What does reimaging a computer involve?

Reimaging a computer involves wiping the existing data on the computer and reinstalling the operating system along with any necessary software using a disc image. This process typically restores the computer to a specified standard state, which may include a specific operating system version and installed applications.

Using a disc image allows for a quick and efficient recovery, as it contains a snapshot of the system in its desired setup, including all configurations and settings. This method is especially useful in environments where multiple systems need to be set up uniformly or restored after a failure, allowing for consistency and reducing configuration time.

The other options describe related but distinct processes. Upgrading hardware components is focused on enhancing physical performance, while running diagnostics on the system hardware assesses the current state of the computer but does not involve reinstallation. Creating a backup of the operating system is a preventive measure but does not result in a complete reimage unless that backup is used in combination with a restoration process.