-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Drive Imaging software / was Another Win 7 update.

  • From: "recklessmaverick@xxxxxxxxxx" <recklessmaverick@xxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:20:04 -0400

I'm not Gman, but I don't see any need for a tool such as that.  Those 
are designed for data recovery after you have formatted a drive or 
otherwise destroyed all access to the data via normal means.  You don't 
need it if you have done a back up of your data before you begin the 
clean install.  Also, once installed, the data will have likely been 
overwritten by the new system or all the temp files used in the install 
process. 

To summarize:  These are disaster recovery tools.  A clean install, in 
most cases, is not a disaster.  Back up your data,

I also think that the link Gman gave was for the drive image software 
product information page.  You found the company home page and the 
software is a little further down on that page.


For a clean install:

1.  Back up your data.
2.  Take a second look around to be sure you got all the data backed up.
3.  Backup stuff you may not consider as data:  the downloaded files to 
install software, email folders, settings and configurations and so on.  
This is also a good time to make sure you have all the drivers you 
need.  Go download them if necessary.  Save them to an external device.  
Do the same for SP2 and SP3 (In theory, SP 2 is not required if you have 
SP3)
4.  Take a second look to be sure you got everything mentioned in step 3.
5.  Gather all the discs you will need to install XP, drivers and 
software.  There may be several and will likely include a version of 
EasyCD Creator or similar and Help&Support software from the manufacturer.
6.  Go for a bathroom break, grab a cup of coffee, eat a snack and get 
charged up for the task at hand.

7.   Repeat steps 1 through 6 at least once more.
8.   Disconnect the computer from the Internet.
9.   Install XP.  Early steps will give you the opportunity to partition 
and format.  Do so as you wish.  I strongly suggest a format and NOT the 
quick one.  If you have done a full scandisk and repair recently you can 
do the quickie.
10. Answer the prompts during install.  These are very simple and easy, 
especially if you have done this before.  Things like language, 
location, time zone etc.  Step 6 may be repeated at this time if desired.
11. Install drivers.  Video first and then set display settings so you 
won't strain your eyes doing the rest of the process.
12. Install Security Software, Install SP2/3 as required. 
13. Connect to the Internet and immediately update your security 
software, then Update Windows.  If you do not want Silverlight, IE8 or 
other optional stuff, leave it unchecked and mark it to be hidden.  
Download and install will take some time.  Do step 6 again but replace a 
snack with a meal.
14. Run update on your security software and Windows over and over as 
required until they report that all updates are installed.  Do this at 
least once, even if step 13 reported everything was done the first time.
15. Install manufacturer software as needed or desired.  Check each 
program for updates immediately after each programs install is complete.

Want to make you next clean install easier?  Consider:


1. Using "portable" software.  This does not add thing to your computer 
or registry except in very rare cases.  It also keeps its data right 
along with the software.  If you use "LupoPenSuite" or "PortableApps" 
the menu/launcher provides folders for all of your data files in a 
folder tree under the main folder.  Portable software can even be placed 
on your hard drive.  Shortcuts can be created to all of your software, 
you can put them in your startup folder and do basically anything else 
you can do with an installed program.

2. Once your latest clean install is complete install and use an imaging 
software tool to make an image of your hard drive.  Then your next 
reinstall will eliminate steps 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15.  And those will 
require only a minimal amount of time and effort.

Numerous links have been posted here to find portable software.  Google 
(without the quotes) "free portable software"
to find more links than you can follow.

Don


cristy wrote:
> Hi Gman,
>
> I would like to start the process of doing a "reinstall" of my system win 
> xp.  Do I need a program like this one to do this?  I have not downloaded it 
> or used it before but I think someon mentioned this earlier on.  I have not 
> done a reinstall of an OS in a few years so would like help.  Is this the 
> correct link for the download and would d/l do the first or second one 
> listed
>
> http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-downloads.htm
>
> thanks,
> christy
>   
>
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