This is a great way to get a PC going again after 'trouble', I have used it successfully many times. However.... You can take nothing away from having a fresh install. As most of us already know, the longer your windows is running, the more likely some nasty little piece of software can get in undetected, and perhaps even remain undetected forever! Its very wise (in my humble opinion :)) to do a fresh install of windows about every 6 months to eradicate these nasties. This involves using the DOS command: FDISK /MBR prior to formatting to remove the master boot record which can also hide some surprises. Then format the drive and install Nidwoes. Remember whatever Spybot, Adaware, NAV etc say about your system, those companies are capable but they dont know everything going on out there. No one can, hence the 6 monthly cleanout.