How to 'Clean' or 'Declutter' Windows 7

[arzoo]

I'm running Windows 7 home for a couple of years now and over that time have had a lot of software installations, reboots, and sudden power off instances. As a result, booting up is getting longer and sometimes it boots up and things are slow so I need to reboot again.

I know these things happen as you add more stuff. I used to use a linux box before and what I always did was reset the whole thing to get a 'clean' version and just reinstall the things I needed (I keep installers of programs I currently use in backup). I know you can't do this in windows 7, but is there a way to 'clean' things so you improve performance. I don't really know the correct term for this. Also, the less risky (in terms of breaking something) the procedure the better.

Thanks.

 

[Britton30]

You can't reset w7, but you can do a fresh clean install after backing up your personal data, pic, docs, etc.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html#post16008
Note you can download a version with SP1 already installed.

Some other tips that may help.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html#post112189

 

[lehnerus2000]

Backup HDD Image

Once you have reinstalled Windows and gotten the updates, but before you install any programs, you should create a backup HDD image.

Note:
If you don't like Windows Backup, you may need to install something like Macrium Reflect first.

IMO, you should create another image after you have installed your programs, before you start surfing the Internet.

Restoring a backup image on your PC (re-imaging) takes a lot less time than reinstalling everything.

Tutorials
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

I prefer to use Macrium Reflect.

 

[arzoo]

Thanks for the tips I'll be doing the reinstall as you mentioned. Good tips lehnerus2000, that'll give me 2 copies to restore from next time. Didn't think of that.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Thanks for the tips I'll be doing the reinstall as you mentioned. Good tips lehnerus2000, that'll give me 2 copies to restore from next time. Didn't think of that.

You can never have too many backups.

I create the Windows Only backup in case I decide to use totally different software (e.g. AV program).