Must have programs before install ISO created?

Soldato
Joined
5 Mar 2007
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Macclesfield
Hello,

I've just done a fresh install on my one of my PC's (Windows 8.1), I've installed the drivers and am going to create a backup ISO in case anything goes wrong in the future...what must have programs should I install?
(I've not done one of these before and will be using Acronis true image - free)

Obviously the hope is this will speed up any future fresh installs (although to be fair Windows goes on in no time, its just a faff installing everything else and re-pointing to my Videos etc)

For example,

What codec packs are people using now (I normally just stick on Sharky's codecs)

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,
 
Personally, I'd just do Windows update (unticking any driver options), very basic drivers only (network driver only).

Any programs/drivers you add to the image, will be outdated when you come to restore this image in the future.


Personally I'd use Macrium Reflect over Acronis.


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I don't bother with codec packs, no point any more.

Just install MPC-BE or VLC, far cleaner way to play media.

If you need any ACM codecs, just install them manually. (If you don't know what ACM is, you don't need it)



My must have basics would be..

7-zip
SumatraPDF
Chrome (with adblock plus)
Winamp lite
MPC-BE (and directx 9)
 
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I wouldn't bother as Win8.1 installs ludicrously quickly on modern drives (under 10min last time I did it iirc... I was actually in disbelief that it had installed rather than just going into another phase of the install!) and most apps/drivers etc will be outdated by the time you next need to blitz your install (again, modern Windows version seem to age much better than XP and older versions with a typical lifespan of at least a couple of years).

Only thing I might consider is if you have network drivers that don't work out of the box (e.g. older wireless cards) as can be a bit of a faff if you can't access the internet easily
 
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