Transfer to same machine (Win7 64bit ultimate)

[multiweb]

I've had some drama with a corrupted BOOT drive. To cut the story short I need to do a clean install on a brand new HD. I have created a Windows Easy Transfer file on an external drive.

I'm about to format the C: drive and do a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit version. All my applications are still installed on two other drives in the same machine. I had nothing installed on the C: drive. When I transfer my settings back to my C: drive from the MIG file will I still need to re-install all my apps or will it pick them in situ, as I haven't modified any of the other drives?

 

[gregrocker]

You must reinstall all programs to a newly installed OS because they write registry keys which integrate themselves into the OS until uninstalled, which is also why they should be installed on the same partition with the OS.

You can separate your data out to another partition so if you must reimage Win7 on C because it becomes irreparable, your data is intact, current and waiting on the other partitiion.

I do not recommend Easy Transfer because it can fail and you must try to pry your data out of it. Easier to just drag your User folders to external.

Other steps here to to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7