If you would like to reformat, it should take about an hour or 2 depending on the speed of your computer and the speed of the hard drive. I try to format once every six months. I am almost a pro at it at this point. I can't explain how to do it unless I am looking at it. I should know by now. My husband had to format his computer 3 times last night. If your dad knows how to format maybe you should ask him about it.

Katie