Installation - Reinstallation???

[Oaken]

Hi all,

Touch wood, fingers crossed, I've only ever had to reinstall Windows once some years ago- on account of a brown out during a major Windows update. My right-brain philosophy since has been that if I have a good image backup and ignore anything whatsoever to do with reinstalling, my luck will hold (ha-ha). I know...

Having seen some of the fantastic info on this site I've decided that I should become a bit more proficient in this area, and have one machine that came with Vista Home Premium (OEM factory image only) + Windows 7 Home Premium Update Disks + I've won an upgrade key for 7 Pro.

My question is can I create an installation/reinstallation disk minus the OEM crapware, incorporating the upgrades and also SP1, and if so what are the best practices? Otherwise, how would you go about it?

Any info or links will be much appreciated.

Thanks, Oaken.

 

[DeaconFrost]

If you really want to have a reinstallation method with updates included, the best way is to do a clean install, update the OS, and then take a system image. That image can be used in the future to restore your computer to that pristine state.

For me, I don't worry about incorporating anything. Clean installs don't take very long, so I just make sure my disc has the latest SP level. I don't trust the process of making those discs, so I only use official discs with the SP already added in.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello.

Why don't you 'find' a Windows 7 SP 1 version installer that matches your new key and do a clean install with that?


Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

 

[Bill2]

Theres no well-documented or easy way of extracting an OS-only disk from a bloatware filled OEM disk. Earlier OEMs like dell used to provide OS-only reinstallation disks along with separate utility CDs containing drivers, alas thats no longer operational. So you need to get hold of a generic win7 disk, either borrow from a friend or locate and download a clean iso from the web. Dont ask how, google is your friend.

The other way is to install with all the bloatware, then strip all the bloat, tweak whatever you want, install all your apps, then take an image. Keep taking images regularly, so you can revert to the most recent one in case of a disaster. Use macrium free or acronis etc. if you have a license.

 

[gregrocker]

Here are tips for getting a perfect clean reinstall of factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

And here are tips for cleaning up factory bloatware: Clean up factory bloatware

 

[Oaken]

Thanks for the insights gents.

I'll get stuck in just as soon possible.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Glad we could help and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

 

[Oaken]

Cheers BFK- shall do.