will formatting local disk C lead to lose of internet connection ?

[380]

i want to format c and reinstall the os but i think that after formatting i will lose internet settings which will lead to lose in internet connection is it true ?

[Ryan]

yeah it will it will wipe everything unless you do a back up or like an external hard drive

[Connor]

You won't lose connection. My hard drive was wiped and after re installing Windows, my internet just asked me what connection I would like and I was back on (took literally a minute)

[Papa Lazarous]

Re-installing windows on a reformatted disk will mean that you will have to set up your internet connection again but depending on the router you use, it will not necessarily be difficult.
If you are using a router that was supplied by your ISP as part of your service then these are pre-configured and as soon as you reconnect the router you will just have to follow a few on screen prompts to get up and running on the internet again. [like Connor's answer says]
If you have supplied your own router than you will need to insert the CD that it came with [you can also download the software required for set up from the manufacturers support site]. So if you don't have the CD and you purchased the router yourself, then make sure you download the setup software before you reformat and re-install windows whilst you have a working internet connection.
You will need to manually insert the username and password used for connecting to your ISP's service and wifi encryption settings, SSID etc.
You can access the setup and configuration for most routers by typing "http://192.168.0.1" into the address bar of your browser [or refer to the manual or online documentation, on the manufacturers support site for you make and model]

[Timothy Baldwin]

For wired Ethernet, the default setting are usually suitable if not using PPPoE. For Wifi you need to select the Network name and enter the key.

[Dunbar Pappy®ϟϟ]

Loss of some functionality is possible.
For instance, Vista/Win7 may be set to 'auto update' and drivers get mod's which would not be in the 'stock' disk used to format. I've seen cases just as so.
XP is different updating drivers, but may also have the problem.

For a less hassle re-install, I suggest having a CD with your current drivers.
With separate CD driver storage, accessing and installing functional drivers is far easier.
Try Driver Magician Lite (freeware);
http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/system/fwbackup.html
Use it to identify & back up all drivers for this BU. Put the file it creates onto a dedicated CD. Always keep it with your unit.
Update it periodically.