akakscase

I'm not so sure you can upgrade the video card or processor in the laptop... Please make sure of everything you do through the manufacturers support site.

As for wiping and reinstalling the system, that is easy... Make sure you first back-up all device drivers or have the manufacturer provided disk with all the drivers on it. If you have neither then go to the manufacturers support site and download them there.

Next turn the computer on and go into the BIOS (often either F2 or Del). Using the instuctions provided make sure your first boot device is the CD drive.

Place the Windows installation disk in the CD drive and press esc to quit out of the bios. Right before exiting there should be a prompt to save your settings... make sure to do this.

When a prompt to boot from cd appears press any key.

This will take you into Windows Setup. Follow the instructions listed to do a fresh install. When it gets to the drive selection screen press D, then L, then enter. You may have to press enter several more times before getting to the format step. Do a full format in an NTFS format. Go make yourself something to eat, a pot of coffee, some tea, and maybe watch a movie as this process can take quite some time (depending on the size of the drive). check up on it every five minutes or so during the first 15 minutes to get an idea of how long it will take. Do not do the quick format as often previous files will "leak" through the the fresh install. Once it is done formatting it'll copy the install files automatically reboot the system and start the Windows Installer. There are several steps here that you need to set/designate specific information.

Computer Name: Set it as something common (like Laptop) as specific info (like your GFs name) can allow people access to personal info, and random characters can lead to future troubleshooting problems.
Time Zone: Set this to your time zone
Logon information: Set this to your girlfriends first name only and set a password that is easy to remember but at least 8 characters long with at least two of each of the following:
- Special Characters (@,#,$, etc. You cannot use ?, underscore and a couple others)
- Capital Letters
- Lowercase letters
- Do not use names, birthdays, social security numbers, or any other personal
information for passwords.
- Avoid using recognizable words (Anything that can be looked up in a dictionary)

Other than that use the defaults provided.

When the Windows is done installing, install all the drivers again, run Windows Update (may actually take several update processes) and get windows completely up to date before installing any programs. Install any anti-virus and anti-spyware you have (only instal one of each type though). Then install the other programs you want. Once done run wiondows update again and install any updates that appear.

You are done... A fresh install of Windows!