Ask The Wizard (Wiping a hard disk and starting over)

Dear Wizard of 'OZ',

Wondering.....how can I or where would I go or can you do basically wipe my hard drive. Can a computer be brought back to sort of where it was the first time it was turned on? Start afresh with a clean slate. Does that happen through the CPU (think thats the computer processor unit????). Or is it worth it as my computer is already four years old. And......(here comes the second question)......my printer is an el cheapo for sure.....but not sure if it's not working because of something technical or just my computer illiteracy. This whole computer thing is way above my head....I probably shouldn't even have one!!!

Signed,

Wondering

Dear Wondering

First of all, never be ashamed about not understanding computers. They are like cars now a days.. getting more complicated as they do more and more for you!

In answer to the first part of your question (wiping and starting new)... it depends. It depends upon:

a) Do you have a retail version of Windows? (IE. One bought in a store.) or

b) Do you have an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) version?

You can usually tell. Did Windows come pre-installed on the system? Did you get a "Real" Windows disc? Or is it a "Restore" disc? Companies such as HP, Gateway, Acer, Dell etc, generally will provide an OEM copy of the operating system. With this type, there is usually a Restore Wizard somewhere in your Program Files (Start, All Programs - it s/b listed there.)

... generally, these discs will allow you to just re-install Windows while maintaining any other programs installed, as well as your data files (word docs, pictures etc). Be careful as they usually also have a "Revert to factory default" which WILL erase ALL data on the disc, so if you do choose this option, back up your data to an external Flash Drive (Thumb Drive) or hard disk, or even to CD or DVD.

If you have a retail version, you can just 'Over-install it on your current system. Make sure you choose 'Upgrade'. This will usually restore Windows to a good working condition.

Alternatively, you can wipe the drive and do a clean install. (You did back up your data, right?)..

By the way... unless you use your PC for gaming or intensive applications such as video editing, a 4 year old PC is still an acceptable choice for email, web browsing and documents. (But a brand new shiny PC do look good!)

As far as printers go.. an inexpensive printer that isn't working.. check the connection at the printer and at the back of the PC case. Make sure the connections are tight. Try shutting the system down and unplugging the printer from the back of the PC. Then power up the PC, shut it down again and re-connect the printer. Windows should 'discover' it again. If not you may have to uninstall and re-install the printer. Follow the instructions that came with your printer.

That said, once again, printers are cheap these days in a throw away society.. it's the ink and toner that keeps the printer manufacturers in business! If you think you've gotten your money's worth from your printer, replace it. Just remember to uninstall or delete the old printer from Windows first. (Start|Settings|Printers and Faxes.)

Hope this helps.

Yrs,

The Wizard