A few days ago my computer started getting really slow. internet and games. I am considering reformatting it, but i dont have my windows disc. is there a way to wipe my computer clean without killing windows?
Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :
The short answer is: not really.
There are various programs to "clean out" your registry, with various levels of success and various amounts of side effects. Running MSCONFIG can be useful for finding programs and services that you don't really need that are slowing your system down. And, of course, a semi-regular defragmentation run can be helpful. But that "fresh, new system" feeling really requires a reinstallation, and that requires either a system disk or a restore disk.
Depending on your version of Windows, you may also have System Restore points, one of which _might_ be more to your liking, but they're usually more for "Oops, I just made a huge mistake and killed a necessary service" kinds of things.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
If it's a recent development, I'd look for viruses or spyware.