Reformatting your Computer
What you need to know:
Reformatting is a last resort action. However, because it means erasing your hard drive, it can sometimes be the only way to resolve problems, especially those that stem from virus or spyware infections. You will lose everything you have on your drive, so back it up first.
What to back up:
For detailed instructions
on backing up files in Windows, see: www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/backup.mspx
• Don’t forget to back up any locally stored e-mail,
address books, and favorites. For help with exporting this
information, see www.bu.edu/pcsc/email/manage/newprogram.html.
• It’s usually easiest to back up to an external hard drive. CDs, DVDs, or flash drives are also an option, but increasingly personal data is too large to fit easily on such devices. Be sure to double-check the backup and make sure you’ll
be able to access it easily when it’s time to restore
your files.
• Do not back up system files or program files such as Microsoft
Office that you can reinstall from your own program CDs.
If you’d like our help with reformatting:
• Please make an appointment in advance (617-353-7272)
and expect to spend (on average) about 4 hours with us. We will
be helping you, but you’ll do some of the work, too.
• If possible, please back up your data files before you
come in for a reformat. Note that backing up data can cause an appointment with us to take an entire day, and that we may not be able to accommodate all types and quantities of data.
PCSC Rules of Reformatting:
1. Please bring your Operating System (Windows or Mac OS) CDs. No exceptions. If you don’t have these CDs, you need to buy them from a computer store before your appointment.
2. Bring your backed-up files with you. Or, if you have not already backed up your files, you may want to bring your own external hard drive with you to hold the files.
3. We can help you install the operating system and restore your data files, and we can help you make sure the machine is properly protected against viruses as explained on the page www.bu.edu/pcsc/virus/
4. We are not able to spend any time installing your software
programs: Office, IM, etc. – that part is up to you, although
we are happy to give you guidance.
