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Reinstalling only OS OEM onto replacement laptop Hard Drive
Hello everyone. First time poster, but occaissioal lurker-I have picked up some valuable information around here, and need some advice. If posted in wrong section, sincere apologies.
A few days ago, I had the dreaded S.M.A.R.T message warning me of an iminent drive failure. I have ordered a new internal hard drive already (which is 250gb-my failing one is 320gb but couldn't afford an exact replica drive). The drive has also already been formatted via windows using slowest speed.
However, this is totally new to me (this is still my first laptop and have never had to reinstall an OS before and am very nervous about doing this). And basically need advice for an absolute novice. So I'll break down the following into as short info form as possible.
1) I have downloaded the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OEM ISO and created a bootable disc already, using the USB/DVD windows tool
2) I have also backed up files using the Advent Recovery Backup Wizard and burnt them to disc.
Do I need to backup anything else if I only want to reinstall the OS? I have no other programmes of use to backup. I had already uninstalled all my games, and other programmes I won't need to backup as they were used for online gaming and can be easily downloaded again (these being World of Warcraft and Steam games/Steam application). Music and films are also safe aswell.
Also, if I am reinstalling only the Windows OEM onto the replacement drive, will I also need to restore factory settings, or will I just need to reinstall the necessary drivers after installation along with the ISO file? I read somewhere I will need to backup user profiles for hotmail etc-is this also true? If so, how would I do that as I see a lot of different folders in my personal folder and haven't a clue what is what.
I really appreciate any guidance in this matter, as I've been reading so much different advice/tips on the internet about what I should backup, what I shouldn't backup, what I should/should not do I've got my self totally confused.
Thankyou for any help