Has your PC slowed down to a crawl lately? I know mine has and with previous versions of Windows I usually just backed up my files and then did a clean install. So recently I did the same on my Windows 7 box and it’s flying like new again. It just took the time to do it and to reinstall all my programs again. The following article is going to step you through the process of reinstalling Windows 7.
When Is It Time To Reinstall Windows?
With time, a person’s PC will start getting clogged up with programs and files which you no longer use or need. Removing applications that you do not work with any more can help to give back hard drive space, but there are unavoidably bits and pieces of data that get left behind. Sometimes programs and updates do not install effectively. Sometimes malicious software infects your computer where it can be tough to properly eliminate. Reinstalling Windows will resolve every one of these issues and get your PC running like new again. As a general principle, it isn’t a bad idea to reinstall Windows 7 once yearly on a well-used computer system.
Result In The Proper Formulations
Correctly re-installing your operating-system means completely wiping your PC. Obviously, what this means is losing all the data you have accumulated over the time you had it. Before beginning, take a complete look at your hard drive for files you want to keep, and then take a second look. Then take a 3rd look just to be sure. Consider items like music, video, documents, downloads, web bookmarks and saved games. It’s highly likely that you will see more things worth keeping than simply what’s inside your “My Documents” folder.
When you’re prepared to backup your files, copy these files a secure location on the separate disk. In order to save time, it’s wise to utilize a secondary hard disk drive or partition instead of investing hrs copying a large number of gb of information to DVD disks or Compact discs. Should you choose to use second hard disk, you might want to disconnect it when you’re done, so you do not accidentally wipe it when reinstalling Windows.
Creating a Personalized Installation DVD
Creating a personalized Windows Vista/7 installation DVD can help to save some time and result in a faster process when you perform a reinstall. This requires that you download the latest service packs and updates right and add them to the install process. This method is also called slipstreaming. You will find a good guide on slipstreaming here. All you need to get started is the original Windows 7 install DVD and a DVD burner. Whenever you burn the DVD, make sure to use a newer DVD burning software and top quality media to burn the disk in the slowest speed.
Installation
When you’re ready and you’re confident you have made a backup of everything you want to salvage, restart your pc and boot up from your Windows DVD. The installation process is fairly self-explanatory, just follow the on screen instructions.
Throughout the install process, the PC will restart on several occasions. Finally, you’ll be requested to specify your password for the user account (optional) when Windows begins the very first time. Windows will spend a couple of minutes testing your PC and obtain the latest drivers and updates if you are connected to the Internet. The whole installation should take around thirty to forty minutes.
Finishing Touches
Probably the most time-consuming part is setting up all your programs and copying over your individual files. It may be beneficial to get this done all-in-one hit, however. But once you tackle this part of the project you will notice a considerable amount of speed that you used to have when the PC was new.
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Twitter: sandee1991
says:
I am using Windows XP and atleast in once a quater year , i re-install it.
Sandeep Singh recently posted..Some of the New Age Link Building Techniques for Fruitful SEO
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
Ya this works for XP as well. I am sure you are getting good results by doing this.
Rob Boirun recently posted..Mount VHD and ISO Files in Windows 8 – Will Be Standard
Twitter: esther98
says:
Great tutorial. I’ll leave this reinstalling to my husband or to the guy who does our computers. I think if I even attempt this, I’ll find that I’ve not backed-up something I desperately need the following day
Like with cars, I’m okay just driving them without knowing how they work.
annelg recently posted..Confidence: Take The Plunge
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
Good idea. I have even forgot to backup some important files before doing this, and I know what I am doing. Well at least most of the time.
Twitter: wpwebhost
says:
It’s good to always make it a habit to backup your important data once in a month or twice a week in case your com crashes.
Ricardus recently posted..How to trigger ideas to write new article
I wonder if there is any side effects on my computer’s hardware if I re- install my OS every year.
What about computer software programs, I need to update them right? I’m guessing that some changes might also be necessary since I will be updating my OS.
Patrece recently posted..The Art of A Good Photo for an Average Geeks updated Mon Sep 5 2011 4:45 am CDT
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
There should not be any side effects by doing this sine you are essentially restoring your pc to factory condition. Of course hardware could go bad over time though. Yes software will need to be reinstalled and updated by doing this.
could i still get the benefit of having the licensed OS if i transfer the Hardisc to other computer without any OS??? is this even possible sir?
Timothy Smith recently posted..DoUpTo- The Fastest Way to Make Money Using Your Talent updated Tue Jul 26 2011 1:56 am CDT
Twitter: Techbugs
says:
nice article there buddy,well i have been using win7 for 1 year or so and it’s working fine for me.
Abhishek recently posted..Samsung Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch Available Now
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
Good to hear that it is still working good for you.
Rob Boirun recently posted..Will the New Netflix – Qwikster Be the End of DVD Rentals?
