I am weird. I like fixing peoples computers. My method is relatively simple, and I like doing it because it is something I can multitask while working on other tasks. All I normally do is restore/clean install these very messed up computers with a fresh copy of Windows XP. As long as you have the XP activation code on the computer, it is a simple task.
Take this old IBM Thinkpad for example. This computer was slow beyond the point of use. The only question I ever need to ask is “Do you have a disc copy or activation key for all the paid software you use?”. Usually this is just Microsoft Office.
Here are the steps I took to fix this computer once I had permission to wipe it the harddrive clean.
- Backed up all the personal files on the persons computer. In this scenario it was just her documents folder.
- Used my XP Pro install disc to erase the whole harddrive and then reinstall XP on the harddrive. This can take a couple hours but can be left alone while running the install. Perfect for me since I can go make some soup or work on a website!
- Once installed, I activated the software using the activation key on the computer. This is usually located on the back somewhere and is labeled with something like “Windows XP Activation Key”.
- Downloaded all the necessary device drivers the computer lost in the process of the install on the internet. Usually this is the video card, audio card, wireless card and ethernet card. Google searches find these drivers. For this computer I used this website.
- Copied all the files I backed up before back onto the computer.
Steps to Fixing a Virus-Heavy Personal Computer
And Voila! New computer with all your old files still on it!
