OS INSTALLATION & REINSTALLATION
Sometimes a computer needs a fresh start. Whether your Windows installation is corrupted beyond repair, you're upgrading from an older version, or you need a clean slate on a new drive — we handle the entire process from backup to drivers.
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We don't jump to reinstalls. A full wipe is always our last resort, and we'll only recommend one after we've exhausted every other option to fix the problem. If a reinstall is what's needed, we'll make sure it's done right.
Labor starting at $149. Free diagnostics — always.
Our Approach to Reinstalls
A lot of shops treat a reinstall like a first option — system slow? Wipe it. Got an error? Wipe it. That's lazy troubleshooting, and it means you lose your files, programs, and settings for no reason.
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At PC Reps, a reinstall is always the last resort. We run full diagnostics, try every repair option, and exhaust every possible fix before we even bring up a reinstall. If your problem can be solved without wiping the system, we'll solve it that way.
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When a reinstall genuinely is the answer — corrupted system files that can't be repaired, a failing drive that needs a fresh OS on a new SSD, or a machine so bogged down that nothing else will get it back — we'll walk you through it, back up your data first, and set you up clean.
When a Reinstall May Be Needed
Corrupt System Files
Windows files are damaged beyond what SFC and DISM can repair. The OS can't fix itself anymore.
Stuck in Boot Loops
PC restarts over and over and can't make it to the desktop — repair tools have been tried and failed.
New Drive, Fresh Start
Upgrading to an SSD or replacing a failed drive? We'll install a clean OS and get everything set up.
Severe Infection Aftermath
Some malware damages the OS so deeply that a clean install is the only way to be sure it's truly gone.
Windows Upgrade
Moving to Windows 11 — or going back to 10 if 11 isn't working out. We handle version changes cleanly.
Years of Buildup
After years of use, some systems accumulate so much junk that a clean install is the fastest path back to full speed.
Clean Install vs. Repair Install
Repair Install
Fixes the OS without wiping your data. We try this first whenever possible.
Replaces corrupt system files
Keeps your files and programs
Preserves most settings
Fixes update failures
Resolves boot issues
Less downtime
Clean Install
Complete wipe and fresh start. Used when a repair install can't solve the problem.
Fresh copy of Windows
All junk and malware gone
Peak performance restored
Data backed up beforehand
Drivers installed and updated
Ready to use at pickup
What We Can Recover
Data backup before reinstall
All drivers installed & updated
Essential software setup
Performance optimization
Windows installation & activation
Windows Update run to completion
Data restoration after install
Full system health check before pickup
Our Process
Diagnose First
We run a full diagnostic to confirm a reinstall is actually needed — not just a quick fix disguised as a bigger problem.
Back Up Data
Before anything gets wiped, we back up your files, documents, photos, and anything else you need to keep.
Install & Configure
We install Windows, run all updates, install your drivers, set up protection, and restore your data.
Test & Verify
Full system test to make sure everything runs clean. You get your machine back ready to go — not half-set-up.
Common Questions
Will I lose my files?
Not if we can help it. We always back up your data before a reinstall — documents, photos, music, desktop files, browser bookmarks, everything we can save. We'll restore it all once the new install is set up.
Can you install Windows on an older computer?
Yes. Even if your hardware doesn't officially meet Windows 11 requirements, we can get it running. We regularly install Windows on machines that Microsoft says aren't supported — and they run great.
Do I need to bring my Windows product key?
It helps if you have one, but most modern PCs have their license embedded in the hardware. We'll sort out activation as part of the service — it's included.
How long does a reinstall take?
Typically same-day or next-day, depending on the amount of data to back up and how many updates Windows needs to install. We'll give you a realistic timeline when you drop it off.
What if my problem doesn't need a reinstall?
Then we won't do one. We'll fix the actual problem instead — that's the whole point of running diagnostics first. You'll never pay for a reinstall you didn't need. Check out our PC Repair and Virus & Malware Removal pages for the kinds of things we fix without reinstalling.
Do you install Linux or other operating systems?
Our standard service covers Windows. If you need Linux or a dual-boot setup, give us a call and we can discuss it — we've done them before, but they're handled case by case.