Reformatting my Computer.

I want to reformat my computer so it runs a lot better but I don't have a system restore disk due to I bought my pc off a buddy of mine. So, I assume I'd lose all of my drivers and what not. If I reformat my computer and re-install windows will I have to search for all kinds of drivers and download them? I am new to this reformatting thing.

Well, windows itself has a lot of drivers built in that will allow you to use most of your peripherals until you can get on the net and download better ones. Some stuff will be fine using the windows drivers such as your mouse and keyboard, but for some things such as video cards, sound cards, and Ethernet cards you will want to get the latest drivers from the manufacturers website. You can look in your control panel and then "system" to find the manufacturers of your video card, sound card, etc. Or, go to "majorgeeks.com" and download "everest free edition" and then run it. I am not sure, but I think there might be a way to restore your system without deleting your software. I would search around a bit or wait if you can get more help, I can't really think straight right now :

I had a Dell so it was easy to search for it. Maybe look on our manufacturers of the PC website and you can identical lists of the drivers that would be used for your PC and its components or so. Thats what I did and it worked.

Of course

If you format your computer you will lose all the data on that drive. This includes Windows, all drivers, programs, and any settings. So, make sure all your information is backed up. AS for drivers you will need to know the model of your computer and the manufacture. You can go to their website and download the drivers. However, if this is a custom built computer you will need to know what hardware is in it if Windows can't find drivers for them. Now, if you don't have the restore disc then I assume you don't have a windows CD either.