Hi! I frequently reload home PCs for folks just like you. It takes alot of time - usually takes me around 10 hours to do a backup and a full system reload. I've got better things to do, and you've probably got other ways you'd like to spend your hard earned cash! You are here because: a. Your PC is slow, but not crashed or dead b. You do not want your PC to be slow, crashed, or dead - and you'd like to not lose any data (pictures, music, documents, taxes) c. You don't have $150 to $300 to pay someone like myself every 6mos to a yr I am no genius, but there are alot of simple things that are often overlooked. Lets take a look at some everyday advice and suggestions. 1. Always have at least 20% of the hard disk free 2. Always have updated Antivirus, Internet Security (Firewall), Windows updates and patches 3. Understand how to use Add/Remove Programs 4. Understand and use System Restore 5. Defrag often - at least every 2 months 6. Have adequate RAM - WinXP should have min 256MB, I recommend 512MB or more 7. Have a Computer Box. Keep all software, computer related receipts, manuals, codes, licenses, parts. 8. Learn to search for answers via the Internet 9. Know how to use MSCONFIG 10. Know how to use Task Manager 11. Use Print Screen and Paint to capture error messages, save as JPG 12. Your kids should have their own PC, and it should never be in their room. 13. Your kids should not touch your PC. 14. Be realistic - and patient Advanced Topics: Purchase and use a external USB drive for backup Purchase and use Symantec Ghost Home Networking How to get and use your own family Internet domain Discreet PC Monitoring - Do you know what others are doing with your computer? Small Business Services - see www.armss.net Remote Data Backup Services Remote Access to your business for you Office to office linking Web Filtering and Control FAQ... like cable modem or DSL...