Any operating system sooner or later comes to a state where it becomes difficult, inconvenient or even impossible to use a computer. Familiar programs stop running, or trusted tools stop working unexpectedly. This can happen either through the fault of malware or because of careless user actions. The surest and most reliable way to fix these problems is to reinstall the operating system.
Instructions
Step 1
Buy a disc with an operating system (it doesn't matter which version you choose) and a license key to it. Time-tested, older Windows XP is great for computers that aren't too powerful or new. A more modern, beautiful and in many ways more convenient system Windows 7 is perfect for powerful machines with enough memory, hard disk space and preferably a dual-core processor. Whichever version you choose, the main thing is that you have a disc and a product key.
Step 2
Find drivers for your hardware, i.e. motherboard, video card, sound card, or network adapter - if they are not built into the system board. If you do not have software discs, simply download the drivers from the manufacturer's website. Save the drivers and all important data to a flash drive or write to another logical drive - this will be very useful after reinstallation.
Step 3
Click the "Start" button and select "Restart". After a black and white test message appears on the screen at system startup, press the source select button to boot the system. Most often this is the F8 button, but on some motherboard models, F10 or another key is used. This is exactly what is indicated in the instructions for your model, or it is written on the bottom line of the loading screen.
Step 4
Select from the boot menu the item labeled CD-ROM or DVD-ROM with the name of your drive model. Insert the operating system installation disc and press Enter.
Step 5
Wait for the end of the initial download of the installer. Read and accept the license agreement; this is usually done with the F3 key and pressing the Enter key. Specify the logical drive where you want to install Windows. Select the first or top hard disk partition in the list and press Enter. If you already had the system installed on this partition, you will be prompted to choose the installation options: over an existing copy or with the removal of the current logical drive. Select the "Delete section" item, confirm your choice with the D button, and then with the L button.
Step 6
Specify an unformatted area as the installation location for the system. Confirm the creation and formatting of the new partition. Please wait for the Windows file formatting and loading procedure to finish. After that, the computer will restart on its own.
Step 7
Wait 15 minutes to 1 hour for the system data to unpack and configure. Enter your computer information, personal information, account name and password if required. Also specify your time zone and preferred language when you start your computer when prompted to do so. After that, the computer will notify you that the installation is complete and will reboot.
Step 8
Remove the installation disc from the drive, wait until the system is fully loaded. Insert a flash drive or driver disc and install.
Step 9
Be sure to activate your copy of the operating system, otherwise it will stop working after 30 days. To activate, select an item in the "Start" menu called "Activation". The most convenient option is via the Internet. To do this, you need a key, also known as a product code. Enter the required information in the activation wizard and restart your computer after the process is complete.
