Every time I reformat my PC there are always the hassle of re-installing almost every applications and softwares that are usually needed in everyday PC use. I have a special folder that includes most of these softwares, and I usually back it up to a blank DVD in case of accidental system crash or virus screw up.

Let’s face it, after you’ve installed Windows on your PC, the next thing is hunting down the softwares you most likely use. Some of those softwares are easily forgotten because, (1) you don’t usually run the app because it’s just a plugin and a support software and, (2) you’ve already installed so many softwares, mostly freewares downloaded off the Internet, and that you’ve lost track of the names.

It is recommended that before you reformat your PC you have to:

1. Backup your files. Make sure the files you’ve backup contains no viruses.
   1. Backup your important documents.
   2. Backup your system drivers, like video card drivers, sound card, etc.
   3. Backup and export individual software settings, like your bookmarks at Firefox.
2. Make sure you have all the installer CDs like Windows installer, motherboard installer, soundcard, video card, modems, webcam, printer, scanner, or whatever hardware you have that includes an installer CD. Also your installer for your mobile phone to PC support, your MP3/MP4 player, and every other gadget you have that connects to USB that needs installing.
3. List all the applications and software currently installed in your PC. Look at your Start menu and in your Add/Remove programs. Find the installer for these, if it is from the Internet, download it, then backup (burn) it on a CD/DVD.

After reformatting, the pain of re-installing begins. Softwares are usually a user preference, but there are those programs that are essential in a PC. Most of these essential applications are hardly noticeable because they support your PC internally.

Here are some of the list that are usually needed installed in a PC. Most of these are freely available in the Internet. And some are needed to run a certain program or extend the capabilities of your PC.

1. Your favorite anti-virus and firewall software. The first one to install, after installing Windows OS.
2. DirectX, an essential Windows driver that extends your 3D video capabilities.
3. Mozilla Firefox, an alternative Internet browser. Install if you don’t like Internet Explorer.
4. Java runtime environment software, this is needed when browsing the web and a site needs you to have Java installed. Either you install this now, or when wait till you come across a website that requires it.
5. Adobe Flash Player, for running flash based websites, and FLV (YouTube) videos.
6. Adobe Shockwave Player, for running sites that have embedded shockwaves.
7. Adobe AIR, a new technology that is better than Flash.
8. Adobe Reader, the app you need to view PDF document files in your browser or in your hard drive.
9. Video/Audio Codecs, used to play all video formats like avi, mpg, mov, rm, flv, etc.

That’s it. Those are all the essential softwares that is needed installed in your PC. Other softwares are based on the user’s needs or preference. If I forgot some app or program, please post it at the comments.

Tags: backup, computer, PC, reformat, tips, Windows