Can't install Windows 7 (Factory Install) after virus

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  1. Posts : 280
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
       #11

    Bare Foot Kid said:
    You don't need a third party program to wipe a Hard Disk Drive, Windows 7 will do it natively; have a look at this tutorial at the link below
    Nice. I always use my PE disk for that, but never thought about using the install disk.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #12

    pricetech said:
    Bare Foot Kid said:
    You don't need a third party program to wipe a Hard Disk Drive, Windows 7 will do it natively; have a look at this tutorial at the link below
    Nice. I always use my PE disk for that, but never thought about using the install disk.


    It's extremely easy and convenient; glad I could help.
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  3. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #13

    I was able to get a Win7 HP x64 disc. I did a "custom" (clean) install w/ it. How do I make it exactly like it was before the crash, with all the programs, fonts, etc. I had already installed? Also, how do I get the e-mails I lost? I used the last back up (12/16/10) that's stored on an external HD, but all of the programs and fonts I installed, as well as my old e-mails, don't seem to be included.
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  4.    #14

    Do you have a windows.old folder in the root (C) drive? Within it is all of the old install. You can browse to the folders which contained your emails (google to find out where your program stores them) and the fonts you added.

    However, i would not reinstall your settings from hidden Appdata files under your User account, as this is a corruption path into the clean install. Best to start fresh with all new settings for the programs you install.

    Some tips for getting a purrfect reinstall based on hundreds done here: re-install windows 7
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  5. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #15

    gregrocker said:
    Do you have a windows.old folder in the root (C) drive? Within it is all of the old install. You can browse to the folders which contained your emails (google to find out where your program stores them) and the fonts you added.
    Yes, I have a windows.old folder. In it, both Program Files and Program Files (x86) contain Windows Mail. Which do I choose, and how do I get the e-mails back to Windows Live Mail?

    I can't find the fonts I installed. Which folder in windows.old folder would they be located?

    Also, does a "system image" include all the programs so I don't have to re-install them? What's the difference between creating a system image and backing up files? Which is better?

    The discs (5 of them: 1 system, 3 recovery, and 1 language) I ordered from Acer arrived today. If I use them, do I have to do a clean install again?
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  6. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #16

    If you use the ACER factory recovery disks you will be back to the condition your computer was in when you bought it. The disks are always good to have but if you have successfully done a clean install maybe think twice about going back to factory OEM OS with all the trial software.

    Once you finally get the system bug (including virus) free and working make a couple of baseline images. These are snapshots of your disk which will enable you to restore to exactly the same condition for everything as of when the image was made. File/folder backups involve your personal files and folders (eg. letters, photos etc) not the operating system or installed programs.
    People often make a series of images over time so they can always revert to a condition before some disaster struck without needing to start from scratch.
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  7.    #17

    Ask Google: How to change the location of Windows Live Mail Store Folder | The Windows Club

    Copy any fonts you want to add to your new Win7 Fonts folder from the windows.old Fonts folder. Microsoft Windows 7 font management

    If you run the Factory Recovery disks you ordered, it returns your computer to the exact condition as when you brought it home from the store. All of the preinstalled bloatware will be reinstalled. Many tech enthusiasts prefer a clean install for better performance. It is up to you.

    If you boot to reinstall the Recovery Disks, you can clean up the factory bloatware using these tips: HP laptop has used up all four primary partitions
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  8. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #18

    I'm planning to go ahead and use Acer's recovery discs. There are some Acer features/programs I like, and I can always uninstall the trial software/pre-installed bloatware, then use CCleaner.

    I wasn't able to find my old WLM e-mails in the Windows.old folder to import them. Thanks for reminding me about changing the WLM store folder. I've changed the folder to one on an ext. HD in case a crash happens again. I also opted to keep my messages on the server as well. I should've done those 2 things before.

    I couldn't find the fonts I installed in the Windows.old folder.
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  9. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #19

    If you haven't reinstalled already, obviously make sure you backup personal files/folders because the factory recovery will wipe them. The Factory recovery disks will probably rebuild the hidden factory recovery partition.
    Once cleaned up, imaging will avoid you needing to go through this again.
      My Computer


 
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