Twitter: rohitbatra14
says:
I don’t like wiping out all my data & apps and then start from scratch..rather I drag the system upto the max limit it can work efficiently when i feel that it is enough now i need a fresh copy then only i re-install it that happens once in year only.. because this whole process is quite time consuming..
Rohit Batra recently posted..Install WhatsApp on iPod Touch 4G[How To]
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
True it is time consuming and I only recommend this as a last resort or if you are sick of using a slow computer that was at one time speedy.
Twitter: rohitbatra14
says:
Yeah, its true but I am now thinking of to move away from Windows to Linux(Fedora or Ubuntu) as I am fed up of Crashes & Slow Speed..
Rohit Batra recently posted..Facely HD for iPod Touch 4G [App]
Twitter: TheProfitShare
says:
If you know how to properly maintain your PC, you will never need to do a clean install. It’s only through negligence that you need to do that.
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Tell me about it
Dr_McGahey recently posted..Shin Splints Suck… But They Don’t Have To
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
True, with PC optimizers that can clean up most of the garbage you will avoid having most of the issues with a bogged down PC.
I had a hard drive crash from a virus about 2 weeks ago and this would have saved me some headaches.
I’m definitely going to be doing this once a year. Thanks!
Dr_McGahey recently posted..Active Release Technique – 5 Reasons ART Therapy Is Better
I believe in making Ghost for my disk. It saves 70% of my time as i have to reinstall my Windows very frequently.
Prachi recently posted..Facebook The Breakaway Brand
That is one reason I dont reinstall. I would hate to spend a lot of time trying to get things back the way they were. I guess your approach is the way to go when it comes to saving time. Thanks.
satrap recently posted..Ways To Make Money
Satrap, definitely it helps to get back your system where you left.
Prachi recently posted..Google Acquires DailyDeal
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
Yes ghosting is a big time saver, but most don’t know how or don’t know it’s available. I always make a baseline after a new OS install and ghost the image. So if I have to restore all the hard work is already done.
Rob you are right most don’t know how to use i efficiently.
Prachi recently posted..Google+ now Public With New Features
I do currently use win7 and even the computer makers info book says you should do this about once every year. Currently, I am working on about 2 years with my win7 and it has been slowing. I have been putting off doing this to it because I am concerned about the whole license thing messing up. I am definitely legit on the licensing, but I always worry that something may go wrong. On top of that I have tons of files and things to back up first. So I have been putting it off as long as possible. I have some disks and an original factory setting partitioned on the hard drive by the maker. I am hoping I can just click that thing or use the disk and walla. Any idea how long win7 takes to re-install from scratch for an average computer these days?
Ray recently posted..Help the sky is falling!
Twitter: Burnworld
says:
Ray, doing the reinstall of the OS itself is under 30 minutes usually. It just reinstalling all the software you want and the files you backed up will take the longest time. Like I mentioned above it’s best to make a ghost image after you install everything you want so you can just use that image to restore.
Rob Boirun recently posted..Will the New Netflix – Qwikster Be the End of DVD Rentals?
I think I can handle 30 minutes. I remember some of the old xp ms and critical updates taking along time after the os re-install. I actually did create an image shortly after I got the computer, but finding it is another story. Anyway thanks for the reply.
Ray recently posted..Computer Backups save your valuable data
Twitter: imagineworlds
says:
Oh nice part about slipstreaming. I didn’t know how to do that and it’s very useful information. Thanks!
Marianne recently posted..Best Free MMORPG 2012 – New and Upcoming Games List
There are many easier ways to do this. For instance, keeping a backup on an external. Taking care of your computer is a good place to start. For instance, cleaning the inside of your computer out monthly is a good start. Then it is mostly basic maintenance. I.E. no unused programs starting with windows, repairing your windows files using the install disk, removing any unused things off of your computer, de-fraging your hard-drive regularly once a week, doing an error check on your computer regularly. A good rule is to keep your hard drive 55% free (this helps ensure the hard-drive does not receive any un-needed damage from read and writing the information) and store any extra software on a hard-drive other than your main hard-drives it decreases your hard-drive read times and makes it run smoother.
Ricky Strode recently posted..Erotic Hypnosis High
Twitter: angelichoff
says:
I know having a clean install fixes things but sometimes it can be very tedious. I would rather have periodic maintenance than reinstall windows completely from scratch…
Angelica recently posted..La Pavoni PAB-16 Espresso Si Black Automatic Espresso Machine
Twitter: Pcmaster0
says:
Ya, this is one of the main disadvantage of using Windows OS, we have to re-install it after a particular interval of time. Actually bound to re-install, we should say.
amit sharma recently posted..One Click WordPress Installation To Deploy Websites Locally On PC
i do a lot of graphic design jobs and one thing i hate when i reach to a point that my graphic stuffs and productivity programs clutter up which more likely to drag my OS slower and even slower, i hate it when it happens.
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