What do "YOU" do after fresh os install?

[RTistic]

Im very curious what you wilders do after you do a fresh os install. Things like install microsoft updates, loading your security software, making images etc..

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> Im very curious what you wilders do after you do a fresh os install. Things like install microsoft updates, loading your security software, making images etc.. <-QUOTE}
Personally I like the following procedure:

1. Fresh OS install -> Drivers Installation -> Activation of the OS -> Defrag -> Take an Image (My basic and most important image).

2. Update windows -> Take a second image.

3. Install my essential software, configure the OS and the programs, defrag -> And guess what? I take image an again. :P

4. Install my security software, configure them and take a final image.

ps1. The first step is done only once. I never reinstall my OS again; when is needed I restore that image and I have a perfectly clean OS.

ps2. Actually there are also some intermediate steps between the images that have to do with FD-ISR archives.

Panagiotis

[virtumonde]

About the same as described by pandlouk,only that i use Paragon HDD manager,and the 3rd backup is after i install all the programs without the security ones(which usuallly are av+firewall)becouse i don't trust them working as they should after a backup,and reinstall them only takes a few minutes anyway.

[RTistic]

{QUOTE-> ps2. Actually there are also some intermediate steps between the images that have to do with FD-ISR archives.
<-QUOTE}Could you shed some light on this. What would be the benefit?? Something goes wrong its a quicker recovery? Also which imaging software do u use.

Thanks for sharing pandlouk!

[Arup]

Fresh install, all drivers, turn off indexing and system restore, clean prefetch and boot, apply AV then SP and all patches. Then install software and finally defrag, system files first boot time and then regular.

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> Could you shed some light on this. What would be the benefit?? Something goes wrong its a quicker recovery? Also which imaging software do u use.

Thanks for sharing pandlouk! <-QUOTE}
You are welcome.

Imaging software that I prefer (those that have never-ever failed me).
Freeware: DriveImage XML (http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm)
Shareware: Drive Snapshot (http://www.drivesnapshot.de/en/), Image for Windows (http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/image-for-windows.htm), paragon (http://www.paragon-software.com/).

All of the above are extremly reliable. :thumb:

About FirstDefense-ISR Pro. It is an instant recovery software that gives you the ability to have up to 10 Windows Operating Systems on the same partition. You can use any combination of 2000, XP, XP 64, Vista and Vista 64 (and their various service packs). It also gives you the ability to export the OSes as archives (something between an image and a backup fuction, but more flexible than both of them).
It can be used as an OS instant recovery program (it's primary function), as a multiboot system of different OSes or different configurations of the same OS, etc., etc. It is only limited by the users imagination. Let's just say that is the Inspector Gadget (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_gadget) in the windows world. :P

Between step 1 and 2 I install FD-ISR and export the Os to an archive. The same (export to archive) is done between 2 and 3, etc. It is not it's speed (the first time that you take or restore an archive it needs some minutes; it depends from the size of the OS) that I love, but it's extreme flexibility.

Panagiotis

[ErikAlbert]

It's important to have an image of an ACTIVATED Windows + Drivers.
Activation via internet isn't possible anymore after a period of 3 or 4 months and then you have to activate via phone, which isn't so convenient anymore, more than 100 digits are involved without any mistake or you can start all over again + you have to explain why you want to install Windows again.
Instead of installing Windows manually (about 40-60 minuts), I restore this image, which takes less than 1 minut.
Doing less or nothing and getting much in return is my favorite hobby, I'm lazy.

I have other images of course, but most of them are already mentioned.

[lodore]

Hello,
when i first got my pc i sorted out the partitions during installation. so the first thing i done was format all my partitions. then i moved all the C:\users\user folders such as pictures,downloads etc to F:\users\name\
i then stuck in my paragon winpe disc and imaged C: to my second internal hard drive.
i then installed my security software and updated windows.
install drivers.
then slowly installed my apps.
then when i reinstalled vista i just installed secuirty software and updated to service pack 1,install drivers then installed apps.
partitions make things so much eaiser.
reinstalling the OS is a breeze since all my music and documents is on my second partition. so i installed my media app and just import the music in the the libary which takes around 1minute.

[HURST]

My steps:

Zero HDD
Format disk into 2 partitions
Install XP
Install drivers
IMAGE
Install Windows Updates
INCREMENTAL IMAGE
Install Security Software
Install Office
Install rest of software
Update all software
INCREMENTAL IMAGE
Restore my data into D: partition
Run Ccleaner
Defrag
INCREMENTAL IMAGE

[lodore]

{QUOTE-> My steps:

Zero HDD
Format disk into 2 partitions
Install XP
Install drivers
IMAGE
Install Windows Updates
INCREMENTAL IMAGE
Install Security Software
Install Office
Install rest of software
Update all software
INCREMENTAL IMAGE
Restore my data into D: partition
Run Ccleaner
Defrag
INCREMENTAL IMAGE <-QUOTE}
bit extreme isnt it?
so your acually backup your data on to another device and zero your hard drive when you reinstall your os?

[sukarof]

I install a SP image of a fresh Vista install I did when I installed Vista for the first time. Every now and then I load the image to get the latest hot fixes so I dont have to take them all when I use it for real and re image it incrementally so the updates are in the incrementals.
Also I have all my essential software already installed in that image once and for all.
So I update the software and Vista to the latest and install additional software that I dont have in the image.
If I want XP for some reason I import a FDISR archive with a fresh XP install and then update it to the latest.

