Reinstalling 7 on a year old computer that I built - what to do before

[keto6789]

Hi.

I've developed a few software errors and just in general want to re-install Windows 7 on my computer that I built over a year ago, to clean out junk (old software, viruses(?), spyware, programs, etc) and refresh my system to new.

The only thing I would like to save would be my Firefox bookmarks (got several). I've got all my data backed up already. Anything else I should do or take note of before reinstalling Windows 7?

P.S. Am I the only one who enjoys going through this process every once in a while? I really enjoy starting from scratch and having to download all the drivers, software, and Windows Updates!


Thanks

 

[geekapproved]

I do it every 6 months, just did it a couple weeks ago.

If you have all your data backed up then there's nothing else you need.

Make sure you format the drive during the install.

 

[thescientist10]

I do it every 6 months, just did it a couple weeks ago.

If you have all your data backed up then there's nothing else you need.

Make sure you format the drive during the install.

How do you FORMAT the drive during the install?

 

[unksol]

How do you FORMAT the drive during the install?

You select format when the windows installer asks you...

If you find yourself doing this every 6 months its much easier and quicker to just take an image after drivers/updates/basic programs are installed and restore that. All though there really no reason to with 7. unless you trash your installs. Its not like XP

 

[xaephod]

Make sure you have any drivers you need on a flash or disk.