Well, all of the fixes have failed, so I am only left with the option of a clean install of Windows 7 (and all of the applications). I have never done a clean install. I assume that means I boot to the Windows 7 DVD, reformat the hard drive, then install a fresh version of Windows 7. Is this the procedure?
Thanks,
Jack
If you're in anyway unsure of the correct procedure, you can use this tutorial: Clean Install Windows 7
Thanks Seavixen,
Based on that tutorial, I don't even have to reformat my existing hard drive. I have been making a list of all the applications I currently have on my machine and weeding out many that are not all that important. It's like performing a triage. Not looking forward to all this....
Thanks,
Jack
Before you do the clean install, you want to save your user account and it's settings as well by using the "Windows Easy Transfer" to transfer your user account and settings to an external hard drive or thumb drive. It's under Start->Accessories->System Tools
That way you will avoid permissions problems with user account files (your new install will have a new user account ID even if you use the same name) and also it will copy your IE bookmarks and mail and anything else like that off your C drive to some place safe before the reinstall. Then you copy it back using the same program on the new install.
One thing I like to do in situations like this is basically buy a new HD and install fresh on that. That way you aren't destroying your old drive in the process and if something goes wrong or you forget to copy something off the C drive you always have the option of just plugging the old drive back in as if nothing happened!
If this is for buisness, that kind of insurance is WELL worth the $100. Keep the old drive around as long term backup of your machine to that point in time. I've gone back months later to retrieve data off some of my old drives that way that I forgot about or didn't think I needed at the time.
Hi Seal,
I currently have an external 1TB hard drive that I use for whole system backup once a week. I have a software package called Bounceback Ultimate that allows me to create an image of the installed hard drive. I can even boot to the external if I want. I have already done a new backup yesterday so I should be OK. I was concerned about the Explorer Favorites, e-mail, etc. as you mentioned. I will take your advise about the permissions issue. It's nice to have all this expertise and experience available on this site. Thanks for the inputs.
Jack
Hi Seavixen,
I have pretty much assembled everything I think I will need for a rebuild. My only apprehension is recreating my local wireless network here at home. I can't seem to find the software I used to set it up with the WAP encryption; it was a long time ago that I did all of that. But everything else should be OK. I expect I will have to get on the phone with some of the software makers and explain why I am reusing the registration key. Adobe has already said they would handle it on their end.
I am guessing you were a flyer with the RAF? I am a retired Chief Warrant Officer from the U.S. Navy (22 years).
Cheers,
Jack
Have a look here: Setting up a home network
I wasn't a flyer or with the RAF. :)
I was an aircraft radio and radar maintainer with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm in the 1960s and had reached the rank of Petty Officer at the end of my service career.
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