Clean Re-Install Windows 7 or Windows Vista

• Prior to doing the clean re-install of Windows, it is a good idea to download any network adapter drivers for your system. The drivers should be downloaded from the vendor support site (HP, Dell, etc.) or from the motherboard support site if the system is custom built (Gigabyte, ASUS, etc.). If you have a 3rd party wireless network adapter you installed yourself, make sure you have the drivers for it downloaded from the manufacturer of the wireless device. Save the drivers on a flash drive or external hard drive for use after the clean re-install so you can use your network adapter(s) to obtain Windows updates and drivers.

1. Backup any important data to an external hard drive or a flash drive.
   
   
2. Gather your license keys for software and for Windows to allow easy use in re-installing or activating Windows and/or programs on your system. Belarc Advisor can help with some license keys, but if your system was pre-built, the license key for Windows will not be the same as that on your sticker. If your sticker is not readable, contact your vendor for support.
   
   
3. Shut down your system. Disconnect all external hard drives and any internal hard drives that are not being used for Windows installation. This will prevent accidentally formatting the wrong drive or installing Windows in place of important data.
   
   
4. Insert the Windows Installation Media and restart your system.
   
   
   • Before you can use the installation media, configure your BIOS for the proper boot order. The installation media should be the first option in the boot menu, i.e. your CD/DVD drive or USB drive.
     
     
   • Refer to your system manual for steps to enter the BIOS and change boot order settings. Most system manuals can be found online through the system manufacturer (Dell, HP, etc.) or motherboard manufacturer (Gigabyte, ASUS, etc.).
     
     
   • If you cannot find your installation media, please contact your system manufacturer (Dell, HP, etc.) to replace missing recovery discs or contact Microsoft to replace a missing retail copy. If you were not provided with installation media, you may need to purchase a retail copy from an online or local store.
   
   
   
5. Press a key when given the message to Press any key to boot from CD or DVD...
   
   
6. You'll see a screen that says Windows is loading files...; this may take a few minutes depending on the speed of your DVD drive or USB drive.
   
   
7. Choose your installation options and click Next.
   
   
   
   
   
8. Choose Install Now.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Put a tick in I accept the license terms (after reading them) and click Next.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Choose Custom (advanced).
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Click Drive options (advanced).
    
    
    
    
    
12. Select the partition you want to re-install Windows on and click on Format.
    
    
    
    
    
13. If you are sure of your choice for the partition, click OK.
    
    
    
    
    
14. Choose the partition to install on and click Next.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Windows will begin the installation process. The installation should appear as in the below image:
    
    
    

Once Windows is installed, follow the on screen instructions to set it up. After setup, reconnect all drives you intend to use.

Once you are ready, install drivers, Windows Updates, and programs in this order:

1. Install the following drivers first. Obtain drivers from the vendor (HP, Dell, etc.) or from the motherboard support site (Gigabyte, ASUS, etc.) and display card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, etc.) if custom built.
   
   
   1. Audio Driver.
      
      
   2. Display Card (Graphics Card) Driver.
      
      
   3. Chipset Drivers.
      
      
   4. USB Drivers.
      
      
   5. All other drivers. Also, Identify and Fix Problem Devices
   
   
2. Windows Updates should be installed after drivers. Check optional updates for a list of any missing drivers. Try to find those drivers from your vendor or manufacturer rather than installing through Windows updates if possible. Install all important updates first. Then install optional updates that provide security or stability improvements to the system.
   
   
3. Install programs one at a time with a restart after each installation. If you were having problems previously that resulted in a clean re-install, do your normal routine for a while after each program installation to determine whether that program might have been causing conflicts on the system.