Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Greg - there's NO mention of adding an AV anywhere? Surely installing one should come as a high priority?

True - I missed that (and I suspect that most readers will as well)
AV should be the FIRST thing installed after Windows - I prefer to do it even before (or while) doing the updates, to ensure that it gets a chance to bed in properly before the computer has to face anything external. you can download the installer stub for MSE and put it on a USB stick for installation immediately after Windows Install has finished and update it then without having to go on the internet via a browser.

Yes I know and we could go on adding stuff to be done but one I always do is a registry backup and repair disk straight after installing as well. But that is me being a tad OCD

I have a basic way of doing things. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

1. Clean Install Windows 7.
Note: I usually activate at this time but it can be done later. Last time I installed W-7 it would not update to I.E. 11 until I activated.
2. Install Updates for Windows 7
3. Install MSE and update
4. Install Malwarebytes and update
5. Check Device Manager for any other drivers that may be needed. Seldom find one that is needed.
6. Run Disk Clean Extended
7. If it's a hard drive Defrag. Do not defrag a SSD.
8. If one desires a back up do it now.
9. Then add to your system your other desired programs 1 at a time and test.
10. After doing all the downloading of desired programs do many scans with security programs and if everything is clean do another backup.

Okay I'm wearing my cup so if need be kick me so I can correct my method.

Am not being picky Jack but point 7 maybe it should read
If hard drive is NOT a SSD then defrag.

the rest is fine by me:)

Looks OK to me, Jack

Still reckon mention should be made differentiating SSD's and the spinning platter tech stuff but that is just me.