Loading Win7 on two separate HDD drives, same computer.

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  1.    #41

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  2. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #42

    Greg,

    I have a few questions regarding the installation and image backup, etc..

    First your comment regarding the update - "On Windows Updates, I have had no problems selecting all of the Recommended and Optional Updates as a batch to install, however you can install them in smaller groups if you have been having problems with your particular machine's reaction to Updates before. I always go first to the Optional Updates to see what drivers are updated from the ones in the installer since it is more than a year old now. Those drivers are important."

    My question - How do I control the up and downloading of these updates after 7 is installed. How do I view these so I know which ones to install?

    Second question regarding Image backup - Once I've created the image backup (hopefully I won't need to) impliment this feature/program/utility (which ever name applies) if needed? Also is it better to create a disc or use the HD?

    Third question regarding program start ups - When I begin downloading my software how to address the start up issue and avoid having the program load itself to to the start up list?

    Glidercj
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  3. Posts : 1,114
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #43

    Morning Glidercj

    In control panel/Windows update/ left column/ change settings i have the first 3 boxes checked/ and you can set how often and what time to check for updates
    Next Q backups should be put on a different drive just in case your os drive crashes, when you get the comp up and running the way you want we can discuss the value of keeping a current image
    Next Q program startups are a matter of preferrence, it doesn't hurt to uncheck them at startup because there still there when you need them
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  4. Posts : 205
    Windows 8 Professional
       #44

    not sure if this has been mentioned but you could always use Acronis or Macrium or another program to create an image of your C: hard drive. Install the image on the spare hard drive and if the first one fails you have a spare that you can instantly swap to.

    This may be helpful for you too:

    How I setup my pc's:

    1) install OS onto single hard drive and fully update the OS
    2) install all applications that i NEED (not games and other stuff I dont need)
    3) create image of that hard drive and save to external hard drive.
    4) plug-in second internal hard drive and use it as my program files location for all non needed applications and storage alternative for my NAS.

    Note: you dont need to use second hard drive for program files stuff I do it because my SSD is only 64gb.
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  5. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #45

    Thanx again for all the info 1Bowtie and Lunarpancake!

    Back to you 1Bowtie regarding the updates, what my Q pertained to was at the end of the install windows automatically begins to search for updates - how do I control this - can I decline to upload at that time?
    I don't believe I can open the control panel at this point during the install, can I???

    Regarding your joke about "get to work/only joking" my skin is three inches thick from doing field service work 20+ yrs. I have all the scares to prove it from being thrown to the lions when management could answer their questions. So feel free to bust balls! Mine are cast iron at this point in time. Man do I miss the years without people being offended! Life was a laugh!!!

    Glidercj
    Last edited by Glidercj; 07 Dec 2010 at 10:38. Reason: Additional info
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  6.    #46

    The install will ask you if you want to Update Automatically. If you choose that it will start Updating before you open Windows Update. Either way, open it right after install, select all the Updates including optional to install - or select them in small groups if you want. Win7 is not like XP where you need to worry about Updates malfunctioning - the process is totally interactive with your OS so it provides only what you need except in the rarest case. You most certainly want any Drivers given in optional Update unless Win7 rejects them.

    You do want to use Win7 Backup Imaging which is built into Win7. This is the modern way to back up your OS and programs once you set it up so that you never have to reinstall again, just reimage from backup using your DVD/Repair CD and the stored image in 15 minutes and you're back up and running.

    Here is how to save a backup image to another HD: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
    This is how the image is restored: System Image Recovery
    If you want more flexibility as to what is imaged and where it's restored, use free Macrium Reflect or Paragon Backup 10. Win7 Backup imaging is new and will only restore the partitions selected for backup to exactly where they were on the HD or its replacement.

    To avoid allowing a program to startup with Windows, watch closely for that choice (as well as spyware toolbars they like to sneak by you) during program install - don't allow updaters or checking for newer versions since they'll do that when you use the program anyway. If you find that or any other program has still snuck into your msconfig>Startup list then follow these steps to remove it: Startup Programs - Change

    Be aware that may persistent programs that spy to sell your consumer information like RealPlayer will continue to sneak into your Startup list unless you find the near-hidden Setting in the Program itself to turn off. It takes some searching for "Preferences," "Updates," "Settings," etc to find the listing to turn off its Updater but you will get the knack of it after awhile. For example, Adobe Reader will keep turning back on its Updater after updates in msconfig unless you open it and turn off that option under Edit>Preferences.
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  7. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #47

    Greg,
    Last night the install commenced, it would appear all went well! Although it took quite a while for it complete. When it was finished it looked for the updates, all two of them!? I did notice that windows did another update while I was setting up my desk top, screen backdrop and gadgets. I got the balloon for a brief moment stating windows updates but that only took a few seconds as it seemed. I want to make sure I have all of those that are required. I guess the best way to do this to perform a manual update?
    Also when I activated the eval for the Wei score the graphics score was 4.3 - I did a google regarding what I thought was a low score (found out it is the next one down for the highest) I'm going to try updating the driver to see if I can get this into the high 4's or 5's. My Graphics card is EVGA GeForce 9500 GT 1GB PCIe w/Dual Link DVI. When I bought it I thought it was a kick a** card.
    Going back the install - it seemed to take longer that the initial install but that was with a 500GB drive, this time it is a 1TB drive. Is that the difference in install time?

    Glidercj
    Last edited by Glidercj; 08 Dec 2010 at 07:09. Reason: typo
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  8. Posts : 1,114
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #48

    Hi Glidercj

    That WEI score means nothing in real world computing and looks about right for your computer. The real test is it stable and do the things i need to do. Now since you installed on a 1tb drive i would partition it say 150 gig OS and the rest for Programs, Junk, Pic's, Music, etc or you may want to format one of the other smaller drives or both and after you get it completely updated make an image and put it on one of the smaller drives. Let us know and we'll help any way we can:)
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  9.    #49

    Did you open Windows Updates, select all Recommended and Optional Updates and install them?

    One of the most important steps is to update your drivers from Optional Windows Updates, as I've mentioned several times.

    Here are some other tips to make sure you get a perfect install: re-install windows 7
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  10. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #50

    Greg,

    No I did not, ran out of time last night to complete all of your instructions (please keep in mind that when I'm working it's a 17 - 18 hour day/night before I have free time).
    I wanted to get the Avast on there before roaming around the net.
    As for partitioning the HD - what are the advantages of making smaller drives out of one big drive.
    Is it to keep data away from the OS? Faster search time on the partitions ?????
    Doesn't 150 GB seem quite big for OS (C drive) if that's all it's going to be allocated for?

    The computer now starts up lightening quick and shut down fast as well. Although I don't have programs installed yet it appears to be stable.
    As I install the programs I will reboot after each one and see how the system functions. Can I check the performance log/print out to create a base line for performance?

    Glidercj
      My Computer


 
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