I didn't say it was hard - but it is not simple to get all your "CURRENT" drivers, updates, and programs back. They cannot just be copied, they have to be installed to become registered in the registry. Backing up any saved email is intuitive, restoring it after a format is even less. Even if everything goes perfectly smoothly - or better yet, you used a new slipstreamed SP2, it can take hours to download and install everything, and days, to tweak and customize all your preferences.
More importantly, you lose all the critical updates that you need while you are out getting the latest virus signatures, etc.
yea but What would you rather have a non working computer or Computer that works?
Also It usually took me about an hour or 2 to Have everything re-installed,Including , games,drivers, Sp2,etc.
Usually When you bought hardware such as video cards or sound cards ,they come with a cd to install driver. Also you could just goto your control panel and update youdr drivers through windows xp, but most drivers recommend that you have Sp2 Installed first.
Edited by L3vidog, 18 April 2005 - 10:54 AM.