Many computer users suffer from virus infections that are difficult to handle.
I never setup or run a computer without partitioning my system HDD. Many people, and no small number of experts, say that is not necessary. I have read enough threads in this forum where the user has to format their HDD, losing every thing. My three partitions are: one for the system; one for the programs I install and use, and one partition for my DATA (anything I create, or download, or that doesn't come with the system install).
If I have to re-install XP, I always do a format of the system partition, re-install the OS, and then re-install my operating programs, such as word processor(s), image viewer(s), video viewer(s), etc.
Yes, it might be a bit of work, and takes some time, but I don't lose any of my DATA.
Remember, viruses, etc, only go for the OS, and not your DATA. So let it go after your OS; just keep it segregated from the rest of your computer.....
I never setup or run a computer without partitioning my system HDD. Many people, and no small number of experts, say that is not necessary. I have read enough threads in this forum where the user has to format their HDD, losing every thing. My three partitions are: one for the system; one for the programs I install and use, and one partition for my DATA (anything I create, or download, or that doesn't come with the system install).
If I have to re-install XP, I always do a format of the system partition, re-install the OS, and then re-install my operating programs, such as word processor(s), image viewer(s), video viewer(s), etc.
Yes, it might be a bit of work, and takes some time, but I don't lose any of my DATA.
Remember, viruses, etc, only go for the OS, and not your DATA. So let it go after your OS; just keep it segregated from the rest of your computer.....
