New PC, now what?

[Shadowfax1776]

Just got a new PC. Should I create a recovery disc? Backup disc? Don't know what to do or how to do it so I came here for help.

eMachine EL 1352-01e, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, AMD Athlon II x2 215.

 

[Dinesh]

Its always recommended to create a back up and then also have a system repair disk handy.

 

[Lordbob75]

I always reinstall the OS to get the crap off, but thats just me.

It is never a bad idea to make a restore disc first off, then back up all your system files.

~Lordbob

 

[Dinesh]

I always reinstall the OS to get the crap off, but thats just me.

It is never a bad idea to make a restore disc first off, then back up all your system files.

~Lordbob

LOL me too.

 

[Tews]

Get in the habit of imaging your system disc!!!!!!! This cant be stressed enough... At some point down the line, you will be faced with a borked system, and its a lot easier to restore an image, than it is to reinstall the OS, programs etc... Believe me, when that situation comes, and it will, you'll be glad you did!!

 

[Shadowfax1776]

Thanks Dinesh for the link to making a sys repair disc. And, Lordbob for the tip to reinstall the OS. I wasn't provided with any disc, so how do I begin to reinstall the OS? What do I do first? Make a copy of OS? or Repair (recovery)disc? And, how do I backup system files (which folders?)

 

[Lordbob75]

Shadow, you don't need to reinstall the OS, it is just MY preference. Since you don't have an install disc, you have no way to reinstall.

~Lordbob

 

[Tews]

This will show you how to create a system image (clone) backup of the entire hard drive or partition that Windows 7 is on, and any other selected drive or partition, to be able to restore the hard drive or partition at boot up back to the way it was at the time the backup image was created.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html?ltr=B

 

[MacGyvr]

Okay guys, let's back up a step. If this new user just bought the computer, he has a way to create a recovery disk, seeing as they didn't provide him one. He needs to read thoroughly the documentation that came with his computer. It may be printed or it may have been on the screen as he set the computer up the first time, but I guarantee there were instructions on creating a set of recovery disks. He should also be able to look on the start menu for something like "Recovery media creator" or something to that effect.

It is imperative that he make those recovery disks before he modifies the system or he may put himself into a position where he needs to pay for a set to be sent to him from the PC manufacturer.

He asked the right question about recovery disks, but the answers he got were about backups and system repairs and reinstalling the OS.

And note:

A recovery disk is not the same as a repair disk or a backup. A recovery disk is a disk provided by the manufacturer (or sometimes they provide you the ability to burn one) that will put the PC back to the way it was from the factory.

 

[drewpul]

First thing I would do is uninstall all the trial-ware and other junk.

Now would also be a great time to create a second partition for data if you would like.

 

[gregrocker]

The first things I'd get rid of are the trial AV and Office bloatware. Use Revo uninstaller in Advanced mode to uninstall them. Revo will first run the Windows uninstaller, but when that completes and requests a restart, don't restart, instead click Next on Revo and it will present you with a list of leftover Registry keys and Files for you to choose and Delete. This gets the bloatware programs out cleanly.

Now install MS Security Essentiials for a lean, mean unintrusive AV that doesn't slow your system.

As you become certain of other bloatware programs you don't want, uninstall them also using Revo.

Uncheck all items in msconfig>Startup that don't absolutely need to start up with Win7. I only allow my AV and gadgets to start. This reduces startup time and drag on your CPU/RAM markedly.

Once you have it cleaned up as you like, clean and order the HD perfectly using free state-ov-the-art CCleaner and Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. Then save a Win7 backup iamge so you never have to reinstall again.

Most tech enthusiasts will find a clean-copy install DVD for their version to clean reinstall with Product Key on the COA sticker on machine. This is because bloatware can often corrupt in it's uninstall almost as much as it does by hanging around. Run sfc /scannow periodically to see if any system files are corrupted beyond repair.

Be on the lookout for a friend's DVD you can borrow to copy with ImgBurn - all versions can also be unlocked in any Win7 installer except Recovery disks.

 

[KazeNoKoe23]

I always reinstall the OS to get the crap off, but thats just me.

It is never a bad idea to make a restore disc first off, then back up all your system files.

~Lordbob

LOL me too.

I think most tech savvy folks do it.