Questions on a "clean re-install" of W7 Pro 64bit

trinaz said:

Having a number of issues with my installation that I am pretty sure are a result of my tinkering with the registry on two proplem apps. In particular I can not get either my HP 7410 All-In-One and my Bitdefencer 2011 Internet Security to re-install properly and function properly. Both previously did prior to abut August.

Since these are both key to my everyday operations...I'm leaning toward a repeat clean install

I don't believe a repair install would correct erroneous or missing/corrupt registry entries....correct ??

I know I have to reinstall all programs...my main question is can I use the WET on my current W7 system to backup all user settings...program files...etc and then import them back after the clean install.

Have read and printed out Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers by Orbital Shark and How to Do a Clean Installation with Windows 7 by Brink...but I', not sure that WET will work the same as it did when I moved from XP Pro 32bit to W7 Pro 64bit after the original clean install ?

Unfortunatley..I didn't realize until too late that Windows Backup (includes system image) deletes older versions of system image. I now only have a system image dating back to after the issues began in August.

Thanks....Tim

Registry can be repaired with a System Restore, if you have points going back far enough.
Yes, I have tested Easy transfer and that can be done. WET is unreliable, however. It worked perfectly for me, but many here have complained.

You would be better of to get an external hard drive and do a full backup of the current system to it, then do the Clean Install. Once done you could then copy anything you wanted from the backup to the new install.

Macrium Refrect (There is a free edition) or Acronis True Image are often used to do this. Win 7 comes with built in backup software but I did not like it and found it to be very slow. Other folks here like it so you're choice.