SOFTWARE STUFFProper Backups will save you tons of hassle.First, get these two programs...they will work on any windows version.Easeus Partition Master: http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm ...alt link:
http://tinyurl.com/6g3gs8Macrium Reflect: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp ...alt link:
http://tinyurl.com/3zphz46Second, if installing a new SSD/HDD that you want to use as the "system partition", format and partition it BEFORE using it. This makes everything easier, down the road.For Comps with ONE HDD:1. Install both of these programs.
2. Use Easeus or [diskmgmt.msc] to "resize" (shrink) your system partition, to somewhere between 40-100GB
3. Then with the remaining space, create two more primary partitions. One at 100GB and the other with w/e is left over.
4. Run all your cleaners, scans, reg cleaners...etc, then run disk defragmenter a few times...till it won't defrag any more.
5. Now use Macrium Reflect to creat a FULL Image backup of your system partition and save it on the 100GB
partition you created in step #3.
6. When using only one HDD, backing up or restoring from backup...take about 15-20 mins.
7. Lastly, make the Rescue CD with Macrium Reflect, so you can access your backups, even when Windows won't boot.
For Comps with more than one HDD or SSD/HDD combo:1. Install both of these programs.
2. Use Easeus to or [diskmgmt.msc] "resize" (shrink) your system partition, to somewhere between 40-100GB
3. Now, since you have TWO HDD's...you have the option to store backups of the system partition on the 2nd HDD.
4. This is a GOOD thing, as it cuts down the backup or restore operation to 3-5 mins, because it's not reading and writing
from the same HDD.
5. Use Easeus again to do your partitioning...generally with 2 HDD's you will want to store your system backups on about a
100GB primary partition on the 2nd HDD.
6. Run all your cleaners, scans, reg cleaners...etc, then run disk defragmenter a few times...till it won't defrag any more.
7. Now use Macrium Reflect to creat a FULL Image backup of your system partition and save it on the 100GB
partition you created on your 2nd HDD, in step #5
8. Lastly, make the Rescue CD with Macrium Reflect, so you can access your backups, even when Windows won't boot.
Generally, I make new system partition FULL Image backups after I have done a few program upgrades or installs. This
proceedure is the best solution because when restoring your comp from a FULL Image backup (pre-cleaned backup)...it
completely OVERWRITES the system partition with your previously saved CLEAN backup...thus erasing all the cooties you
may have picked up since you made the last backup.
NOTE: The BEST backup system is done using 2 HDD's, or SSD and HDD combo. By using TWO drives, backups and restores are MUCH faster AND safer, because the likelihood of BOTH drives failing is small.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXInstalling Windows on single HDD or SSD/HDD combo.First thing you need to do is download all necessary drivers, for motherboard and Vid card(s), Antivirus and Malware software, and save them to a USB Flash Drive or CD. This is so you do NOT have to go on the internet, before your computer is protected ![Single large HDD]First put your large HDD into another computer and use: Computer management > Disk Management to partition your storage HDD like so:
150GB (for Win 7) // 150GB (backups) // w/e is leftover for everything else.
Install stuff in this order:
Unhook Internet
Install Windows (on Win 7 partition)
Install motherboard drivers (on Win 7 partition)
Install vid card drivers (on Win 7 partition)
Install sound drivers (on Win 7 partition)
Rehook Internet
Install Windows updates (on Win 7 partition)
Install Security programs (on Win 7 partition)
Install utilities like CCleaner, 7Zip, IMGBurn (on Win 7 partition)
Install w/e other games or programs you want. They can be installed on the (Win 7 partition) or the "w/e is leftover partition".
Windows 7 comes with backup software built right in...use it.
Now, while comp is still clean...make a Full IMAGE backup of your operating system on the backup partition.
Then, make a Rescue CD, so you can get to your backups, even when Windows won't boot. Never make incremental or scheduled backups, as this just backs up the problems along with the OS.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX[SSD / storage HDD combo]Remove the storage HDD from computer for the moment.
Put SSD in another comp, and use: Computer management > Disk Management to create a 60GB-90GB partition, and then create a 2nd partition, and format it. (size of 2nd partition does not matter, but NEEDS to use all remaining space on SSD) ...doing this will prevent Win 7 from creating the useless "reserve partition".
Install stuff in this order:
Unhook Internet
Install Windows (on SSD)
Install motherboard drivers (on SSD)
Install vid card drivers (on SSD)
Install sound drivers (on SSD)
Rehook Internet
Install Windows updates (on SSD)
Install Security programs (on SSD)
Install utilities like CCleaner, 7Zip, IMGBurn (on SSD)
Install w/e other games or programs you want. They can be installed on the SSD or the HDD. The ones that need speed (SSD)
Now put the storage HDD back into the computer and use Computer management > Disk Management to partition your storage HDD like so:
150GB (Backups) / and w/e is left over, for everything else.
Windows 7 comes with backup software built right in...use it.
