Solved How to get back to a previous Windows 7 installation?

[stakesarehigh]

I have a Gateway NE56R with a x64 bit system. I re-installed Windows 7 but it messed up a lot of my settings so I want to go back to my old installation.

I still have my Windows.old folder, and I'm not very tech savvy...does anyone know the easiest way to go about this?

P.S. I tried following this: How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder but it says "If you are restoring back to a previous Windows 7 installation, you may need to Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to that installation." and I have no idea what that last part means.

P.P.S I do not have the original Windows 7 installation CD.

 

[whs]

The service pack 1 is just another update that you probably need not worry about.

You can get a Windows 7 iso from here. With that you can burn an installation DVD. Make sure you get exactly the one that is specified for the key on your COA sticker.

Windows 7 Direct Download Links, Official Disk Images from Digital River

 

[AddRAM]

It didn`t mess up any of your settings, when you re install windows it`s back to square 1. You have to make windows like you had it all over again.

Why did you re install windows ?

 

[stakesarehigh]

It didn`t mess up any of your settings, when you re install windows it`s back to square 1. You have to make windows like you had it all over again.

Why did you re install windows ?

Haha, that's what I meant. Everything is just giving me trouble, even though I've installed all drivers from the gateway website and have restored my old settings.

I kept getting the BSOD, and nothing seemed to solve it. Someone suggested I re-install Windows, so I did. To the person's credit, I am BSOD-free.

 

[stakesarehigh]

The service pack 1 is just another update that you probably need not worry about.

You can get a Windows 7 iso from here. With that you can burn an installation DVD. Make sure you get exactly the one that is specified for the key on your COA sticker.

Windows 7 Direct Download Links, Official Disk Images from Digital River

Thank you, I'll try that!! Just to clarify, that will get me back to the exact condition my PC was in when I first turned it on, right?

 

[stakesarehigh]

The service pack 1 is just another update that you probably need not worry about.

You can get a Windows 7 iso from here. With that you can burn an installation DVD. Make sure you get exactly the one that is specified for the key on your COA sticker.

Windows 7 Direct Download Links, Official Disk Images from Digital River

Actually, just encountered a problem. My COA sticker says "X16-96072" but that's not on the above list.

 

[whs]

That's a Windows 7 Home Premium.

 

[stakesarehigh]

That's a Windows 7 Home Premium.

Oh, I thought I had to match the key on my COA sticker to those... Wouldn't this just give me a brand-new Windows? It wouldn't solve my problem, if so. I want to go back to exact configuration my PC was equipped with originally. Like a factory reset. Only I can't do that because I need my old Windows...

Ok, let me redirect this question: Is there a way I can get my hands on Gateway's factory configuration of my PC (NE56R12u) and download that?

 

[whs]

You have to ask Gateway. They probably have an installation disk on their website or you have to call.

 

[AddRAM]

Why would you want it back to that factory condition ? That`s the worst

As Wolfgang has said, a clean install of the same version that`s on your COA, either 32 or 64 bit is the best possible scenario.

And I seriously doubt your Gateway came with Ultimate, and there`s no need for it. Just install Home Premium if that`s what it came with.

And the only driver you might need from Gateway is the network drivers, just get online, run all rounds of windows update, then check device manager for any drivers that still need installing, then you go to Gateway for drivers.

 

[whs]

Brian, I agree with you. But some people love the junk that comes with the factory iso.

Sometimes their may be a reason though - in case that there are special devices like fingerprint reader or backlit keyboard. In that case you need not scramble for the drivers.

 

[AddRAM]

All that should be available at Gateway

No scrambling of eggs

 

[gregrocker]

Follow these steps to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall Factory OEM which have been used by over a million consumers without a single complaint or return here with problems by those who stuck with the tools and methods given.

I notice you are using old XPired methods for installing a bunch of drivers into a driver-complete OS. Be sure to pay attention to how drivers are handled which are printed in red.

Feel free to ask back any questions after you read over the steps and as you go. You'll get and keep a perfect install to the exact extent you stick with those steps.

 

[stakesarehigh]

You have to ask Gateway. They probably have an installation disk on their website or you have to call.

Thanks, I'll check.

 

[stakesarehigh]

Why would you want it back to that factory condition ? That`s the worst

As Wolfgang has said, a clean install of the same version that`s on your COA, either 32 or 64 bit is the best possible scenario.

And I seriously doubt your Gateway came with Ultimate, and there`s no need for it. Just install Home Premium if that`s what it came with.

And the only driver you might need from Gateway is the network drivers, just get online, run all rounds of windows update, then check device manager for any drivers that still need installing, then you go to Gateway for drivers.

That's the problem. I've downloaded all the drivers from Gateway and there are STILL things not working right. Device manager is no help either. It says, for every single update check, that my device has the most up-to-date drivers, which I know is not true. With a factory reset, I could stop the drivers problem and just delete the junk.

 

[gregrocker]

I explained how to deal with this, which is also laid out clearly in Clean Reinstall Windows 7 which has been used by over a million consumers without these problems imposed by using XPired methods.

 

[stakesarehigh]

I explained how to deal with this, which is also laid out clearly in Clean Reinstall Windows 7 which has been used by over a million consumers without these problems imposed by using XPired methods.

Sorry about that. I looked through the steps, and it seems I'd be right back to square one, drivers-wise. I found the Gateway installation disc, so I'll use that, if anything. Thank you for your help though.

 

[stakesarehigh]

I've decided that if push comes to shove, I'll purchase a Gateway installation disc and get a factory reset that way. Thank you for all of your help!

 

[whs]

That is certainly a possible solution. With money you can do anything. But that's no fun, LOL

 

[gregrocker]

You're apparently not getting that Win7 is a driver-complete OS in the installer and via Windows Updates. As it explains in Clean Reinstall Windows 7 you only need your network driver in the backup so if it isn't provided you can get online to run all Updates. Then after these are all done import the 1-2 drivers still missing still in Device Manager. We can help you with this.

It's amazing that no matter how many times this is explained, some still want to insist that a bunch of drivers need to be found.