Windows 7 - Should I do a clean install?

tw33k said:

If I were you, I'd bite the bullet and just do a clean install. If you're worried about forgetting about apps, use the trial of treesize pro (JAM Software - TreeSize Professional - Hard Disk Space Manager that shows folder size and many more statistics) and take inventory. I understand that you're hesitant but once you're finished the difference in performance will more than be worth it.

That is exactly why I want to do a clean install. I know it will be worth it after it's all done.

What does TreeSize professional do exactly?

Easy Transfer will move your settings which are stored in AppData and elsewhere. So your programs should be set as they were before when you reinstall them.

Consider leaving the Norton bloatware behind. Try a lightweight free AV application like Avast Free Home, which impacts your system much less and still never lets bad guys in as long as you have it turned on. It works extremely well with the built-in Windows Defender and WIndows Firewall.

ThumperSD said:

Okay so I was able to get my Norton serial # so I can reinstall that after a clean install. Honestly, the only other preinstalled program I would like to keep is HP's hardware diagnostic tool. I believe that can only be reinstalled if I reinstall my recovery disk, which will reinstall Vista.

So I guess it all comes down to whether I want to keep that hardware diagnostic tool or not...

I'm not sure if there is any other preinstalled program I would like to keep. I cannot recall everything. I just fear that I do a clean install, then suddenly remember that there was a program I would like to keep.

I'm tired of Microsoft claiming it is SOOOO easy to upgrade to 7.. especially when people have so many problems.

What would YOU do in my case?

No, No, No - not the serial number. You need the 25 digit product key. The serial number is something different.
Looks like you are getting a lot of advice. Like using Avast in lieu of Norton - this is completely ridiculous. Norton IS09 and 10 are fine products that outperform most every other product.
Treesize is a similar product like WinDirStat ( http://windirstat.info/ ) that I use. It shows you what's on your disk - all the system and user files. But not the shadowstorage - for that you have to use cmd.

DocBrown said:

ThumperSD said:

gregrocker said:

MS has a program that will move your files and settings called Easy Transfer. I believe you still have to install your programs. Here is the tutorial from MS:
Step-by-Step: Windows 7 Upgrade and Migration

Yea I am currently using Windows Easy Transfer. I do not know what it completely does, but I already backed up everything into my Seagate external HDD. Having 2 backups won't hurt though.

I just don't want to change and modify the setting on nearly every program after I reinstall them on 7. I probably won't remember half of the little settings I have changed.

How large was your Windows Easy Transfer file to your external HD ?

125gb

whs said:

ThumperSD said:

Okay so I was able to get my Norton serial # so I can reinstall that after a clean install. Honestly, the only other preinstalled program I would like to keep is HP's hardware diagnostic tool. I believe that can only be reinstalled if I reinstall my recovery disk, which will reinstall Vista.

So I guess it all comes down to whether I want to keep that hardware diagnostic tool or not...

I'm not sure if there is any other preinstalled program I would like to keep. I cannot recall everything. I just fear that I do a clean install, then suddenly remember that there was a program I would like to keep.

I'm tired of Microsoft claiming it is SOOOO easy to upgrade to 7.. especially when people have so many problems.

What would YOU do in my case?

No, No, No - not the serial number. You need the 25 digit product key. The serial number is something different.
Looks like you are getting a lot of advice. Like using Avast in lieu of Norton - this is completely ridiculous. Norton IS09 and 10 are fine products that outperform most every other product.
Treesize is a similar product like WinDirStat ( WinDirStat - Windows Directory Statistics ) that I use. It shows you what's on your disk - all the system and user files. But not the shadowstorage - for that you have to use cmd.

I also have the 25 digit product key along with the product #. I will definitely be using Norton since my processor and RAM is more than capable of handling the program. I like Norton a lot.

So I suppose there is no way to reinstall HP's hardware diagnostic tool on a clean installed Win7

ThumperSD said:

So I suppose there is no way to reinstall HP's hardware diagnostic tool on a clean installed Win7

Check the Hp website. Maybe they have a download for it. I would have looked it up but all I get is the German Hp website. Else, there are many diagnostic tools from other sources. Maybe you can find an equivalent.