Now, while comp is still clean...make a Full IMAGE backup of your operating system on the backup partition on your storage HDD.
Then, make a Rescue CD, so you can get to your backups, even when Windows won't boot. Never make incremental or scheduled backups, as this just backs up the problems along with the OS.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX[For Both Setups BEFORE making your Backup:]Free AntiVirus Programs:Microsoft Security Essentials AntiVirus from here:
http://tinyurl.com/66cgeygAvast! AntiVirus from here:
http://www.avast.com/en-us/free-antivirus-downloadAd-Aware AntiVirus from here:
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/adawarefree.phpThen go here:http://www.blackviper.com/2010/12/17/black-vipers-windows-7-service-pack-1-service-configurations/Set up your windows services as shown in the SAFE column.
You can open the Services window by typing: services.msc ...in the START > Search box.Lastly, create a new folder on your desktop and name it: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
Once renamed, the icon will change to a control panel looking icon, and when opened you will be presented with all the Win 7 settings in one place.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Computer Cleaning and Disinfection1.... Go here, get SuperAntiSpyware (free):
http://www.superantispyware.com/ ...save it to desktop.
2.... Go here, get TDSSKiller.exe
http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/solutions?qid=208280748 save it to ur ...desktop.
3.... Install and update SuperAntiSpyware.
4....
UN hook Internet cable from back of comp....Reboot into safemode and run a FULL scan with SuperAntiSpyware...remove w/e it finds.
5.... Reboot back into normal mode and run TDSSKiller.exe following the directions where you downloaded it. Do w/e fixes/cures it suggests.
6.... Put your Windows CD/DVD in the optical drive....go to: START > Run and type: sfc /scannow and click OK...it takes about 20 mins to run, or less.
RE-hook Internet Cable to back of comp.7.... Using Internet Explorer go here:
http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/run ...and run a FULL scan...remove w/e it finds.
8.... Get CCleaner here:
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download from the Prirform link (about 3 inches below the big green BUY button) Install it and run both the CLEANER and the scan for ISSUES, remove w/e IT finds.
9.... Get Glary Utilities here:
http://www.glaryutilities.com/ ....install it and run it's TRACKS ERASER and it's REGISTRY SCANNER and DISK CLEANUP...remove w/e they find.
10...Get Malwarebytes (free) here:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/...from the GREY Download Now button....install it, update it, and run a full scan...remove w/e it finds.
11...For deleting files that can't be deleted (due to access denied warnings etc.) use UNLOCKER found here:
http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/Currently (2011, summer) the best paid - for antiviruses are: Norton, Kaspersky, Bitdefender 2011 and ESET NOD32. So far no one has been able to crack these paid versions...so pony up or go for the free AV'sIf you have AVG Anti-Virus, (which is both over zealous and has been shown to have problems with Win7 on many occasions)...download either:
Microsoft Security Essentials AntiVirus from here:
http://tinyurl.com/66cgeygAvast! AntiVirus from here:
http://www.avast.com/en-us/free-antivirus-downloadAd-Aware AntiVirus from here:
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/adawarefree.php and save it to desktop.
Unhook internet cable from back of comp.
Reboot comp into safe mode, and completely UN-install AVG antivirus.
Reboot into normal mode and install Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast! or Ad-Aware.
Turn comp off....rehook internet cable to back of comp. Turn comp ON.
Update MSE OR Avast! or Ad-Aware, then do Windows Updates....then run a full scan with MSE OR Avast! OR Ad-Aware.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The program: HiJack This from Trend Micro.Get the 2.0.4 version here: http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/Getting Started1. Download Executable version of HiJack This v2.0.4 (See link above)
2. Create a Folder in C:\Program Files, called HiJack This ...place the Executable file in that folder.
3. Right click the HiJack This.exe file and create a shortcut on your desktop. Rename the shortcut to just: Hijack This
4. Once installed, double left click the short cut to run the program, a large white text box will open, you may just close that. Then you will see a GREY box..the program itself.
5. Click the bottom-most button named: "none of the above, just start the program"
6. When the program starts, click the "SCAN" button in lower left corner. When the scan is complete (approx. 1 minute or less), click the "Save Log" in the lower left.
7. The log will automatically open in your default text editor. Choose: Edit > Select All ...then right click the highlighted text and Choose: Copy. Leave the Program open.
8. Open your browser and go here:
http://www.hijackthis.de./index.php ...and in the large white box, click your cursor and the Ctrl + V to paste your log. Then click "Analyze".
9. Here you can see the BAD entries, one of which will be your Toolbar that you are trying to remove...simply switch bacxk to the "still open program" and checkmark the corresponding box.
10. You may also choose other entries that are KNOWN to be BAD...then just click: Fix Checked: at bottom left of the Hijack This Program.
