Greetings.

I'm trying to help out a couple of friends of mine who are not as technically savvy who are doing a clean wipe of their systems.

Just want to make sure that I haven't left anything out....

OS Installs – The Easy Way

0. Backup Data – backup anything you need to save

Pictures, bookmarks, emails, documents, save games, etc

1. Partition – If you only have one hard disk, partition into two drives

Boot Drive – OS and App installs

Data – Documents, Pictures, etc.

2. Install OS – Install to the Boot Drive

3. Install “Internet” Drivers

Install only the drivers you need to access the net – Modem, NIC, etc

4. Windows Update

Get all updates – may take several visits and reboots

5. Activate Windows

6. Install Base Apps

Install only the apps you use all the time – Winzip, 7-Zip, Winrar, etc

7. Base OS Tweaks

Swap File, Services, etc

8. Verify

Make sure apps works and you still have net access

9. Defragment Disk

10. Image OS

Make an image of your install – Ghost, Acronis, etc

11 Install remaining drivers

Video, Sound, etc

12 Use as you like

Anything that I forgot or that you would add?

Thanks in advance.....

T

1) Install the operating system.

2) Use WinPE 2.0 to capture the system as-is into a single WIM file.

3) Use this method to backup entire operating systems with programs and settings intact.

Actually you are required to activate Windows prior to updating it

Before you wipe the disk. Use the Files & settings Transfer Wizard. At least get the settings, that should have your outlook settings, & I think favourites. Save to a folder & burn to cd/dvd/usb.