Performing repair installation

If I perform a repair installation, will it erase all my data and programs that I have on my computer?

 

not it all goes properly ... i'd still backup prior to doing so

 

The short answer is - no - but better take a backup.

But why do you want to do a reinstall ?

 

My computer keeps on freezing up after about 30 min. I cant figure it out. I also have a problem with my windows installer, I have looked on the windows support page but nothing is working. I figure a fresh install of xp would fix any problems. Any suggestions?

 

How old is the system? Freezing can also be due to heating etc.

If you want to reinstall, best way is to backup the data on your system, reformat and reinstall everything. Repair installation may not update ALL the required files.

 

This is kinda a noob question, but I have never had to backup before. What is the best way to back up? External Hard drive or what? And can I back up my programs like my MS Office and Spyware and stuff like that? In case I dont have the disks for them. Thanks.

 

The kind of backup device you use would depend on the amount of data you want to backup. The best option in most circumstances is to connect to another computer thru LAN and take a backup on the 2nd computer.

No you cannot take a *backup* of installed programs - they would simply not run. You have to reinstall them afresh.

 

w/ respect to u'r other thread on this lappie - i'd opt FULL CLEAN install and not a repair. backup first of course.

 

Agreed - the best way I know of to keep the computer happy.

 

In the absence of being on a LAN, external HD, that is the best way, it becomes a drag and drop operation.

Or what - depending on how much data, to CD's (650 MB's per disc) or DVD's (far more data per disc - 4.7 gigs or dual layer, twice that).

Regards - Charles