Yes, it is very much possible to "start - over". What you need to do is format your hard disk and reinstall the operating system and all the other software. It is not that difficult, but I would suggest taking external/professional help as this is your first time. Do not forget to take a backup copy of all the files that you require before you start the process. Formatting your hard disk does wonders to the performance of your computer. Your system starts up really fast, and the overall speed and stability is mindblowing!
As for the alternative, you would find a considerable increase in the system performance if you do the following this:
1. Run a thorough Scandisk check on all your hard disk partitions. This can be done by right clicking the drive in My Computer and selecting Tools > Error checking > Check now. (In Windows XP)
2. Defragment all your partitions. To do this, right click the drive on My Computer, and select Tools > Defragmentation > Defragment Now.
3. Clean your registry and optimize it using Registry Mechanic. You should be able to find the latest version on download.com
As for the alternative, you would find a considerable increase in the system performance if you do the following this:
1. Run a thorough Scandisk check on all your hard disk partitions. This can be done by right clicking the drive in My Computer and selecting Tools > Error checking > Check now. (In Windows XP)
2. Defragment all your partitions. To do this, right click the drive on My Computer, and select Tools > Defragmentation > Defragment Now.
3. Clean your registry and optimize it using Registry Mechanic. You should be able to find the latest version on download.com
