Computers crash, and do so often. Not all crash and need to completely be reformatted, and most of the time they do not. Although there are times that they do crash and need to be reformatted. If this should happen many things can be wrong with the computer and it may not be just the software that failed. It is often times memory modules that fail or other pieces of computer hardware.

When a computer crashes and a reformatting of the computer must happen, all of the prior information such as important documents and pictures are wiped off of the hard drive. The most important thing to do is always make a back up of all of the information that is on the computer by burning a CD of the files that are needed. This insures that the information will not be lost and can easily be restored to the newly reformatted computer.

Most computers are sold with a Restore disc. Always keep this disc in a safe place. It is the disc that will be needed to restore the computer to its “new” condition. It will be the same as if you have just purchased a new computer when the restore disc is used.

It is always best to keep a copy of all programs on CD. Back ups of your system is always a smart idea, and will save you from having to find and reload from other sources like scanning all those pictures again. Keep all of your discs in a safe, moisture and sun proof place.