Reformat but not reformat

**Legionary Jezza** · February 25, 2010, 11:22 AM

Is it possible to reformat my PC but keeping my system files on so I dont have to reinstall Windows 7 so basically my PC will be like I just put the OS on bu saving me the hassle of reinstalling the OS.

-Evil

**CtrlAltDe1337** · February 25, 2010, 11:36 AM

I don't think so.

**wupwup** · February 25, 2010, 11:57 AM

possibly use system restore to return to factory settings. but if it is a fesh install no luck and its not realy clean either

**Spiff** · February 25, 2010, 12:16 PM

Reinstalling the OS only takes about half an hour anyway - the only potential problem is you might have trouble reactivating your copy of windows, but worse case scenario is you need to call up microsoft and explain the situation

**Legionary Jezza** · February 25, 2010, 12:24 PM

Well I just got so much crap on my PC things half installed stuff I dont need its gonna take me ages going through it all thats why I asked.

-Evil

**Simetrical** · February 25, 2010, 03:37 PM

What are you trying to achieve here? Is there some specific reason you want a "fresh" OS?

**Legionary Jezza** · February 25, 2010, 11:16 PM

yeah because as I stated I got a load of programs on my computer that I dont use anymore nother load that are half-working and when I say loads I mean loads so I just want to clean it of everything except my windows files.

-Evil

**Simetrical** · February 26, 2010, 01:55 PM

Then your best bet is to actually reinstall, I'm afraid.

**Capt. Fozdike** · February 26, 2010, 09:19 PM

Yeah, there is a lot of crap on a PC that isn't just installed programs and files. There is your registry that can get stuffed and other system files.
A whole reformat will give you a fresh clean so that would be your best option