Clean Win 7 install - functionality suggestions

There is yet another big question mark for me... I intend to install my Win 7 x64 yet again and therefore I have few question re functionality (applications, codecs, etc.):

1. What codecs (if any) should I install? I've read a huge thread on codecs here - Shark007, VLC, K-Lite, KMP. I must admit I don't want to use any big codec packs, but then I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to play all the media (I do watch Dvix movies, RMVB, MKV an other popular media file types)

2. I do know certain things about disabling some of the services; are there any in particular that are a MUST when it comes to disabling for proper Win functionallity?

3. Task Scheduler - any suggestions?

4. I used to have Tuneup Utilities which i was using mainly for cleaning registry. Plus it switched off some of the very unnecessary things like remote registry or administrative shares. I do realize it takes up resources and I do remember one of the remarks on this forum which claimed that Win 7 does not actually need this kind of application. I do intend to use CCleaner anyway. Is CCleaner reliable? Or should I keep using Tuneup Utilities?

Any other suggestions for fresh Win 7 install that would enhance speed and functionality (and obviously reduce the risk of crashes - my nightmare for a period of time up till now to a smaller extent though) are very welcome.

Thank you.

Hello richc46,
Thank you for your opinion and the link to the right thread. I do see that you wouldn't be in favor of all the aspects of well maintained PC in the mentioned thread. In my opinion however, there are certain things that need to be switched off, simply because after a while of using your PC, you might get some software which could create separate, completely unnecessary tasks, that you might want to switch off (for instance Tune Up, Google Updater and all different sorts of Enhance Microsoft Customer Service Quality services or whatever it's called), or you might be listening to your HD running because of some silly UNNECESSARY services. BTW isn't remote registry service the one that ,due to security reasons, you should be looking at to disable? Or Windows Media Player Network Sharing?

I do understand your point of view however; with the very first BSOD, you might be blaming yourself for screwing up the default settings.

I'm still curious about the codecs issue; any suggestions anyone?

Thanks again richc46.

Thanks whs,

Oh yes I get the idea

Well, I just hope I won't have too many questions following the clean install that I want to carry out next weekend. I still remember my problems with no audio in some of the movies, RMVB issues, and the mess in registry after numerous software installs/uninstalls.

Thanks anyway.

Win7 requires no tweaking beyond normal system settings, nor any service edits as all services not absolutely needed at startup are set to Manual. WMP12 has nearly all needed codecs.

Here are some tips for getting a perfect install based on doing hundreds of them:

Make your Recovery DIsks or save a Windows 7 backup image of the entire HD first so you have a path back to factory condition. Then wipe the HD of all code: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Clean Install Windows 7

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Troubleshooting with MSCONFIG

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup