If I backup my hard drive, will I have intermittent problems with a fresh windows install?

Question

My HP 7966 has performance issues. Several times a day it locks up. I've done maintenance and all seems well. It's going to be replaced soon.

The question:

I have a 500GB external drive I am going to back up my entire PC. If whatever problem my PC is having will be transferred when I back up my data will the problem follow?

Answer

This question was answered on March 29, 2007. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

You shouldn't have any intermittent problems with your new PC, if you back up your data and perform a fresh install of Windows.

You can use the back up program that is built into Windows. You access this program by following these steps:

1. Click Start

2. Go to Programs

3. Go to Accessories

4. Go to System Tools

5. Click on Backup

Once in the Backup utility you have 4 choices to choose from to back up your files.

- My Documents and settings

- Everyone's Documents and settings

- All information on this computer

- Let me choose what to back up

Choose which option fits your needs best and follow the step by steps the Backup utility prompts you with.

After you've completed your back up, you can proceed with formatting your hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. Once this is complete you can go back into the Backup utility and restore those files with the restore files and settings option.

Author

Posted by Ryan of Chandler-Gilbert Community College on March 29, 2007