How to Rebuild a Computer
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Personal computers always reach a point where they require rebuilding. Instead of taking the computer to a repair shop and spending huge sums of money, it is possible to rebuild it yourself. Not only does this save money, it also prevents other people from looking into your files and seeing sensitive or private information stored into your computer.
Materials Needed:- Computer
- backup files
- applications installer
- Operating System installer
Step 1
When rebuilding a computer system, the user would need to make a backup file of all the information deemed significant. This is accomplished by making a copy of all data necessary to the user including documents, pictures, music, and Internet favorites. The said data could be stored in another hard drive, a flash drive, a DVD or CD, and other devices for storing data. All information or files found in the computer after rebuilding should be copied by the user.
Step 2
The next step involves locating the required software. The user should make sure that all the disks of the Operating System are with him or her including all the software applications that should be installed based on the user’s requirements. The drivers of external devices like printers may be directly downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Check to ensure that all the serial numbers needed in the installation of the software are handy.
Step 3
Thirdly, the user would have to format the computer’s hard drive. This process erases all the stored information in the computer system and should be done only when all the pertinent data have been copied. Be sure that the software is found. Formatting the hard drive wipes clean all the information on the drive and cannot be recovered once it has begun formatting. The process of formatting is typically accomplished by inserting the boot disk and then typing the 'format c:' command.
Step 4
Once formatting has been completed, begin the installation of the software. Start with the oldest software and end with the newer software. This is done because the newer software is usually more compatible and is more updated making the problems with the older software that had been installed earlier more visible. Be sure to make installations of all the necessary drivers. Users may also opt to personalize the settings as desired.
Step 5
Return all the copied information and other documents back into the computer. This involves copying all the information back from the storage device that had been used in making the backup file.
Step 6
Lastly, test the applications in order to ensure that they are functioning properly. Open the applications for the purpose of making sure that they are working as they should and that there were no problems during the installation.