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Windows 7: Clean Install to make computer run faster?

17 Oct 2010  
ZenixNet

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
356 posts
Ohio - U.S.A
 
 
Clean Install to make computer run faster?

I was wondering, is it a good idea to preform a clean fresh install to help make a computer run faster? my computer is running kinda sluggish (ive got CCleaner, Defraggler, everything, but it's still sluggish).

My System SpecsSystem Spec

17 Oct 2010  
gregrocker

Win7 x 6 PC's
36,546 posts
California, Florida, Boston
 
 

Is this a factory install or an in-place Upgrade from Vista?
My System SpecsSystem Spec
18 Oct 2010  
ZenixNet

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
356 posts
Ohio - U.S.A
 
 

The computer was made with Vista and I upgraded it to 7, so it would be a clean install with the Windows 7 disc.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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18 Oct 2010  
bagavan

Windows 8 Professional x64
865 posts
 
 

Reinstalling would be the last option if everything fails..Find the root cause for the sluggishness and solve that problem/error
My System SpecsSystem Spec
18 Oct 2010  
HannibalUK

WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE X64
142 posts
GLASGOW UK
 
 

I tend to do a Re install 'clean install every year always have and always will, personally i think you should do a clean install, as for upgrading from vista to 7 i tried that on a spare pc and it didnt seem to perform as well as from a clean install.

25 minutes is all it takes then put just what you need on it and keep it maintained.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
18 Oct 2010  
gregrocker

Win7 x 6 PC's
36,546 posts
California, Florida, Boston
 
 

Check msconfig>startup to see what's starting up with your computer. I only allow AV and gadgets. Others are freeloaders on startup, RAM and CPU at all times.

Google repeat errors in Event Viewer>Admin view to find how others have solved them. Same with the Performance log on Advanced Tools page accessed by clicking WEI score at Computer>properties. Look for issues cued on Advanced Tools page, then Generate a System Health Report.

Clean and order the HD perfectly with free state-of-the-art CCleaner and Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.

Run SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

As a last resort consider a Repair Install which reinstalls the OS while keeping all programs, files and settings in place.

However a clean install is often a superior install to in-place Upgrade or factory install:

Make your Recovery DIsks or save a Windows 7 backup image of the entire HD first so you have a path back to factory condition. Then wipe the HD of all code: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device.

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...-msconfig.html

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
My System SpecsSystem Spec
19 Oct 2010  
MacnamaraJack

Windows 7 Pro 32-bit
2 posts
London, UK
 
 

There are quite a few options you can try.

Rather than doing a fresh install on your computer, you can monitor your peformance through task manager and see what processes are taking up the highest portion of memory and CPU usage.

Disk clean-ups, defragmenting would usually be a first option but as you say, youve got these sorts of utilities.
Installing more RAM into your computer may benefit you, from previous experience this worked on my personal computer. Also look at the size of your paging file by System Properties > Performance > Advanced > and then under virtual memory you can change the size of it. Microsoft generally suggest that your page file should be 1.5 x your RAM. So if you have 1 GB of RAM, then make it 1.5gb.

I hope these things help, theres some other things you cna also try if these fail to produce a noticeable difference.
You can check out my companys website and theres a couple of good guides written on there
Macnamara

Last edited by MacnamaraJack; 19 Oct 2010 at 07:10 AM..
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