Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

greetings!

i've been reading this post and all threads but i still have a question about this whole process. it's very simple, i guess: can i completely format my asus 1225b laptop, install a new windows (same version - 7 home edition 64) and use the same OEM key that i have now? will it not say it's not genuine? i'm not changing any hardware, i'm just trying to get rid of useless partitions and asusware.

thank you

In addition be sure to delete all partitions during install to get the HD cleanest for the reinstall. This is shown in Steps 7 and 8 of the illustrated steps for the actual Clean Install Windows 7.

Don't forget to make all the preparations in this tutorial, including making your Asus backup media and having your wireless driver in the backup so you can get online if it isn't provided, to enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) and install all Important and Optional Windows Updates until there are no more..

Thanks ICit2lol and gregrocker. I'll do my clean install and then post feedback. Maybe I'll help someone else too :)

I'm not sure if you meant for me to redirect my question here, Greg. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

So after a clean install I should avoid registry cleaners like Advanced System Care.

Here is a list of the other cleaning programs that I use. Please inform me if there are any others which should be avoided.

Malwarebytes
Spybot
Super Anti-spyware
C-cleaner

I think C-cleaner has been approved already.

I don't currently use a paid anti-virus program. I use microsoft security essentials. Supposedly, Malwarebytes and Spybot is supposed to protect your pc from spyware and malware, but I am certainly open to suggestions if you guys think any of these other programs should be avoided.

Oh, and I currently use Microsoft Security Essentials.

Spybot has fallen out of favor, in favor of SuperAntiSpyware. You also need an AV for which we nearly unanimously recommend Microsoft Security Essentials.

All the rest that you mention, as well as what else works best for Win7, are in the tutorial. Have you read it?

Going back through the tutorial with a fine tooth comb now. .

gregrocker said:

Spybot has fallen out of favor, in favor of SuperAntiSpyware. You also need an AV for which we nearly unanimously recommend Microsoft Security Essentials.

All the rest that you mention, as well as what else works best for Win7, are in the tutorial. Have you read it?

12. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they slow startup, become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU, can spy on you and cause conflicts.

My startup folder is empty. Is that normal?

● As illustrated in Startup Programs - Change uncheck everything except AV, gadgets (aka "sidebar"), Sync program in msconfig>Startup.

What if I don't have anything called AV or gadgets (aka sidebar) ??? Should I just uncheck everything?

arayfo1 said:

12. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they slow startup, become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU, can spy on you and cause conflicts.

My startup folder is empty. Is that normal?

What do you have in there?

Don't uncheck anything yet.