How often do you reinstall windows?

[Tempestv]

I have my file system set up with partitions and such, so that it takes a 1/2 hour to reload, if it looks like i am going to spend more than that time trying to fix a problem, I start over. I got my computer three weeks ago, already loaded windows twice (once after building it, once after accedently corrupting the file system while overclocking), going to do it again tonight because I have some virus I have something using my connection that I can't seem to find. already spent two hours trying to track it down so that I know what it is if I ever see it again, not worth the trouble.

[Filliz]

When it crashes.

[Mr. Mulder]

Fairly often, I've been doing puter courses on and off for a couple of years now which often require you to arse about with OS's and formatting/partitioning etc. Only got the one machine up and running atm with just one HD installed.

Very lazy when it comes to backing stuff up so no end of stuff gets lost at random

[zaphodiv]

Backups using drive imaging software and virtual machines save a lot of boring windows installs.

A few times a year I restore an image of a fresh windows install and try out lots of software that I'v downloaded or got on CD with a magazine. Sometimes it gets to the point that leaving it idle for ten minutes then moving the mouse results in three pop up adverts. I learned to be circumspect about installing stuff from magazine CD's about thirteen years ago. Even now installing everything from a magazine CD usually results in the computer not booting.

I sometimes unplug the machine from the net and click on email attachments to simulate giving a PC to an idiot. Needless to say I write zero's over the whole drive before plugging the network in.

[peat moss]

I like trying new software and run it to some problems so about once every two months , keeps me fresh . I have three children sharing this computer so thats probably why its more often than others.

[krapper]

My reinstalls depend on when I get unremoveable viruses...
Sometimes a year, sometimes 3 months.

[erRor67]

I reinstall Windows about twice/three times a year just to start over and have a clean system again. I keep my system pretty well maintained but its always good just to start from a clean slate again..

I use nLite as well as other tools to create a custom XP SP2 install disk.

[cigar]

everyone 6 months

[Afronaut]

About 6 month seems to be the limit,
but thats with runnin as Admin and installing/uninstalling stuff alot,
tweaking etc.

Use to be more often but running a "TestPC" in software like VMWare helps a lot.

[woodyuk]

about once a month. nice to end up with a fresh clean machine. like taking a shower :-)