To Format Or Not To Format!

[JayTee]

As I get ready to start imaging again after a two-year hiatus, I'm left with a question of what to do with the laptop that ran all the AP software. I got a new laptop last Christmas and that is my household and processing laptop. The laptop it replaced (the "old laptop") is now designated as purely an AP laptop and as such it will live out in the observatory. This old laptop functioned as both household and AP acquisition and processing which means it has a lot of extra files on it. Would it be easier to delete all the unnecessary files (that would be extensive) or just format this HD and start from scratch? Keeping in mind that most of my gear is new and has yet to have custom profiles made for that new gear.

If I do reformat, what should I keep/avoid, and are there any "gotchas" I should be keen to pay attention to?

Your guidance, as always, is appreciated and well-regarded.

[KathyNS]

Reformatting will mean reinstalling the operating system, which will probably be a new version. Great if that's what you want, but some people don't consider new versions to be improvements. Just a heads-up.

[SkyHiker]

The space needed for software controlling your gear is very small, relatively, so no need to wipe anything. Of course if your laptop runs windows you may want to format it just because of that and install something that works and keeps working the same way despite updates and upgrades that you can control yourself. KStars runs fine on Ubuntu, for instance. If you have enough gear, the cables just get in the way so get a Pi or Nuc for Xmas and mount it on the scope itself right by its electronics, much cleaner and much easier to deal with. At work I was told I need a new Win11 PC so I am in the middle of moving everything over, not much fun, lots of things are not working the way I am used to.

[Juno16]

Hi JT,

I guess that it depends on if you have formatted and installed an OS before. Is the laptop Windows 10?

It is really no big deal to clean install Windows 10 (I recommend the "Pro" version so that you can control automatic updates). Of course, there can be some snags (seems like there are always a few). Just depends on your experience and if you like challenges. I know that folks are die hard Windows haters, but I have always had very good success with Windows.

The benefits of a clean install are big. Your "old" laptop will perform like new. You won't have the years of collected "stuff" clogging it up. In fact, if you do clean install, I highly recommend a new ssd. They are cheap. You can buy a 500g name brand on Amazon for <$50. I just saw a Silicon Power 256g ssd on Amazon for $18!!! I have used a Silicon Power 128g ssd in my 8-9 year old Dell imaging laptop for 3-4 years and it works great.

So, bottom line, if you don't feel like the task, just clean it up and use it. Or, buy a new/refurbished laptop for your new obs. They are cheap.

Good luck and let us know your decision.

[Gordon]

What system version of operating system are you using?

I assume it's windows, if so it's pretty easy to wipe the hard drive and install the "restore" software. Make sure that you have any license codes for software you may have purchased and installed before, as you will need them to re-install.

[Juno16]

When responding to your thread, I saw how inexpensive the new ssd’s are. I ordered a SP 512g ssd ($26) last night to upgrade the existing 128g ssd in my imaging laptop.
Thanks JT!