Windows 7 re-install limit

GRB70 · 27 Dec 2011

I'm certain it works, but my brain doesn't like it use to. So I'm asking for clarification please.

I'm not understanding how the ei.cfg removal tool is used exactly and is using windows7_iso_image_edition_switcher.zip used in conjunction or does it work like ImgBurn?

Back up your files externally, make your Recovery Disks so you have a path back to factory condition, or save a Backup Image of the entire HD first. Back up installed drivers from windows/system32/drivers, run an audit of installed hardware and software including keys using Belarc Advisor. Gather your program installers.

Other than making backups of files I want to keep, is this just saying things I need to do in addition or optional? Is it recovery or repair disks I'm creating?

Sorry for the questions
I really really appreciate this

thank you, :)

gregrocker · 27 Dec 2011

You've decided to Clean Reinstall? Do you have a WIn7 installation DVD for your licensed version? What is the version given on the COA sticker which has your Product Key that will be needed to reactivate after reinstall?

Those are backup options to consider if you need them. Most important is to take all the time you need to make sure you have all the files backed up from your Hard Drive, and have access to all the Program installers you'll need to reinstall your Programs, and if they are paid programs you have the Keys.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you need. The only stupid question is one which you don't ask that you regret later.

GRB70 · 27 Dec 2011

I do have a Win7 installation DVD. Win7 Home Premium OEM. I don't know if you saw me ask, am I making a repair or rescue disks, or are they the same?

gregrocker · 27 Dec 2011

What is it you want to do exactly?

GRB70 · 27 Dec 2011

What I'm planning is to hopefully purchase and SSD the weekend or next. I know many files I misplaced, moved or what not learning this newer OS. When I originally posted, I was recommended different links on how, until I eventually wanted to stick to yours. I have everything I want already backed up.

thanks

gregrocker · 27 Dec 2011

Follow the steps exactly to get a perfect clean reinstall, set it up and then save a Win7 backup image of the finished job so you never have to reinstall again - just reimage the HD from the stored image in 20 minutes.

While you wait for your SSD, read over the steps to ask as many questions as you need to be be clear about each one.

Do you have your program installers ready, and any Product keys for paid software that will need to be reactivated after reinstall?

GRB70 · 28 Dec 2011

@gregrocker,

Follow the steps exactly to get a perfect clean reinstall, set it up and then save a Windows 7 backup image of the finished job so you never have to reinstall again - just reimage the HD from the stored image in 20 minutes.

Am I correct in assuming you mean after this reinstall into the new SSD? How does imaging the HD make it so that I don't reinstall again?

Do you have your program installers ready, and any Product keys for paid software that will need to be reactivated after retall?

insYes, I have all that.

Reinstalling Windows 7
I read the procedure from the above link, and wasn't sure of these things:
- I gather from the first step is to make a folder, extract all files from Win7 DVD then run ei.cfg removal tool? Is that correct? Does it matter if I run the in the folder I made or not?
- I have backed up apps, files externally, will I still need to back up installed drivers from windows/system32/drivers, run an audit of installed hardware and software including keys using Belarc Advisor. Gather your program installers?
- I'm good with steps 3 & 4 & 5.
- Step 6 I'm not sure how I can prevent apps from starting in msconfig? I know to clean them out manually, is that what is meant?
- Is NOD32 v. 5 considered to be ok along with Comodo firewall, disabling Wins?
- Step 8, I use both of those, but I'm not sure I'm using correctly, so I don't touch registry.

Again, I appreciate you taking this time with me,

Thanks :)

theog · 28 Dec 2011

As the ASUS P8P67 has a uEFI BIOS.
How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI BIOS:
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with

uEFT BIOS setup:
ASUS Sabertooth P67 Motherboard EFI BIOS - YouTube

gregrocker · 28 Dec 2011

Be sure to follow Theog's link since you have a UEFI BIOS on that mobo.

To answer your questions:

Download this ISO: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso Windows 7 Home Premium x64 English

Burn to DVD or write to bootable flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

It never hurts to run then print out the Belarc Audit so you have a complete list of all of your installed hardware and software, including any Product Keys so you don't come up short after reinstall.

You said you have your Program installers there, correct?

After install and setup is completed uncheck everything in msconfig>Startup except AV, then in msconfig>Services uncheck everything except AV. Keep these lists clean for best performance.

Nod 32 is fine if you want to pay for an AV, but MSE as suggested is just as good and assures best performance. I would use the Win7 Firewall and certainly not Commode-Oh! which causes a lot of problems we see here.

GRB70 · 28 Dec 2011

I assume the download you suggested had the ei.cfg removal tool ran on it and therefore unlocked? Yes, I have program installers. So no Comodo, is Win7 firewall effective?

ty :)