Aye clean install is always the way.
Also agree but just though I would post it for those that dont want to re-format.
Infact I have already taken notes before doing the rebuild..
Stage 1 – Backups
Files
Backup files if they are the same disk as Windows - Mine are on a separate 500GB disk making the rebuild less trouble.
Backup Browser Bookmarks
You can do this using FavBackup. There is a good review\guide for this
here.
Back Itunes Playlists
Make a copy of
C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\Music Library.xml (Windows XP) or
C:\Users\username\Music\Music Library.xml (Windows Visa) and save it somewhere that will not be overwritten by OS rebuild.
Backup Steam Games
Stage 2 - Checks
Perform Check Disk while Windows 7 RC is installed.
Reboot and let check disk complete. If it all passes time to move on
Stage 3 - Install
Install Windows 7
Install AV Software with latest detection files
Perform Windows Update (Don’t select hardware drivers “Well I don’t”)
Install Firefox (To download other software and provide web access)
Stage 4 - Drivers
Install Latest Nvidia Driver
www.nvidia.com
Install Latest Xi-Fi Driver
www.creative.com
Stage 5 - Software
AVIR Home Free – Normally install this before connecting to the Internet
MS Office 2007 Enterprise (Used Open Office for a long time but can get MS Office on Home Agreement for £8.95)
CCleaner
Defraggler
Steam - Restore games from backup
VLC
Spotify (Amazing program)
Stardock Fences (Really like this program and keeps my icons nice and tidy)
MP3 Tagger (Music Brainz)
Firefox
Restore settings and bookmarks using FavBackup
Themes (List)
Add-ons (Ad Block, OCUK Custom view, Smartbookmarks, Google Bookmarks)
Itunes - Restore my Playlists from Backup
Reinstall iTunes
Open iTunes and use File|Add Folder to re-import music
Close iTunes
Delete
C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\Music Library.xml (Windows XP) or
C:\Users\username\Music\Music Library.xml (Windows Visa) and replace with file backed up earlier
Open iTunes
Select File|Library|Import Playlist
Change file type to *.*
Browse to iTunes Library.xml & click [Open]
This should re-create all your playlists.
Sync backup
This is used to backup my data to a large USB2 drive. The first backup takes awhile but once done I have it set to do a differential backup once a week. This is often quick as not much changes.
Stage 6 – Settings
Some of these setting might be set already.
Set VLC as default video player
Set VLC as default music player
Turn off Hidden Files and Folders
Change Wallpaper
Stage 6 –New Build Cleanup
Reboot
Run CCleaner Registry and Temp Clean
Run Defrag
Job Done, a nice clean install.
Any software you would change?
What will be your steps?
