Steps to take before format

Hey,

Was wondering what I should do in terms of backing up drivers & program files for my 6860.

I created the recovery dvd from the gateway program, do I need to look at anything else or is that it?

I plan on just downloading the latest drivers from the Gateway site later on. Also the games that came with the computer under ' Gateway Games '.. where can I find the .exe files for those? I hope there included in the recovery dvd that was made, if not where would I find it?


- Thanks

 

After you make your driver/apps recovery, when you do your clean install, insert the disk and there are two options, one is programs like the games and dvd pro, ttwo is the drivers, its real easy to use, just click on the app you want and install, you can install everything you want, then reboot and your done.

 

The games are included on the recovery disk (check before you format by inserting the disk)

The gateway DVD has all the drivers you need

Make sure you backup all of your important programs, music, video, etc.

I just keep a copy of every program I download and all my media on my second internal HDD

 

cyclist14, nice video on the hd install

 

Thanks, I had seen tons of videos on how to install HDD's in Alienware's, Dells, etc. but there were no Gateway Upgrade videos so I thought I would make them whenever I upgrade to help the community

 

Ok well I've made the dvd, now i'm pretty much all set to go right? I haven't really installed anything on it as I just got it a couple of hours ago. oh and do I need the recovery partition?

 

That is your choice, I left it on one of mine (my Wifes just because) if you really don't next the space I would leave it on. On the other hand if you don't think you will ever restore it to factory and will always do a fresh install take it off.

 

once i format what kinda software should I download.. Ive already thought of:

-CCleaner
-RivaTuner
-Latest Drivers
-3dmark

is there anything else that will keep my system running smooth etc?

I guess once i finish up with all this ill get to work on a Guide for optimizing this baby..

Oh and whats the "best" guide on here for Vista Optimization? Several people have guides + there is a huge thread in the software section...

 

If you initialze a raid format it wipes the harddrives, including the partition, right?

 

I would take off the partition if you go raid so both drives match up. You need a good anti-virus too, I like AGV 8.0 free version, works well and its free.

 

Here is a good tweaking guide

 

How would I go about partitioning the drives.. Partititon Magic good? Ive used it in the past and have had positive experiences with it but whats better?

 

Just use vista's built in program, its under Control Panel, Admin Tools, Computer Management, Storage, Disk management.

 

hmm sounds good.. Oh and whats the latest video driver they have out on Guru3d? Mind point me to the correct page?

 

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64bit vista
http://downloads.guru3d.com/Videocar...-bit)_c28.html

32bit vista
http://downloads.guru3d.com/Videocar...-bit)_c10.html

download, and install after removing the old driver and rebooting.