Windows 7: Reinstalling Windows 7

I downloaded the 64 bit ISO (mydigitallife), ran the ei.cfg removal tool against the file then burned same to a DVD with ImgBurn (as plan B) and then to the stick with Universal-USB-Installer (as plan A). I'll be using my key from the MS upgrade disk that I had used moving from Vista to 32 bit Windows 7. I'll be following Brink's Option Two: Custom Install.

Mark

Are you positive the DVD functions/boots correctly? Why not just use that to boot ?

My initial plan was to set the BIOS boot order to DVD first and boot from the ISO image on my DVD.

Then it was suggested that I use the USB stick to boot from since it would be faster. So I now plan on setting the BIOS to see the ISO image on the USB stick first and boot.

If for any reason that fails to work I figured I'd move the DVD back to first in BIOS and then boot to the DVD.

See something not right here?

Mark

No that'll work good, you are aware "faster" only means a minute or two over the DVD.

The entire Windows 7 clean install process only takes about 10 minutes or so.

Thanks for that heads up--I was thinking like 1/2 the time and that time=1hr +!

Barring any unforeseen issues, 15/20 minutes tops using the DVD installer.

Just a few last minute (nervous) confirmations ;-)

1. On Brink's Custom Install she says to manually activate Windows 7 upon completion.
a. Is that an automatic prompt and screen I'll receive from the installer or do I need to go to a MS website to do so? If it's a web address do you have the link?
b. Is there a preferred or necessary sequence between manually installing the key and doing all the OS updates?

2. Any salient things you see missing below:
a. I tested the Acronis boot DVD
b. Despite having verify set on backups I just verified last night's Acronis image and that of early July
c. I have all data + exe downloads on a stick + wife's computer
d. BelArc hard copy
e. Comm settings, passwords and serial number hard copies
f. Firefox FEBE how to profile restore hard copy

I'm not sure NASA prepares more thoroughly :-)

Mark

Have a read of post 12, How to reinstall a HP/Compaq.

If you're reinstalling factory OEM, you can insert the Product Key from COA sticker upfront during the install and then afterwards auto-activate it at Computer>Properties.

Only if you're clean reinstalling retail Upgrade (not OEM) version to a new or wiped HD do you need to wait until after install to do one of the workarounds given in this tutorial to activate Upgrade version on clean HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

As it says in Reinstalling Windows 7 go online quickly to Windows Updates to get latest updates including optional Updates which will provide newer drivers than in the installer.

After exhausting Updates for any drivers missing in Device Manager go to the maker's Support Downloads webpage for your model to import them.

I would not change out any drivers given by installer/optional Updates except Standard VGA display driver if it isn't updated, or any drivers which are confirmed by troubleshooting to be causing performance issues.

1 last question regarding the custom install-->drive options advanced-->delete partitions-->format-->install.

Do I provide the OS key that's on the bottom of this computer for Vista that shipped with the computer or do I provide the Windows 7 key associated with the upgrade disk that I used to move from Vista to Windows 7 32bit?