today i had to format my complete pc 2 times. the first time to remove the virus from my comp. second time because the virus was still there in my pen drive which again attacked my comp. the virus was so dangerous that my anti virus soft. got corrupted ! ... i need 2 format my comp C:/ at least once a month ! how many times do u need to format your comp ? due to virus , or spywares ?
I format all my drives and reinstall Windows about 3 times a year on my desktop PCs. Purely for a 'fresh start'. Gotta love Windows. It grows like mould.
Have my PC for 4 years never formatted once When I first use it I installed all the anti viruses, anti spyware, firewall etc, I guess that makes it safe for me. Together with a raid 1 system basically the only trouble I had was a crash hard disk which was replaced easily.
Before Windows XP, I format my comp every 6 months, to remove all the junk in the registry. Now with Win XP, I will probably only format every 2 years or so(got 1 more year to next format). If you're using XP, you should create a normal user account, and use that to browse the Internet or do your daily work. The user account doesn't have authority to install any software(programs & viruses), so viruses aren't a problem. Don't go online with the main(administrator) account. This account should be used only to install software or change system settings.
I would format my pc 2 times a year for viruses and other problems but now that I have vista, never formatted!
VERY funny...it's not IE's fault... ...my laptop is three years old and haven't even format it once, yet and i use IE....but time will come.... if you have a good interent security setup and you update the windows every once in while, you shouldn't have to format it. and i have been to all sorts of sites...you name it. PM me and i'll tell you about my security setup...just to help you out...
I lost count of that on my old pc that I still use. I had some periods when I had to format it more than 3 times a month. On my new one never ..it works fine
about 4 times a year, I get a virus so bad, I have to send it to the computer store down the street :O they love me there.