Reload Windows

[Hairbent]

What would the issue have been if the computer tech had to reload the os?

[mushroom25]

it's been a recurring theme through the history of the PC....

[Buenchico]

The 'issue' was probably that you took your computer to somewhere like PC World! Their (so-called) technicians are notorious for taking one quick look at a malfunctioning computer, deciding that they can't immediately see what the problem is and then reinstalling Windows. That method will almost always work (and get them £60 for virtually zero effort) but it's the equivalent of replacing the engine in a car just because the oil level is a bit low! It also means that, at best, the owner of the computer has to reinstall lots of software or, at worst, that loads of important files will be lost.

I've fixed many, many computer problems over the years but hardly ever had to reinstall Windows. It should always be a last resort and not a first one (as it so often is in PC World, etc).

As to what the original problem was, it's impossible to know without knowing what the symptoms were. For example, I've known of a case where a laptop couldn't properly connect to the internet. When I was told the exact symptoms, I knew an almost certain fix (repairing the TCP/IP stack) that takes about one minute to perform. Unfortunately though, I learned of the problem only after the laptop had already been taken into PC World, where they'd reinstalled Windows (wiping all of the owner's valuable files in the process) and charged £60 for doing so!

There are LOTS of other problems that can be solved by reinstalling Windows. As I've said though, it's a 'sledgehammer to crack a nut' solution. It works for almost everything but it's usually just an indication that the technician looked for an easy way out, rather than properly delving into the problem as he should have done.

[Tuvok]

Even worse - I've heard of Currys replacing the hard disk - like you after its happened!!!!!