Windows repair vs. re-installation

We often get machines brought in that are "running slowly". Assuming there isn't a hardware fault, there are two ways to deal with the problem.

The first is to service the PC. This involves a thorough clean-up, a deep scan for malicious software, updating drivers and so on. If it's appropriate the box will come apart to clean the cooling system. And this may well be effective, albeit lengthy and time-consuming. The advantage of this approach is that the customer gets their machine back pretty much intact. The disadvantage is that, despite all the time and expertise lavished on it, the results may not be acceptable: there are some things that can't be fixed. But we still need to be paid for the time we have spent on the job, because that's the deal. And the only way forward may well be a Windows re-install: which brings us to...

The second is to wipe the machine and re-install Windows from scratch. This pretty much guarantees the best possible outcome. It takes 1/2 day (although we only charge 2 hours). However, the finished machine is lacking the customer's programs, settings & data. All of which have to be backed-up from the old machine & restored to the new. Which isn't always as easy as it sounds. Back to the positives, it's a great opportunity to upgrade your hardware (or even the version of Windows), because there'll be very little in the way of additional labour charges to do so. One of the more popular upgrades at times like this is a new hard drive: bigger or faster - or even an SSD!

So, two different approaches, with costs & benefits to each. As ever, dear customer, the choice is yours...