Depends...
If your system has a problem with the OS and you re-install, the problem will be resolved if the re-install overwrites the offending files, but the problem will persist if the re-installation carries the problem files forward.
To guarantee a problem free installation, one must delete the offending OS and install to a blank disk.
The problem now becomes one of losing work, settings, drivers, downloads, favourites, and patches. It's replacing this stuff that takes time and effort. The biggest hurdle most encounter is locating what they need. On my system, I have a Win98 CD, a Dell drivers CD, and a dozen downloads. Add to this, the purchased software CDs.
I also have a paper record of every setting, check-box, entry, option, and entered value on my system. I have recorded which Windows options were installed, and which Office97 modules I use.
I can install my system from CDs and downloads in nine hours. I'm profoundly reluctant to invest this time and effort needlessly, and will explore all avenues to avoid it.
Cheers, PW. |
