Any computer experts?

[XTRazzer]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

If you want to "know" your PC, you should format it and install all the drivers from scratch whether it is home built or a big name. It can be involved as manufacturers are not keen on supplying OS on disk. As long as the cab files are there, you should be able reinstall the OS via WinPE.

I'm not familiar with WinPE but will look into the idea. Some reasons I went the hard route were the lack of an O/S disc and that I bought an extended warranty. I know the pros/cons to extended warranties on laptops but in this case the price of the computer and warranty package worked out right.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by XTRazzer

I'm not familiar with WinPE but will look into the idea. Some reasons I went the hard route were the lack of an O/S disc and that I bought an extended warranty. I know the pros/cons to extended warranties on laptops but in this case the price of the computer and warranty package worked out right.

WinPE is a free tool from Microsoft that allow an OS to be loaded on the PC from a CD or thumb drive.

It is the industry standard for booting off of CD's and is a great tool for virus repair or manipulating files that would normally be locked or in use. It can edit the registry without the registry being loaded.

In general, I think the extended warranty is worth it, especially on laptops. One trick for desktop is to tape the warranty, disks, and all the manuals to the inside cover of the case; you'll never go hunting for them.