Formatting Main Hard Drive on Windows 8.1

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Hello,

Recently, my computer has been running (or crawling I should say) extremely slow. Almost everything that I do has either slowed down dramatically or stopped working completely. I've tried to run virus and malware scans, but they say "everything is fine". I think that the only option I really have left is to format the hard drive. When I go to do it, it gives me this message: "You cannot format this volume. It contains the version of Windows that you are using. Formatting this volume could cause your computer to stop working". Is there another way to do it, or do I have to format at all? I feel as if I've run out of options and don't know what to do.

Thank you for any and all replies as this is very stressful (especially because the computer is not even a couple months old).
 
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Ironsounds
Hello... I'm not java installed here... and cant page your java script IMG screen... So I ask agian for a total of 4 IMG's please.
AND Yes... I understand about the Clean install method... It is not for the faint hearted or tech challenged... I have done it so many times I can do it in about 1 hour... for a customer.
But here is the link for you to read... http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/ss/windows-8-clean-install-part-1.htm Proceed at own risk, I have to be off for the rest of the Day... B )
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USAFRet

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You can't format the drive from within a running Windows instance. That is like asking the OS to cut its own head off. It will not do that.

Possible issues:
Drive is too full.
Too much junk in startup
Too many services running from too much installed junk
Virus or other malware

What are the specs on this system?
 
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Ironsounds

Ironsounds

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Hello... If you have your important data backup'd somewhere else... I would suggest a "clean" install to get that snappy clean fast Windows feeling back... That means you will have to get your hardware drivers identified and downloaded first to a USB stick... because a "Clean" install will Clear all Data on your HD... You will be starting from nothing to something with your efforts, and knowledge, to re-install of Drivers and APPs step by step... This will take access to CD'DVD's and the internet... and a good understanding of making your computer Apps and OS settings agian to your liking

Maybe you need to look at your installed APPS and remove things that you Don't use any more... or you need to shut off APPS running in the background, such as AUTO UPDATER's and CPU/internet hogging services... this can be done with Preference setting in each APP... even Windows will try to take over CPU cycles and the Internet connection with just your idle desktop screen displayed.

If you have ever been tempted to click the "install now" a Video player Update from a Website other than ADOBE... chances are you have let in a Spyware APP into your Hardrive data. A "Clean" install will be needed to wipe this off your HD.

Post a screen shots of your TASK MANAGER-Processes, TASK MANAGER-APPlications, TASK MANAGER-Performance, and Control Panel-Programs and Features... for us too review.
 
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I've tried to keep my system as clean as possible, installing only what's necessary. I think the HD still has 700+GB left that can be used. There are a couple things that run on startup but, I can't see that slowing things down any because they've always been there even when the computer was running good. As for the virus or malware, that's what I was suspecting but I did a Windows Defender and Malwarebytes scan, and they showed everything as well and dandy.

Here is the PCPartPicker link for my system specs: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PnzsVn
 
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So, in order to do a fresh re-install, what would I have to do? I don't understand how I could do a fresh re-install with data still on the HD. Would I just pop in the Windows CD on boot-up, and just go through the steps in order to clear the HD?

Update: How can I share the screenshots that I took of the things you wanted to see? Is there a way to import them into a message on here?
 
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Ironsounds

Ironsounds

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Hello... I don't feel I understand your Question... " I don't understand how I could do a fresh re-install with data still on the HD."

As I said the "Clean" install removes ALL DATA OFF your HD... like it was factory fresh off the line. Thats the easy part!!!
The hard part is being organized and knowledgable enuff to get it working again with the right Hardware Drivers and APPs.

You must use a IMG hosting Site... for posting Pictures... click on other peoples posted pics for the free ones available... or use a link to your Public internet email link/storage area.
 
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Here are the screenshots you wanted to see: http://imgur.com/c0JP4aK,gb36ybQ,kmdxPTI#0
 
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You should be able to see all three screenshots that I took on that link that I sent you. There should be a "First Image Second Image and Third Image" buttons above the image. I'm not so sure that I'm going to do the fresh Windows boot right off. I'm just asking around for what my options are and what the best option would be.
 
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Ironsounds

Ironsounds

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Jul 31, 2011
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Hello... I'm not java installed here... and cant page your java script IMG screen... So I ask agian for a total of 4 IMG's please.
AND Yes... I understand about the Clean install method... It is not for the faint hearted or tech challenged... I have done it so many times I can do it in about 1 hour... for a customer.
But here is the link for you to read... http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/ss/windows-8-clean-install-part-1.htm Proceed at own risk, I have to be off for the rest of the Day... B )
 
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Hopefully this link will show you all the screenshots that I took: http://imgur.com/a/I1nzI

As for what OS DVD I have, I have a Windows 8.1 64bit OEM installation disk on hand.
 
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