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Most of the time, our computer comes default with one single hard disk, and it is usually our C: drive. Our operating system, applications and data (usually under the "My Document" folder) are all stored in this C: drive. If you have been using the computer for quite a while, you will know that after a while (usually 1-2 years), the system become so cluttered that performance badly affected and the system seems to feel like it is corrupted. The best solution to this is to have a clean install. This means reformatting the whole hard disk and starts all over again. Usually this also means a tedious way to backup the data files so that you can restore them back later. There are a few ways to make this process easier.

Partition Your Hard Disk
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If your computer only comes with 1 hard disk, it is recommended that you partition your hard disk into 2 partitions. Depending on the size of your hard disk, I would recommend your C: drive partition to be no more than 40GB. Reason is C: drive will be catered for your operating system and applications, which usually will not exceed 40GB. This could of course be adjusted according to your needs (at the point of installation). So let's say you have a 160GB hard disk, which will leave you with 120GB for your D: drive, which will cater to your data files. Once your have your 2 partitions set up and Windows properly installed. Do the following:

Step 1
Go to your D: drive and create a directory call "Username's Documents" (where username if your login name).

Step 2
Click on Start" and highlight "My Documents". Right click it and select "Properties".

Step 3
Select "Move" and search for the directory you just created, which should be in "My Computer" => "D:" => "Username's Documents", click on "OK". When prompted, click "Yes" to continue.

Now your "My Documents" folder is moved (or pointing) to your D: drive. When you click on "My Documents" now, it will point to your new D: drive's "Username's Documents" directory.

Once you have your data files moved to D: drive, whenever you need to re-install / reformat your operating system / applications, you can just format the C: drive and leave your D: drive (which contains your data files) intact.

If you have more than one user, logon to their account and repeat steps 1 to 3.

Having 2 Hard Disks
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If you have 2 hard disks in your computer, or intend to purchase an additional hard disk, this will make things even easier. Assign the smaller hard disk (put it as your C: drive) as your operating system and

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