reinstallation of operating system on an annual basis.

I have run into something that I find rather silly. Can
anyone tell me if there is a standard being recommended
whereby you wipe a systems hard drive and reinstall the
operating system on an annual basis? If there is such a
standard, what is the rationale?

Thanks,

DR

There is no "standard being recommended
whereby you wipe a systems hard drive and reinstall the
operating system on an annual basis?"

Performing periodic maintenance and keeping your system
properly updated and secured is all you need to do.

Utilize the following Windows XP utility programs, at least monthly, in this order:

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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"Dan" wrote in message:
...

| I have run into something that I find rather silly. Can
| anyone tell me if there is a standard being recommended
| whereby you wipe a systems hard drive and reinstall the
| operating system on an annual basis? If there is such a
| standard, what is the rationale?
|
| Thanks,
|
| DR

There is no such standard, and for 98% of users it's completely unneeded.

In the early days of the 9x operating systems, power users could benefit by
completely rebuilding their systems more or less annually. However, Windows
and software in general have come a long way since then, so there is no
longer a benefit to regular clean installs. And with today's imaging
software, clean re-installs could go the way of the dodo.

Of course, users who are not keeping viruses and other malware off their
systems, or who like to fiddle with things they don't really understand,
find themselves reinstalling Windows many times. Otherwise, users who are
testing software, particularly beta software, are those who need to do
regular clean installs.

Rocky

"Dan" wrote in message
...
I have run into something that I find rather silly. Can
anyone tell me if there is a standard being recommended
whereby you wipe a systems hard drive and reinstall the
operating system on an annual basis? If there is such a
standard, what is the rationale?

Thanks,

DR