Reloads

A computer that will not start or that has multiple virus infections will need a full software wipe and reload of all its data. There are a few problems if you do this however, one is that you are likely to lose all the personal data stored on the machine. This is because all full recovery systems preloaded on a modern computer are destructive to user data, they return the computer to a "first run" condition which is the state it comes out of the box (without any protection or Microsoft Updates) which of course is another problem....

Our tried and tested procedure involves saving the personal data including email where applicable to our network storage, we then reload the operating system along with all the latest Microsoft Updates. We install an anti virus package and transfer the saved data back. All system drivers are updated and the whole drive scanned for any viruses that may have been transfered with the saved data. A selection of the most common desktop utilities are added including iTunes, Adobe Reader, Flash Player, Google Chrome, and Java.

Finally we create an image of the entire drive which we either keep on our secure network storage or copy to a seperate partitition on the hard drive if there is room (This image we can then use as the basis for any future reloads on that machine).

When the computer is returned to the customer it will be performing as new but will have its data intact and be fully protected and setup.

All reloads are carried out in our workshop, usually booked in advance and can take 2 or 3 days to complete and test.