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    Going to Wipe / Make Image

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by tianx, Jul 11, 2006.

  1. tianx

    tianx Notebook Geek

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    Well, Im going to wipe my HDD in a day or 2, then making a full image in which I can restore with a DVD or something like that. Tell me where to stop...

    Step One - Format the $@#%#$ out of it
    Step Two - Install Windows
    Step Three - Install all Drivers
    Step Four - Do Windows Update
    Step Five - Install Basic Apps (AntiVirus, Spyware and Firewalls)
    Step Six - Install Intermediate Apps (Media Players, Messengers)
    Step Seven - Install Advanced Apps (Office, Graphic Editors, Programming tools)
    Steo Eight - Install Useless Stuff (Skinning stuff, Tweaks etc etc)

    I was thinking doing up to Step five or six, then making an image. So at least everytime I have to wipe my system, I wont have to go through all that.

    What do you guys think?

    Im going to use Acronis BTW....

    Maybe do a full backup at Five/Six then an Incremental at Seven, Then at Eight..

    Going to use up a lot of space, but what are massive drives for :p
     
    tianx, Jul 11, 2006
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  2. prasys

    prasys Notebook Geek

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    Get AutoPatcherXP , at least install some patches first [Download it and keep it]. So you dont have to download the patches over and over again and install it. This software would help you

    www.autopatcher.com/

    Its just a tip !
     
    prasys, Jul 11, 2006
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  3. brianstretch

    brianstretch Notebook Virtuoso

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    Or integrate patches and what not into an install DVD with:
    http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn
    But AutoPatcherXP looks easier and more in line with what you said you want to do. Still, I've created some pretty comprehensive install DVDs with RyanVM's stuff and nLiteOS.
     
    brianstretch, Jul 11, 2006
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  4. NumLock

    NumLock Notebook Evangelist

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    I'd go till step 7 then make an image.

    Only problem is I've installed office beta2 which will expire on jan 31 07. So I'd have to un-install that next year after a fresh image installation.

    I also used ryvan's post sp2 update file. integrate it with my windows sp2 installer. removed a couple of stuff i didn't need (actually a lot), tweaks here and there, added some additional programs. Now I didn't need to download all those patches after the sp2 release. less clogged on my hard drive having to download and install 15months+ worth of patches. btw its updated on a monthly basis.

    I tried acronis and found it rather confusing on how to make an image (first time at HD image making). I'll try ghost the next time.
     
    NumLock, Jul 11, 2006
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  5. tianx

    tianx Notebook Geek

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    Hey... Nlite looks good... Just what Ive been looking for! :D

    Thanks for the suggestion
     
    tianx, Jul 12, 2006
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  6. bogart

    bogart Notebook Evangelist

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    You should do both. Use MSFN's Unattended Windows guide to create a custom Windows installation image for when you want a clean slate and use Acronis True Image or any other suitable backup program to incrementally backup your data on a set schedule after you've installed all your programs.
     
    bogart, Jul 12, 2006
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  7. SomethingLame

    SomethingLame Notebook Consultant

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    I would stop at step four. Reason?

    You may have changed preferences at the time with all those programs. Perhaps found a better firewaill or antivirus etc. So instead of having to uninstall You can install the at the time prefered aps ;)
     
    SomethingLame, Jul 12, 2006
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