If I reformat my computer do I loose all my GW stuff?

Sorry if this question has already been answered, the search function on the forum is down.
I was planning to reformat my computer and have just wanted to know if you loose all your Inventory/Character if you reformat? I doubt your inventory and character are stored on servers so I take it that all the info would be held on your computer, in this case can I burn the GW files on a DVD and re copy them onto the HD after the formatting?

Or can I copy the files to a DVD, do a fresh install of GWs once the computer is reformatted and then overwrite the new files with the old ones from the DVD, will this let me jump right back in? I would be doing this cause of all the registry stuff that needs to be installed by the cds

Also, I saw a client download on the main site, does that do anything?

The only thing you lose is time.

Your time rebuilding + your time zoning into each area again.

All you inventory is stored on the servers.

Nope, All your character infor is stored on ANet's servers so you don't lose a thing. After you reformat, just reinstall GW and you'll have all your characters and invintory just like you left them. If I'm not mistaken, even your interface layout stays the same. As for the Client, its just a basic install of GW for those who bought a key online. The biggest difference between the Client and the CD install is that the client downloads maps and models as they're needed and the CD install allready includes most of that content so it can be a little faster. Hope that helps.

I'd recommend binning your cd's and just using the online client download.


All the locations/items/logic has changed so much from the inital release it's probably best getting what ever arena sends out

Having all your vital char info on the net instead of on one's comp really helps prevent diablo 2-like hacking shenanigans. It's a good setup.

I would recommend burning the .dat file to a DVD even though your character info/data is stored on the server.

It takes a long time to recreate the .dat file from scratch. I have a fairly fast fiber connection (15Mbit fiber ftw) and it takes ages to create the file. (Plus, it makes you look like a nub when you have to load into FoW or UW or Sorrow's Furnace and download oodles of files D: It's just annoying.)

Thanks a lot everyone for their responses. Takes some stress off my shoulders knowing that all the chracters info is stored on ArenaNet's servers. Appreciated the quick replys.