Note: Improper use of this program can cause Windows to become UN-bootable. Use with caution !If you are unsure of these instructions you can also go here: http://forum.networktechs.com/forumdisplay.php?3-Spyware-Central ...and after reading the Sticky called: 'Read Me First Before Requesting Help" ....then follow the directions therein and post your log in the "I am not a Geek" forums, and the experts there will walk you through the process.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How to find what hardware is in your computer and device Drivers, the easy way.Get SPECCY here:
http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download ...get the
FREE version from the:
Piriform Link ...Speccy is a really nice system hardware information Utility....simply install it...and run the program...and then post a screen shot of the main page of the program.
Under each of the sections on the left side, you will find all the information you need to locate the make/model for a certain piece of hardware, which then can be used at your computer part manufacturers website > Support ... to find the correct drivers.
For Vid Card drivers, they will be found at either:
http://www.nvidia.com/page/home ...or ...
http://support.amd.com/us/Pages/AMDSupportHub.aspx------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TWO ways to Repair a Win 7 Install gone bad...without reformatting. [Both ways require that you have a full copy of Win 7 and with Option #2 you'll need your Win 7 product key as well.]Option #1*Check System Files for Corruption*1. Set 1st boot device to your optical drive, via the BIOS. Insert the Windows DVD and reboot computer.
2. When the system starts and prompts you to press any key...do so.
3. At the language screen, make your choices and click "Next"
4. At the Win 7 installation screen, DO NOT click Install now. Instead, click "Repair your computer". Click "Next on the next menu that pops up.
5. The next menu will have two radio buttons, select the first one, and note in the text box, what the drive letter is for your system drive and click "Next"
6. On the next menu choose the lowest option: "Command Prompt"
7. In the following 'Command Prompt window', you will want to run System File Checker, to do that, type the following command:
8.
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows ...where c: is the operating system drive. [Note: There is a space between sfc and / .... and between \ and / ]
9. The scan will start, if the scan finds errors, simply rerun the scan using the same command from step #8, until you find no more errors.
10. When you are finished with scan(s), just type the command: exit and then click the restart button. Remove Win 7 DVD and you should now be able to boot Windows.
Option #2*Reinstall Window 7 without losing Data*1. First, grab your Windows 7 DVD and make sure it matches the Service Pack that is installed currently on the computer.
2. If your DVD has no SP1 but your computer does...Go to: Control Panel > Uninstall a Program ...then choose the option to View Updates.
3. You can then right click the SP1 service pack to uninstall it.
4. Insert Win 7 DVD into Optical Drive (Don't "boot" from DVD this time) and on the autorun menu, choose to "run" setup.exe.
5. Once more you will find yourself at the Windows 7 Install Screen. This time, DO click the large "Install Now" button.
6. After the Copying Temporary Files screen, it will ask about getting updates for installation files... if you have a network connection, allow this.
7. When the installer asks what kind of install would you like, instead of Custom, we want to choose:
Upgrade8. Now just sit through the usual Win 7 install, with it's reboots and progress bars. When done, you'll have to reactivate Windows by entering the product key.
9. Lastly, just let Windows install any security updates or service packs, that it's missing, and reboot.
10. All your system files should now be fully restored. Without any data loss.
Actually, Option #2 should work even IF you can't boot into Windows...just follow steps #1 - #3 from Option #1, then steps #5 - #10 from Option #2. This is of course assuming that your Win 7 DVD already has SP1 on it, and that your Win 7 install does as well, OR that neither does.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How To Save Your Game Data When You Change Hard Driveshttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/how-tos/howsaveyourgamedatawhenyouchangeharddrives ...or here:
http://tinyurl.com/447cry6------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best free CD/DVD burning softwares:http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-cd-dvd-burning-software.htm------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How to find the Windows XP Product Key from the Windows XP CD, itself.1. Insert the Installation CD into a computer's CD/DVD Drive.
2. Explore/Open the CD in My Computer and navigate to the i386 folder.
3. Do a search of the i386 folder for the file name: UNATTEND.txt ...open the UNATTEND.txt file and scroll down to the last line.
4. You will find your Windows XP Product key there.
NOTE: I have no idea if this works on Vista or Win7, or even if it works on ALL release versions of XP, but it
worked on my Win XP Pro SP3 32 bit version.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For seeing what takes up space on ur HDD: http://windirstat.info/download.htmlFor deleting files that can't be deleted (due to access denied warnings etc.) use UNLOCKER found here:http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/For Recovering lost files from hard drives:[URL=http://findandmount.com/[/URL]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Ultimate Windows 7 Bookhttp://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/book7 ..alternate link:
http://tinyurl.com/dy32yvtThe Ultimate Windows Vista Bookhttp://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/bookvista ...alternate link:
http://tinyurl.com/68xoywThe Ultimate Windows XP Bookhttp://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/bookxp2 ...alternate link:
http://tinyurl.com/fxux9------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Performance Testing for the Common Man: Fast, Easy Benchmarks You Can Run Right Nowhttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/performancetestingcommonmanfasteasybenchmarksyoucanrunrightnow ...or here:
http://tinyurl.com/438nvyh