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#11
dg1961,
Thanks for the insight and suggestions.
Good point on the whether I actually have an OEM Recovery on my system... Maybe I actually don't.
I'm not sure how I could verify that?
I was talking about a true Clean Install from scratch with the Win 7 ISO file.
Good idea.
Good point about the crapware.
The system came with a refurburbished 500 GB Western Digital Green Hard Drive (The refurbisher says they test them for errors and only the ones that pass a certain threshold are re-used, and if not, are tossed out...for what it's worth).
I bought a Samsung EVO 860 500 GB SSD and am going to Clone the "original" hard drive with Macrium Reflect Free to the Samsung SSD (hopefully today).
I'll probably just store the "original" hard drive in a drawer as an emergency backup (maybe later use it as a second data drive).
I made a Disc Image and Repair Disc (with Windows 7 built-in software) immediately after I got the System so I would have a Backup exactly as it was shipped to me.
After I make the Clone to the Samsung SSD, I'm going to create my second Disc Image. I'll probably try the Macrium Reflect Free software for this second disc image backup (if for no other reason, just to see how it works)
So at that point I'll have a Disc Image #1 of the "original installation as shipped", and Disc Image #2 that is identical...accept... with the added Macrium Reflect Free software installed on it.
I suppose I might merge the (R:) "recovery" partition with the (C:) drive so that 11.72 GB of space is better used (although I actually have no experience in doing this- I'd have to research it).
I never planned on deleting the System Reserved partition and the (W:) Restore partition is so small I guess I'll just leave it.
I'll continue to create additional Disc Image Backups on my 2TB External Hard Drive. Possibly like this...
Disc Image #3 after Antivirus Software Installation, then
Disc Image #4 after connecting to the internet for Windows 7 Updates, then
Disc Image #5 after Printer and Scanner software and driver installation, then
Disc Image #6 after Application Software Installation, then
On a periodic ongoing basis thereafter (monthly?)
I am open to any suggestions/recommendations regarding the "order" and "stages" of Disc Image Backups.