Question : Problem: Erasing Computer

My computer is running extremely slow, and I think it is due to spyware.  I would like to erase the entire computer and reistall Windows.  Here is the situation, I have a whole lot of music files that I want to back up before I make this erase.  What is the easiest, cheapest way to do this??

Answer : Problem: Erasing Computer

What I would do is make a BartPE CD.  Then boot to it.  Once booted to BartPE, RENAME the existing C:\WINDOWS, C:\PROGRAM FILES, and C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS folders.  Then reboot to your Windows CD and Reinstall.  This way preserves all your files and data and nothing is lost.  You still must reinstall ALL your programs, but you are able to recover any data fairly easily (at worst, you'll need to take ownership of files).

BartPE - available from:
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Then be sure to get BOTH the driver add on and the software add on from:
http://www.ubcd4win.com/ (Overview)
http://www.ubcd4win.com/downloads.htm (direct downloads page link)