Which configuration to Choose when clean installing Windows 7

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  1. b89
    Posts : 36
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
       #1

    Which configuration to Choose when clean installing Windows 7


    My desired setup is:

    Main OS: Windows 7 Pro x64

    Plan to run VMWare Workstation 9

    Possibly Windows XP Mode

    Is it advantageous for me to partition here? my HD is 450gb and I'm about to do a wipe everything and clean install

    I want to create a system image to make reinstalling or re-imaging simpler and faster after this initial setup. I can use Windows 7 Backup and Restore for this.

    I was looking through the tutorials, but there are so many, I'm not sure which to use.


    My system specs are:
    AMD Turion II P540 dual core 2.4ghz
    4GB Ram
    64-bit config
    450gb HD
    current OS is Windows 7 Home Premium, but am clean installing 7 Pro.


    Please let me know

    Thanks!
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  2. b89
    Posts : 36
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Anyone? Please let me know, school is starting and I am trying to get this done today.


    Much appreciated!!!
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 28
    Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Service Pack 1 (build 7601)
       #3

    b89 said:
    My desired setup is:

    Main OS: Windows 7 Pro x64

    Plan to run VMWare Workstation 9

    Possibly Windows XP Mode

    Is it advantageous for me to partition here? my HD is 450gb and I'm about to do a wipe everything and clean install

    I want to create a system image to make reinstalling or re-imaging simpler and faster after this initial setup. I can use Windows 7 Backup and Restore for this.

    I was looking through the tutorials, but there are so many, I'm not sure which to use.


    My system specs are:
    AMD Turion II P540 dual core 2.4ghz
    4GB Ram
    64-bit config
    450gb HD
    current OS is Windows 7 Home Premium, but am clean installing 7 Pro.


    Please let me know

    Thanks!
    Well, I can get you started. Create a 50-60gb partition and install Windows in that partition.

    The reasoning is, if the OS goes down in flames, data in the other partition is unaffected assuming the drive is OK.
      My Computer


  4. b89
    Posts : 36
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    So, which tutorial(s) should I use for this?
    Do i need to create one for VMWare and one for user files?
    Another for dual boot if needed?


    Do I need to use audit mode to set paths for the user portions and for where windows updates are stored?
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  5.    #5

    You can use ANytime Upgrade to insert the Pro Product Key to unlock the few extra expensive features in Pro if the OS is not corrupted or needs refreshing with a reinstall.

    Otherwise follow these same steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 but use the Pro installer instead of Home Premium.

    During Step 7 of Clean Install Windows 7
    delete all partitions and create new as you wish.

    After install, copy your backed up User folders into the Data partition and link them to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums selecting the data partition folder to be the default save-to location for that library.

    This allows you to make a System image of only C without being forced by Win7 backup imaging to include the data partition because you've moved the User Folders - Change Default Location. But if you prefer that method instead, then use another imaging app like Macrium - Image your system, Acronis (free with any WD or Seagate HD), or Paragon free.
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  6. b89
    Posts : 36
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Chkdsk before reinstall - and BIOS


    Thanks! I ran chkdsk then chkdsk /f as described in the tutorials. There were errors and it said Windows fixed them. I restarted, worked for a while. I decided to run it again, but got the exact same results (same errors and saying that Windows fixed them). I can email/PM the log to anyone who can help. I also am considering flashing the BIOS first (Tohsiba issued an update) since factory OS (while W7 Home Premium is still on there.). Toshiba issued a new update here: Satellite L645D-S4056 Support | Toshiba
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    Test the HD with the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan to know for sure its condition. If it's clear run a few more Disk Checks to see if file system will repair. If either tests fail repeatedly after reinstall then replace the HD.
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  8. b89
    Posts : 36
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thanks for the diagnostic advice. I ran Seagate tools for SATA drive b/c Toshiba doesn't provide utilities for a 64-bit system. Extended generic test passed as well as SMART info.


    So my plan was:
    1) Use PartedMagic from UBCD 5.2.4 to do a secure erase. On my HP it was able to use the drive's built in feature (a WD Drive)

    2) Create Partitions:
    Create them in Windows 7 Setup. (You can't create them before the setup correct?)
    80gb for W7
    80gb for Virtual Machines
    the rest for User Data

    3)Do I need the 100MB System Reserved Partition? or do i Just click on the Partition I made for W7 for installation?



    4) I am guessing I should create an Image of the C (W7 Drive immediately after setup) to save it in the future for fast re-imaging. (and you recommended Macrium free for this)

    5) Programs that are installed go into the C: (w7) drive when you install them, correct?

    6) For VMWare Workstation - VMWare would be installed on C, but VM's would be placed on the Virtual Machine Drive.

    7) Lastly, I would need to set the library location to UserData in Audit mode before User Account setup right?


    Greg,
    Thanks for all of your patience! I am new to all of this.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #9

    With a 450 GB drive I would have made the OS partition at least 100 GBs.

    If you make a partition for windows, then no, you will not get the 100 MB partition. A waste of a primary partition in my opinion.

    Windows built in imaging works just fine.

    Yes, install your programs on C.
      My Computer

  10.    #10

    In addition look over the tips in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which also apply to retail and will assure you get and keep a perfect install.
      My Computer


 
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