Want to format. Build an image with installed apps on virtual machine?

Hi there,

I'm looking to wipe my PC, but ideally instead of formatting then re-installing everything one by one, i was wondering if i could just create a virtual machine, install all my applications and move essential files across then just build some sort of image from that that can be installed on a fresh, formatted hard drive?

Just so i can can continue working on my machine in the mean time while everything installs, to minimize disruption.

Thanks for your help.

Another idea is to install the OS and programs, set it up as you like and then capture the image. This keeps it smaller with only OS and programs and works especially well with a separate data partition for the User folders or linked via Libraries. The image isn't weighed down by out of data files but instead if it needs recovery in 20 minutes C is refreshed while your data is current and safe in its separate partition "vault." Of course you need to back up your files too.
User Folders - Change Default Location
Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums
Library - Set Save Folder - Windows 7 Help Forums

Apologies, not sure i understand your reply. I am aware of what a virtual box is (vmware or oracles free version).

I can install my windows disk on that, then install applications. How do i proceed from there?

I never mentioned virtual install. I suggested instead to go ahead and reinstall to C, set it up as you like without your files, keeping the image smaller and more manageable with your data kept in a separate partition.

Including your data in the image is cumbersome and also becomes out of data almost immediately.

Is there another reason you want to do this in a virtual machine instead of to C drive which is where you want the finished product anyway. I would use that bed to do your installation and setup, then image capture.

It's really so i can work on my current machine while building up the new install and transfer my files over to it. I was hoping i could just basically clone what i had on the virtual machine.

Starting from scratch is a painstaking process.

Yes, that should work too.

All of the things that must be remembered and other preparations, best practices for install, and the tools and methods which work best to get and keep perfect Win7 are compiled in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which applies to retail as well.

What i was wondering though, was once i have built up that virtual machine and installed everything. How to i make it in to some sort of installation that i can put on USB then format my hard drive and install from usb.

Kari said:

This tutorial is exactly for scenarios like the one you want to do: New Installation: How to Create a General System Image in Audit Mode

Just one change: if you want to prepare your image on a virtual machine, or on another machine than the one you will be deploying (installing) it to, in Step 3 you also need to tick the Generalize selection box in Sysprep dialog.

Kari

Thanks. Does this also save any documents etc? Or am i best just putting them on usb manually?