reformatting/reloading

[Guest]

i bought a dell, the hard drive of which is now so
corrupted, i can only think that reformatting the hard
drive and reloading all the software i got with it (windows
XP, etc.) is the solution.
anyone ever done this? it scares me to death.

 

[Guest]

Make a list of all applications you installed since you
bought it - make sure you have them all on disk with
serial numbers!! - don't forget drivers for new
peripherals too!!!
In Start menu/programs/accessories/system tools run the
files and setings transfer wizard ON ALL USER ACCOUNTS
and save them to another drive or CD - you can retrieve
all your settings and personal details this way and you
won't lose your email account inbox etc either,
It takes time but if you cover all avenues you should be
ok. HTH.