Bob, that's a great idea but... I didn't do that, and my restore is corrupted, I know this because when I started having problems with my calendar in Outlook and then Outlook express, I tried using the restore. I do have a copy of most the programs I have installed, I always (now) get the copy and install off line but....I didn't always do that ;-( Believe me I have learned my lesson the hard way! Great advise, will do as you suggest next time. Sandylea ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Crews" <rec46@xxxxxxxxxxx> To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2005 3:12 PM Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: reformating hard drive. SandyLea, Everytime I install/download something new on my PC that I don't know much about, I always back up my PC prior to the install/download. This way I can always go back and refresh my system back to it was right before I install/download. Also by doing this way, I will not have to worry about loosing all kinds of things because the only backup I have was done several days or weeks ago. Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: <sandy1943@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2005 12:08 AM Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- reformating hard drive. >I want to reformat my hard drive to get rid of all my problems... so now > what's a good back up program or should I just use Windows XP? Major > problems with Outlook and outlook express as well! And if I do a back up, > and then reinstall.......... am I going to create the same problem? What > exactly do I back up, just the word files etc or the program themselves > or............ any and all advise is welcome and appreciated! > > > SandyLea > > To unsub or change your email settings: > //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk > > To access our Archives: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ > //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ > > For more info: > //www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=pctechtalk > To unsub or change your email settings: //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk To access our Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ For more info: //www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=pctechtalk To unsub or change your email settings: //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk To access our Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ For more info: //www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=pctechtalk