knightoftherose,
Congratulations! You now have a solid working system.
Next? you ask. Next is to do a system image backup of your computer. If you have an external drive to use for backup then that is excellent. In any case, the procedure is:
- WIN key (that's the one with the funny wavy flag on it)
- Control Panel
- Backup & Restore
- Create a system image (in the left-hand task pane)
Next create a system Repair Disk:
- WIN key
- Control Panel
- Backup & Restore
- Create a system repair disk (in the left-hand pane)
Ok now you will be prepared for any possible disaster.
Update your system:
WIN
Control Panel
Windows Update
In the left-hand pane, "Change Settings"
Put a check mark in ALL of the boxes.
At the bottom of that screen is an OK button.
Click on the OK button.
Click on "Check for Updates"
Let MS update.
Restart your system (even if you are not asked to reset by MS)
Go to Windows Update again.
Even if Windows Update says you don't need to update,
click on "Check for Update"
Install any additional updates,
Restart your computer
Keep doing this until you finally come up empty.
When you update, be sure to install the "Optional" updates and any
driver updates that Microsoft lists.
Do NOT install any other
drivers at this time.
Install a couple of your favorite apps, run and if all is ok, then add a couple more, etc.
If you ever end up with a problem then UNINSTALL (via Control Panel | Programs and Features) the offender.