Is this a good way to install a fresh copy of Vista?

I got a Dell a few weeks ago and I didn't want to be left without all the right drivers etc so I just went with the install they put on it and took out all the bloatware.

Should I create a 2nd partition, and install a 2nd copy of Vista on that and then gradually migrate all the drivers and programs over to that side and then just eventually delete the first side?
Would that improve performance as well?

Anyway of knowing if I would get any conflicts or missing drivers or anything? Any problems you can think of?

It's a Dell Studio 1555

 

No, that's not going to do much for you, other than increase the chances that you'll forget something and mess up that second install. On top of which, are you going to pay for a second _Vista license, or what?

If you really want to do a clean installation, without the extras, why not just do it now? Or, if you want, why not create a vlite installation disk following the steps in this NBR post? That way, you can collect up all the drivers you need, in their most recent version, and keep them all in one place.

 

No of course not, I'll just use the disc the system came with

Like I said, I want to gradually migrate. I don't have the time to reinstall everything right away. But one program a day etc would allow me to gradually rebuild it.

 

Then why not build up a vlited install disk gradually, and then once you've got everything together, burn the disk and you're done? Your plan is a recipe for disaster given the chances that something will get misplaced, or done out of order.

On top of which, I don't really see the point, because you're not going to be getting anything superior to what you already have - and if you're worried about drivers, then just update them now, on your current installation, through _Dell's support page.

 

vlite isn't so easy, and won't install all apps and utilities either.

I don't believe it violates anything by having the same OS on the same machine twice. You'll only be using one at a time anyhow.

I was considering doing something similar. I don't have time to sit down and install Vista and all apps at once. I'd much rather update when time permits and delete existing partition when done.

Only concern would be with the boot menu, but you should be able to fix that with easyBCD.

 

I had a Macbook from work for the past two-and-a-half years and always reformatted the Windows partition at the start of a new school year. It kept my computer very efficient. On my own Dell E1705, I used to have the same fear about messed up drivers but I have since then performed three or four reformats and have had no problems at all. My machine is three years old and I would like to argue that it runs a lot more efficiently than some of the newer machines that have only gone through bloatware removal. I think Dell is one of the better companies out there with regards to providing up-to-date drivers. I definitely recommend you to go through with a reformat - you shouldn't have to worry about the drivers as long as you are careful in downloading what's right for your machine and OS.

 

I think the point is to do a dual boot with the same Vista, so it allows time to update drivers and utilities and also download additional drivers if needed. Once the new partition is up to snuff, then blow away the old Vista partition and only use the new one.

Even though I've formatted PC's hundreds of times, I'm always nervous that I don't have all the right drivers, files backed up, etc. I typically now do a full PC backup so I can browse and copy files I may have missed, and then after a few months blow away the PC backup to save drive space.

But it can still take a while to do a fresh install, install service packs (if necessary), update drivers, install apps and utilities, and tweak your desktop how you like.

Sure you can use your PC while you add programs and stuff, but then if you want a clean backup for a later fresh restore, then you don't want other stuff cluttering up your system.