé
    [caption id="attachment_730" align="alignnone" width="128" caption="Resume on Outlook"][/caption]With today's economy and layoffs, we all need all the help we can get when searching for jobs. MSN [...]

Hot Off The Press