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    What are the disadvantages of reformatting a computer?

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by Sepulcher, Feb 7, 2011.

  1. Sepulcher

    Sepulcher Notebook Enthusiast

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    I know what reformatting is, but if I reformat with the hidden partition say, every week for argument sake, what are the effects on the computer?
     
    Sepulcher, Feb 7, 2011
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  2. JOSEA

    JOSEA NONE

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    The disadvantages are huge. I assume you mean using the Asus recovery partition. If so it goes back to factory state and anything you installed, updated, or removed will be back.
    A better approach is to use an imaging program which takes a snapshot of your system at any particular moment (save it to an external HD) and incremental backups for anything you do not want to lose (this can be as simple as saving favorites to a USB stick).
    I recommend this and the free version works very well for me
    Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Advanced Edition - Overview
     
    JOSEA, Feb 7, 2011
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  3. Sepulcher

    Sepulcher Notebook Enthusiast

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    What I mean is, if I do a re image (back to factory settings) often, will there be any negative effects on the computer itself? Will it ruin the hard drive or anything?
     
    Sepulcher, Feb 7, 2011
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  4. kanagye

    kanagye Notebook Geek

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    No, wont ruin the hard drive. Always a chance of messing up the MBR or partitions tho. Which can be fixed.
     
    kanagye, Feb 7, 2011
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  5. KimoT

    KimoT Are we not men?

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    SSDs have a limit to the number of times you can write to each cell, so frequent reinstalls will wear down the drive. HDDs are not as limited, so doing a reinstall every week will not damage the system.
     
    KimoT, Feb 7, 2011
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  6. Ric0h

    Ric0h Notebook Guru

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    The answer to your question is NONE. Other than having to look for new drivers every time you reformat.

    Its actually very good for keeping viruses out.
     
    Ric0h, Feb 7, 2011
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  7. DCx

    DCx Banned!

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    There are NO disadvantages, besides time. No physical damage will happen to your computer, the only headaches from a reformat are trying to get all your drivers reinstalled properly.
     
    DCx, Feb 7, 2011
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  8. Sepulcher

    Sepulcher Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry, I'm not exactly "with" what you just said. What's the difference between an SSD and a HDD?

    Thanks to everyone that replied :)
     
    Sepulcher, Feb 8, 2011
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  9. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    The only bad thing to the hardware would be wear on the HDD, having to write back all the data from your install back to the drive is a good workout for a disk.

    Nothing major, nothing to even really be concerted about (unless your backing up and restoring hundreds of gigs) but its still extra wear & tear on the system regardless that really should not be necessary except once in a blue moon.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Feb 8, 2011
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  10. JOSEA

    JOSEA NONE

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    An ssd is a solid state drive, they are way faster than HHD but more expensive . I know this article is dated, but it provides a good background for understanding the distinctions.
    Review: Hard disk vs. solid-state drive -- is an SSD worth the money? - Computerworld
     
    JOSEA, Feb 8, 2011
    #10