Would a uininstall/clean install solve problems?

[ellenc]

A clean install is hard to face, but I'm having so many problems with the system (System Restore hasn't worked in two years) that I'm wondering if an uninstall/reinstall of Win 7 would resolve problems and give me a clean start.
Everything is backed up: Carbonite, Acronis, Macrium, external drives, etc., and I have the original program disk; Windows 7 was an upgrade from XP. I have original disks: Word 2010, Acronis, Roxio Creator, Canon, etc., have a list of all Firefox extensions/plugins and can redownload it and Thunderbird. Very important to me is the Metrics/Appearance Settings dialog box that for years has allowed me to create the appearance of my system. I can use it to reset the appearance settings.
I have many little aps/utilities backed up that I can run from the app .exe icons so I save those as well. Of course, a lot of software that I've downloaded will have to be installed again, but I have a full list of everything and have the great Belarc Advisor profile to check against (this is such a great program; everybody should know about it).
[FONT=&quot] How would I go about uninstalling and doing a clean install? Any guidance you can give me will be appreciated. This is something to be done as a last resort but I'm willing to endure it. ec[/FONT]

 

[gregrocker]

Hi Ellen -

Do you have the latest Win7 installer with SP1? If not we can provide it to save hours of updating after install. Is that Pro 32- or 64-bit?

Otherwise it seems you have made the correct preparations and are ready to get the vastly superior clean reinstall which is better than getting a new computer considering how loaded they are with bloatware nowadays.

So read over these steps to getting a perfect Clean Reinstall Windows 7 Factory OEM and ask back any questions you have.

 

[ellenc]

Thank you so much for your very prompt and helpful reply! I have the original Windows 7 Professional 32 bit program disk that I bought from Dell to upgrade from XP. I downloaded the SP1 online when it became available. I don't have the Win 7 32 bit SP1 installer you mentioned. I've downloaded and printed the reinstall instructions link you provided. I'm ready to rock 'n roll! Your help is greatly appreciated. Ellen

 

[CB]

Hi Ellenc
Just additional tips.
As you mention two years. Before reinstalling, it's also a good start by first inspecting hardware readiness. Disconnect it from electric source. Observing for excessive dust, re-seating all moduls (if not factory sealed). In short, make sure everything is in proper place and settled. Can be done by self or just have someone with hardware qualification do it.

But if you have done so, you may just ignore this.

 

[ellenc]

Oh, Boy! All this wonderful help from you guys is great. I will follow your additional tips and thank you again. ellenc

 

[CB]

You're most welcome. Ellenc.

 

[DeaconFrost]

You can get the SP1-incorporated media at the link I'll post. Download your appropriate version under Media Refresh.

This is legit, because it is a Microsoft-owned site. Your existing license key will work.

Windows 7 Digital River direct links: Multiple Languages; X86 & X64 - Page 60

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, Ellen, I would download the latest installer from the link Deacon posted then burn to DVD or write to bootable 4gb flash stick with Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool.

Or is it this: Win7 Professional x64 w/ SP1 English Official ISO Download

This will save many hours of updating.

Here's a video on how to blow the dust out of your PC: