Newbe Install Steps Review

ckmerc · 09 Nov 2009

Please let me know if I have missed something regarding the clean install of my W7 upgrade version by way of the steps below (Vista Home Premuim to W7 HP)

1. Back up all my data to my external HD & Disk. (Done)

2. Review and document all programs currently on the PC for re-install
(Done)

3. Run Windows 7 upgrade advisor (though I have a relatively fast system)
(pending)

4. Deauthorize my Itunes stuff on this computer.

5. Run Windows Easy Transfer (use the version on my W7 DVD )

transfering all data files and setup stuff to my External HD as well

6. Disconnect all USB Cables from my computer add ons (printer, card
reader)

? do I need to disconnect my SATA cable from my External HD as well?

7. Install W7 disk in the DVD drive and shut down computer...follow the various Clean install/upgrade tutorial from this site to install W7.

8. Reinstall my settings and data from my external HD using W7 Windows
Easy Transfer

9. Reinstall my programs...

ignatzatsonic · 09 Nov 2009

I think you have a pretty good handle on it. I didn't do step 4 because I don't use I-Tunes. I didn't do steps 5 or 8 because I had done step 1 and then manually restored my data. If any of your programs are downloads (rather than on DVD or CD), you should plan on revisiting their web sites and getting the most recent download that is compatible with Windows 7. Immediately after the install finishes, make sure you have all critical and important Windows updates installed and then do your antivirus and antispyware programs. Consider your partitioning scheme before you start--if you don't want to make any changes in it, then just dive in.

I left my USB printer plugged in and off and had no issues, but yes, it can't hurt to disconnect all of your external stuff. I can't see any reason to leave the external drive plugged in.

A lot of people make an image of the new Windows 7 install immediately after the installation finishes. Some would advise you to make a final image of Vista before beginning the Windows 7 install.

ckmerc · 09 Nov 2009

"I can't see any reason to leave the external drive plugged in."
-Will W7 recognize my external HD then? I won't need to reformat the external HD correct?

richc46 · 09 Nov 2009

You seem to have everything covered. I was like you when I installed just 3 weeks ago. I think that you will be very pleased by how easy everything goes. What I did for insurance, I went to you tube and watched an actual installation. Makes it so much easier when you know exactly what to expect.

ignatzatsonic · 09 Nov 2009

If I understand you correctly, your external drive has your backups on it. If that is true, re-formatting it would be a disaster. Leave it alone. I have no experience with external drives, but I certainly assume Windows 7 would acknowledge it whenever you plug it back in. Just be sure you have in fact backed up your files to it. Personally, I would unplug it before beginning the install process. That way, you can't mistakenly re-format it during the Windows 7 install.

ckmerc · 09 Nov 2009

great...I will unhook my Sata cable from my hard drive before install as well as all of my other USB devices

Forgot to ask..will my wireless keyboard and mouse still work after I install w7? if not how do I install new drivers if my keyboard and mouse does not respond? Thanks

richc46 · 09 Nov 2009

they should work. W7 is really good in that area.

gregrocker · 09 Nov 2009

Final step when you have your new Windows 7 as you like it:

type "backup" into Start box and Create a Backup Image to store externally so that you will never again have to install Win7 - just boot from your Win7 disk Repair console and Recover using an Image to reimage your HDD (or a replacement) in 15 minutes flawlessly.

While you are at it, set up a scheduled backup to your plugged external drive (or secondary internal drive) of selected files and image update on a weekly or monthly basis when your computer is idle.

ckmerc · 10 Nov 2009

so you are talking about creating a boot disk right?

richc46 · 10 Nov 2009

gregrocker said:

Final step when you have your new Windows 7 as you like it:

type "backup" into Start box and Create a Backup Image to store externally so that you will never again have to install Win7 - just boot from your Win7 disk Repair console and Recover using an Image to reimage your HDD (or a replacement) in 15 minutes flawlessly.

While you are at it, set up a scheduled backup to your plugged external drive (or secondary internal drive) of selected files and image update on a weekly or monthly basis when your computer is idle.

A boot disc is part of it. What gregrocker is referring to is making a complete copy of your hard drive (OS). You go to start menu type back up. If you decide to put it on an external drive, you will have a complete copy of your HD as it is now. In the future, you lose your HD or you hose the system and you don't know how to fix it, you just restore the image that you made. What I do, is save my image and when I make any changes, add a program or alter a setting I make a note of it. Then if something happens before I make a new image, I can use the image that I have, to restore my OS and then read my notes and make the additional changes.
Whatever you decide, enjoy