If you're having trouble with your computer, one of the last options for fixing it is performing a reformat. This involves erasing everything on the main hard drive, then reinstalling the operating system and programs. Because you're starting from scratch, it's not a computer repair you should perform yourself. The process is different depending on the operating system, and without certain precautions, you may experience even more issues. If you're wondering when you should have a professional reformat your device, here are a few indications.

When to Have a Computer Reformatted

1. Slowness

Whether you're waiting several minutes for the computer to boot up or some programs take ages to load, always investigate the cause behind a slow computer. There are many possibilities for it, such as not enough free space on the hard drive, too many programs running at once, or malware. However, if you fix these issues and still experience considerable slowness, then you likely need a reformat and upgrade.

2. Constant Crashes

Aside from slowness, be vigilant about any crashes, especially if it happens to many programs or the operating system. If it's only happening with one program, an update may be the only necessary fix.

However, some programs, particularly games, can trace their glitches to downloaded add-on materials, so you may need to delete and reinstall those individual files. If neither of these options makes a difference, reformatting can help. It starts the computer from a clean slate and fixes any corrupted operating files, allowing you to troubleshoot programs individually.

3. Persistent Malware

If you have an up-to-date antivirus software and run it regularly, you shouldn’t have a problem with consistent viruses, worms, and ransomware. Unfortunately, reformatting is often the best computer repair if you reach this point. Malware can infect and disrupt many different system files, preventing a computer from working correctly. The only way to remove it permanently and clean the system is to reformat the hard drive.

When you need someone to reformat your Apple® computer correctly, rely on Experimax Portsmouth. Residents and businesses in Portsmouth, NH, depend on this computer repair company for all their Apple device troubleshooting at an affordable price. Find out which devices they service online. To make an appointment, call (603) 501-0410.