"Taking it to the shop" isn't always a good thing, especially if "the shop" is PCWorld. They can really screw your computer up, and take ages to do it. One time I sent it in for a second hard disc to be put in, and they removed the original one instead and sent it off to be junked...

A repair is really much more complicated than a reinstall, and more likely to go wrong.

Here are the incomparable Les Barker's thought on the subject (with a nod towards a George Formby song):

I bought a computer,
It cost a thousand pound;
But every time I switch it on
It keeps on falling down.

I used to think it was my friend
But now it drives me 'round the bend;
You'd be surprised the time I spend
Reinstalling Windows.

I switch it on; what is this?
Something wrong with "config.sys"
This isn't my idea of bliss,
Reinstalling Windows.

I want to share my printers
And I want to share my files,
I want to share my anger 'cos
It drives me bloomin' wild.

My songs, they say, can be sublime
I've conquered cadence, mastered rhyme
But, nowadays, I spend my time
Reinstalling Windows

Reinstall, oh what fun!
It says it helps you get things done;
Every day now everyone's
Reinstalling Windows.

Look again, it will say
All you do is "plug and play"
Why do I spend every day?
Reinstalling Windows

It can't find my printer
And it can't locate my mouse;
The other day it told me that
They were in another house.

Still unplugged, still unplayed,
I e-mailed God in search of aid;
He's far too busy, I'm afraid
Reinstalling Windows.

Up at dawn for one more try;
Does it work? Can pigs fly?
How do I expect to die?
Reinstalling Windows.

I used to like a drink or three;
No time now, don't call for me;
I'm going to spend eternity
Reinstalling Windows.