Reinstalling Windows

[The Shadow Dragon]

I got a virus the other day, and now I am stuck in safe mode in order for anything to work. My mother had the same virus, and the only way to be rid of it is to reinstall Windows. I will be using Windows 7, a mod known as Windows 7 Gamer Edition.
I have two questions:
One, is backing up to my D:\ drive safe if I am installing to C:/?
Two, what prep do I need to do? (as in downloading drivers, programs, etc.)



Thanks in advance for the help, installing fresh is new to me.

[Hot Trout]

Have you tried to do a Repair Install ?

[The Shadow Dragon]

Excuse me for being a complete newbie on this subject, but I have no clue what that is. Besides, I need to clean my PC up and I have been considering installing this mod version for a while. I was wondering what drivers and what prep work needed to be done.

[Hot Trout]

OK,

If you are installing a fresh copy of windows onto any computer.

1. Make sure ALL your personal data is backed up somewhere other than the harddisk you are installing to.
2. Have the necessary latest drivers for all your hardware also easily at hand (USB Pendrive or other harddisk. It is also a good idea to have these un-zipped, ready for install. Typically this will include:-
- Motherboard Drivers
- Display Card Drivers
- Soundcard Drivers (if not using the on-board soundcard)
- printer drivers
- any other hardware
3. Make sure you have the install disks/files for all the other software you use.
4. Try and make sure you also have all passwords/usernames and other ID style content either written down or saved on file (e.g. CuteFTP, Outlook, Games etc)

now then

Using the Windows install CD/Pendrive:-

1. Do a full install of the copy of windows you wish to use.
2. Install all necessary drivers (for your hardware)
3. Install the MOD as outlined in its instructions
4. Install your apps/games/software
5. Copy back your personal data

You should be good to go. If you do not understand any of these steps I suggest that you do not try and install a fresh Windows and instead attempt a repair on your existing install.

To do this:-

1. Insert your Windows install CD
2. Boot from the CD not your harddisk (use your BIOS/CMOS to change the boot options to acheive this)
3. When requested to by your Windows install CD, choose to Repair an Existing Installation.

[The Shadow Dragon]

Thanks, HT, I'll let you know how it turns out.

UPDATE: Avast Antivirus is my champion, it's live shields kicked in and are destroying the virus as I type this. I still intend to reinstall, but I am not in such hurry to do so now. I am truly grateful for the info/help HT.

[Kherr]

Avast? *shudders* EEWWWW.....

Sorry, I had a VERY BAD experience with Avast 4.7... It let a worm into my parents computer from GOOGLE and it literally fucked us out of that computer. >.> There was no fixing that. I have a huge beef with Avast and now, unfortunitely, AVG. I prefer Zone Alarm Extreme Security. Helps so freaken much.

Sorry, but thankfully avast is working for you. Hope it turns out good. X3

[Jesse]

I've been using the free Avast for many a year now. I have no complaints.

I usually reformat my hard drive and reinstall everything once every 3 months anyway, just in case. And because I somewhat enjoy it. It's like taking a hot shower. I feel all nice and clean afterward.

[Kherr]

I usually reformat my hard drive and reinstall everything once every 3 months anyway, just in case. And because I somewhat enjoy it. It's like taking a hot shower. I feel all nice and clean afterward.

Too true, but I do it once every 6 months. I keep mine running smooth with Tuneup Utilities 2010 and Avira Antivirus (because I can't affor ZA Extreme Security yet, and the 30 day free trial ran out. T_T)

I have, however, been looking in my registry for the entry for ZA's trial period so I can remove it and get another 30 days free, but alas, I cannot find it as I'm not good with manually editing the registry. >.>

(side note, topic is being hijacked, :p)

[Hot Trout]

Im running the same install of Windows XP SP2 for three years now. Hardware has changed twice during that period and the machine is running very well. Regular control of the registry is the key and also keeping careful track of dead and unnecessary files. I have used both AVG and Avast and find that Avast has better website malware protection that AVG. Both are good though.

[crustyasp46]

http://asknerd.net/index.php?option=com ... iew&id=123

A pretty good tutorial on how to check your computer for problems manually, a DIY guide