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One of the easiest ways to fix a computer software problem is to reinstall the problematic program. But what if the program that is causing difficulties is the operating system itself?
While it's relatively easy to reinstall applications such as Microsoft Word, Eudora or Netscape, reinstalling Microsoft Windows 95, the Macintosh Operating System (OS), or even Windows 3.1 can prove difficult and may not solve the problems the computer is having. Many situations actually call for a "clean" system installation.
Routine: While a regular reinstallation of an operating system can fix many OS-specific file errors, such as a damaged Chooser extension on a Macintosh or a corrupt Windows 3.1 printer driver, many computer problems related to the functioning of the operating system will not be solved by simply updating the existing system software. The main reason for this is that many files are not changed or updated by the replacement system. For example, Macintosh Preferences files, Control Panels or Extensions added by applications and utilities that are not part of the Mac OS will not be removed or replaced during a normal system reinstallation. Likewise, during a routine system reinstallation, the Windows 95 registry (the backbone of the Windows 95 operating system) will not be purged of incorrect entries or values.
Clean: A clean system installation, on the other hand, completely replaces the existing system with a brand-new one. The downside to this rather drastic operation is that the brand-new operating system has no knowledge of any of the applications that were already on the hard drive, and many (if not all) of these programs will need to be reinstalled.
On the positive side, a clean system installation ensures that the operating system will be in its most pristine condition and will likely function properly once rid of the offending file or command. Reinstalling the applications will bring the computer back to its desired state, and errors will no longer plague the operating system.
Each operating system handles a clean system installation a little differently. Even the Macintosh OS, which is by far the easiest system on which a clean installation can be performed, has three different installation methods, depending upon which version of the OS is in use. The Windows 95 procedure is fairly straightforward, but requires a foray into MS-DOS to rename files and directories before performing a clean installation. Windows 3.1 is even more MS-DOS dependent, with a series of file name changes, directory creations, and system file edits required to successfully perform the clean installation.
While a clean system installation sounds daunting, it doesn't need to be. With a little preparation and a clear understanding of the steps to follow, a clean installation can take as little as 30 minutes on many systems. And if it doesn't work, the machine can always be returned to its previous condition with no harm done.
For detailed instructions on performing a clean system installation specifically for Macintosh, Windows 95, or Windows 3.1 operating systems, consult the Microcomputer Services web site at micro.uoregon.edu/tips/cleaninstall