Computer guru's... simplified OS install?
 

I believe I remember reading about a method for creating an install dvd/cd with the OS & all of my installed programs pre-loaded but I can't remember what it's called nor how to do it.

I'd like to do a fresh install of xp, all the latest windows updates, install & update all my programs & settings and create a master install disc so that when I have troubles again, I can do a fresh install with everything I need pre-loaded in one place.

Anyone who's done this or knows what I'm talking about, feel free to post your results or helpful info.

I'm getting tired of starting over from scratch once a year & spending a couple weeks getting everything back to normal.

When you install a new OS it will make a windows old folder that has all of your personal stuff.

But I have no idea how to do what you ask.

Re: Computer guru's... simplified OS install?
 

Let's say you're running Windows XP Home.
Go to the Windows Q&A forums - search XP Home Edition.
They've been at it for years. It is their life and all that they do.
No offense meant, BUT, this is not the place for extensive computer threads.

Re: Computer guru's... simplified OS install?
 

You can create an image of your drive as backup, but what's the use.

If you format once a year, your programs will be obsolete/require a lot of updates anyways.


Better off just starting fresh. And unless you're using a PIII, windows XP/7 has most/all the drivers you require.

Re: Computer guru's... simplified OS install?
 

A lot of the software I use is obsolete (no longer updated), but luckily I burned all the latest updates to dvd or cd.

I guess if I could create an image of the system right after I re-install everything, update & have everything fresh would be the best option. I know there will be a ton of windows updates & some software updates that will need to be done after a new install, but that would save me a ton of time finding all the software, installing it & setting it all up.

What would be the easiest way to image a clean system? Would I need 2 HD's the same size, ie 750gb & 750gb or would a 750/500 combo work?

Any way the image could be burned onto dvd?

Re: Computer guru's... simplified OS install?
 

Well, I think I may have somewhat figured this out...

I've got a copy of Acronis True Image 2009 Home on order, it's supposed to be able to create a clone image of the entire hard drive onto a new drive, but I'm not sure if it will allow the disc image to be burned onto DVDs.
Also not certain about needing same size drives or if I would be able to use a smaller drive to keep a clean copy of the cloned image on or if I'd need 2 same size drives.

I might also grab a copy of Norton's Ghost, it seems to be the other big name disc imaging software.

If anyone has any experience with any other methods of doing what I'm trying to, feel free to chime in.

Re: Computer guru's... simplified OS install?
 

little update:

After cussing the a-hole who created the garbage that wormed it's way into my PC, getting the new drive setup and getting everything (i think) re-installed I finally got back to more or less normal.

Once I had all 7bazillion windows updates & all the protection software updated, I gave the Acronis backup software a shot.

After formatting my infected drive (now living in an external case) & deleting the partition, re-formatting & re-creating a new partition, I ran the software to "clone" my freshly installed drive. Took a couple hours to do it's thing, had to reboot, but it seemed to go as planned.
I cloned a 750gb drive onto a 500gb drive although only about 45gb was filled with the OS & programs.
Today, I pulled my 750gb drive from the PC & plugged in the 500gb "clone". It booted right up and everything was there just like I had the 750gb drive setup.

I'll have to give that software a big thumbs up.

Also, when I was organizing my software cd's I came across a pile of setup discs that came with other hard drives I've bought over the years (actual retail kits, not bare drives) and found a bunch that had similar drive cloning features. Wish I had gone through my stash of cd's before I bought the other software, but it was cheap enough & it worked, so I can't complain. I also found a WD utility on western digital's website that's a free version that does a similar function.

As soon as I find another sata drive on sale, I'm going to make a clone of my clone to make sure I always have a clean install to go to.

If you have a lot of software installed or a ton of updates (like we all do) I'd highly recommend cloning your drive to save yourself all the hassle of starting over from scratch. :)