Windows 7: Clean Install Windows 7 that was preinstalled on computer.

Hi, I need to perform a clean install of Windows 7. unfortunately, it was already installed on my computer when i bought it new from best buy about 6 months ago. as a result, they didnt feel a need to include any operating system discs. my level of computer understanding would be basic to intermediate i guess. from what i understand about a clean install, is that it will erase the operating system from the hard drive? so then i will be left without an OS on the hard drive, and no windows 7 install disc to pop in the disc tray. what do i do? ive read that there are both oem, and regular system recovery discs available for purchase, which could help with my problem, but, IVE ALREADY PAID FULL PRICE FOR THE OS. even though ive paid the full price; the same price as i would have paid if i took a windows 7 operating system off the shelf and bought it by itself. my computers performance has gone way down hill since i first started using it. my all in 1 printer/copier/scan/fax machine had stopped scanning, then printing. now i have a problem with IE8, which keeps telling me that a program has corrupted my computer and changed my default browser. i have been using webroot anti virus, glary utilities-freeware, malware bytes- freeware, Glary utilities- freeware, c cleaner- freeware, and aus logis disk defrag- freeware. just yesterday i decided to download auslogics speed boost, and auslogics registry defrag because i was so happy with the results of the auslogics product i had already been using. i have restored my computer to the image before the last 2 downloads (auslogics registry defrag, and auslogics speed boost), the programs were gone as expected, but the symptoms are still present. to bring a long story to an end, all i want to do is start over from scratch. from the moment i first turned the computer on to set up. any suggestions will be reviewed and greatly appreciated. Thanks

Well, usually OEM computers have a recovery partition you can use to restore you computer to its original state. To be honest I'm not sure how to use them. I think you have to press F10 during the BIOS post in order to access it. If you have the manual for your computer, that should explain it.

Now for what caused the problem. Windows 7 built in defrag is much faster than previous versions and does a good job. It is also scheduled to run once a week by default, so you are covered on that end. Any other PC tuner or registry cleaner is unneeded and often causes the problems you describe or worst. CCleaner is reported by forum members to be reliable, but I choose not to use it. You also should have one real-time AV running (which it looks like you do). I'm willing to bet anything all the PC tuning software you use it what caused the problem.

Also, if you have a friend or relative with any version of Windows 7 retail you can do this:
Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

All you have to do is pick the version you have one there now as the OS to be installed.

Most makers no longer include OS DVD so they can enforce the bloatware which provides most of their profit margin (exception: Business computers). This causes tech enthusiasts to locate a clean-copy installer for their version, or unlock all versions in any retail installer, to clean reinstall using the Product Key on COA sticker affixed to computer.

First make your Recovery disks or save a Windows 7 backup image so you have a path back to factory condition. This also leaves you free to delete the Recovery partition and any OEM partition since most factory utilities will have their links broken when you clean reinstall.

Next wipe the HD to get rid of all factory code: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...tallation.html Then clean install following these steps: Clean Install Windows 7

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.

Install 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.

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall.

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.

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.


I also would also not tweak Windows 7. Beta Testers learned over a year's testing time that tweaks are not needed and actually work against you. I only use CCleaner and Auslogics Defraggers monthly to keep HD perfectly clean and ordered.

thank you jedi master, for shining a light saber on what seems to be my problem. that sounds kind of cocky but not intended to be. ill be more careful about what programs i use in the future, although im fairly thorough with combing through editor and user reviews before downloading. as you can see, they are all highly rated. and i only download from cnet. i was thinking maybe it was a little overkill,(having ALL of those programs) but i figured it would beat getting a virus, or having my computer turn into mollasses with all the junk files that are created. i do have real time av protection with the webroot (free 6 month trial). do you think a clean install would solve my problems?

ive just created a repair disc for windows 7 64 bit. currently reading up on the next step. THANK YOU EVERYONE, these forums are a big help.

Its been a long time since I've used webroot, and I can't really find on the website if you would have it or not. Did it come with the computer? It might be one of the paid-for versions. I also recommend Microsoft Security Essentials over Webroot.

I don't mean to sound cocky, but I have helped a number of people on here with problem caused by registry cleaners, including the Auslogics Reg defrag, to know they cause trouble. Several members on the site will tell you the same. As I said before, Ccleaner seems to be safe from what I hear, even from people the swear against using any other tune=up/registry cleaner software.

yeah the webroot came with the purchase of the computer. it is the full version, only it is set to expire in 6 months from date of activation. i have about two and a half months left. ill make sure to compare ms security essentials when im looking around. webroot has been good so far. i was attacked by that virus that looks just like your control panel, only its in the browser window, and it basically says hey your computer is f*cked, click repair to repair problems. webroot caught it and quarantined it automatically, i did a sweep with webroot, removed it and then ran malware bytes. the combination of the two helped me feel secure in knowing that i wasnt infected, but i ran a sweep with glary utilities anyway. btw i sweep my computer with webroot at least once a day. is that harmful?

No. That is very, very good. I do the same with MSE and run a scan with MBAM once a week.

Just to give you an idea of how these little programs can foul up your machine, here is what happened to me. == I was having a problem with Spam. I purchase a spam program. It worked good for seveal months, then my CD drive stopped working. I took it in the shop and after alot of looking, he found that the Spam program was messing up the CD. He deleted the program and it worked fine. Just be aware of programs. They can do strange things.

Did your performance problems begin after the infection? If so, it seems that you might still have some infection. If you click on the fake virus scan it releases a flood of infection which few AV's can catch all at once.

Try System Restoring to before the infection, then choose a free bootable AV scan to burn to CD from here: FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

A bootable AV scan is preferred since it leaves the viruses with no place to hide in running OS files.

Then try uninstalling and reinstalling your printer/scanner software.

You may need to wipe the HD to get out all traces of infection, then clean reinstall using the method I posted.