Up to date (Oct 2018) guide to fresh Windows 7 install?

[boss281]

I am ready to do a fresh Windows 7 install on my older Dell laptop (I'm assuming I can do this from the repair screens using F8 at reboot). I've found a few older threads that specify a sequence of steps, but they are a few years old and wonder if there is an update to the process to speed up all the updates...
Thanks in advance.
John

 

[SIW2]

Dism++ is quickest way.
https://www.chuyu.me/en/index.html

 

[boss281]

Dism++ is quickest way.
https://www.chuyu.me/en/index.html

I went to the website but the process is a bit above my understanding at first glance.

After looking a bit I found my Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 DVD. The threads I mentioned above describe doing a clean install, disabling Windows Update, performing some updates manually, then reenabling Windows Update to finish off the install. It wasn't clear if that process was up to date based on the date stamps.

Given that, would you be able to describe how the DISM++ program would aid with the above? Perhaps I've asked the wrong question...

Thank you for responding so quickly.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi boss281,

DISM++ [Deployment Image Servicing & Management]

DISM++ is a FREE implementation tool that has the ability to perform Windows Updates [WU]. Some of the advantages [but not all] are:

[1] The GUI is very easy to understand and use.
[2] It is much faster than Microsofts WU because it uses a different engine.
[3] It gives you the option of what you want to install.
[4] It doesn’t install superseded updates like Microsoft does.
[5] It warns you of any suspect and Telemetry updates, and any updates that have known issues.
[6] It doesn’t require re-booting between updates.
[7] It can be used to either update an install.wim image offline, or to update the live OS.

This is discussed and explained here => Update your Win 7 installation media. It is quite a long thread, but you will see the parts that are applicable!

DISM++ Direct download [zip]: DISM++
DISM++ Website [you will need to translate the page]: DISM++ | New Windows Utility

If you decide to use DISM++, then it is best to run the DISM++ WU a couple of times to make sure you get ALL the updates that are needed. It can also install the required .NET Framework updates. Then just run Microsofts WU to see what other updates are available, if any.

Once you have your OS updated and running the way you like it, make a system image. This way, if things go wrong in the future, you will be able to restore your OS back to the exact same state that it is now in a very short time. This is because you will not have to install ALL the updates again, not to mention the amount of time needed to download and install them, and the numerous restarts needed. There are two imaging programs which are very popular among members here, the first is AOMEI Backupper Standard [FREE], and the second is Macrium Reflect [FREE].

I hope this helps.

 

[SIW2]

After you have installed win7. Run dism++ click Updates in the left pane. Then click Scan bottom right.

It downloads the database from MS, scans your system, then lists updates available.

To install them click Install Updates - the blue button to the right of Scan. Pop ups will warn you of undesirable updates, e.g. telemetry - click cancel and it skips that one. Ther are several of those. The rest it downloads using the differ engine and installs.

Reboot and scan again when you feel like.

If you run dism++, it is obvious .

 

[boss281]

Wow, that is pretty cool, actually! I'll do this on Sunday. Thanks much for the explanation.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi Hi boss281,

Wow, that is pretty cool, actually! I'll do this on Sunday.

It is pretty straight forward. If you have any problems then please let us know!

 

[RoWin7]

I just used Dism++ on this computer, and I was impressed.