[HURST]

{QUOTE-> bit extreme isnt it?
so your acually backup your data on to another device and zero your hard drive when you reinstall your os? <-QUOTE}

My data is periodically backed up to an external HDD, using Karen's replicator.
When reformat is due to an infection, I zero. When it's routine maintenance, just normal format.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> My data is periodically backed up to an external HDD, using Karen's replicator.
When reformat is due to an infection, I zero. When it's routine maintenance, just normal format. <-QUOTE}
Same here. I don't even backup my actual system partition anymore, too risky for getting infected images.
I (zero), restore, upgrade and backup a clean image and that is my new actual system partition.

[Huupi]

{QUOTE-> My steps:

Zero HDD
Format disk into 2 partitions
Install XP
Install drivers
IMAGE
Install Windows Updates
INCREMENTAL IMAGE
Install Security Software
Install Office
Install rest of software
Update all software
INCREMENTAL IMAGE
Restore my data into D: partition
Run Ccleaner
Defrag
INCREMENTAL IMAGE <-QUOTE}

Yes, most efficient way to make ends meet. :thumb:

[Rmus]

Fortunately, I haven't had to do an install since I changed from Win98 to Win2000. If I had to do a re-install, I would use the same plan I've had since beginning computing:

1) Install OS - Win2000 and SP4

2) Install firewall

3) Install programs - do any necessary updates

4) Copy files from backup disk

5) Copy programs' configuration settings (.ini and .reg files) from backup disk
(when I install a program, after configuring, I back up its configuration file)

that's it!


----
rich

[mistycat]

Same as pandlouk but unconnected to the internet until I can install my AV which I burned before the install. Once got infected with internet connected before I could even install my AV. The AV still needs updating but I get latest version at least.

[Rmus]

Do you remember how this infection occurred? What was the infection? Was your firewall activated?

--

[mistycat]

Sorry, it was years ago. I was either getting driver's or getting updates. Never used a firewall except Windows and a router but neither was installed then. Knock on wood but one of the only viruses I ever got.

[Kerodo]

{QUOTE-> Fortunately, I haven't had to do an install since I changed from Win98 to Win2000. If I had to do a re-install, I would use the same plan I've had since beginning computing:

<-QUOTE}
Wow, Rich, I am always amazed when I hear or see people who have had the same install for a long time. I have a friend also who has had his Win2k install for over 5 years now without ever reformatting. I usually manage to hose something one way or another pretty fast, and if not, then boredom sets in and I want a change.

My procedure is:

1) Install OS (usually XP, sometimes 2k, sometimes Linux)
2) Install Office
3) Fully update via Microsoft Update (gets both XP/2k and Office updated)
4) Make an image immediately after that.
5) Install apps
6) Make one more image of current setup

That's it.

[spider_darth]

{QUOTE-> Personally I like the following procedure:

1. Fresh OS install -> Drivers Installation -> Activation of the OS -> Defrag -> Take an Image (My basic and most important image).

2. Update windows -> Take a second image.

3. Install my essential software, configure the OS and the programs, defrag -> And guess what? I take image an again. :P

4. Install my security software, configure them and take a final image.

ps1. The first step is done only once. I never reinstall my OS again; when is needed I restore that image and I have a perfectly clean OS.

ps2. Actually there are also some intermediate steps between the images that have to do with FD-ISR archives.

Panagiotis <-QUOTE}

Just curious..

Why do u image after step 1 and step 2? If you need to restore an image, won't u normally restore step 2's image since you can start updating windows from there?

And, why do u install essential programs, before security programs?

[Rmus]

Hello Kerodo,

{QUOTE-> then boredom sets in and I want a change. <-QUOTE}Yes, I used to re-install a lot in Win9x days. I was always playing with utilities, and after a while it was a good feeling just to start over fresh with nothing on the HD but the OS!

Win2000 came along and it's been very stable. I don't make too many changes any more. Also Deep Freeze keeps the system partition clean - automatic housecleaning on each reboot!

As you know I'm just east of you, and we are all watching the fires, esp. in Santa Barbara.

take care,


----
rich

[Kerodo]

{QUOTE-> Hello Kerodo,

Yes, I used to re-install a lot in Win9x days. I was always playing with utilities, and after a while it was a good feeling just to start over fresh with nothing on the HD but the OS!

Win2000 came along and it's been very stable. I don't make too many changes any more. Also Deep Freeze keeps the system partition clean - automatic housecleaning on each reboot!

As you know I'm just east of you, and we are all watching the fires, esp. in Santa Barbara.

take care,
----
rich <-QUOTE}
Win2000 is probably the best effort by MS IMO. Nice and clean and fast. I am using XP now cause a few things don't work right in 2k anymore, one being my DVD burner. For some reason I can't burn DVDs and copying from them is painfully slow. That plus a few other programs that don't run on 2k. But I used it for years myself and loved it.

I am still searching for the perfect Linux distro, but till I find it, it's XP for me. I rely in images for backup just in case.

Yep, I heard about the fires from friends in that area. Hope they get them under control soon.

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> Just curious..

Why do u image after step 1 and step 2? If you need to restore an image, won't u normally restore step 2's image since you can start updating windows from there? <-QUOTE}
Hi spider_darth,

Step 1 image serves most when there is a new OS service pack in town. I restore that one, install the service pack and take a new baseline image.

Step 2 image serves in case something goes wrong during the installation of the essential programs. I guess it is a remaining habit from the time I connected with 56k; waiting another 2-3 hours for reinstalling the updates was a no-no for me. Anyway with todays ultrafast connections it's not needed anymore.
{QUOTE-> And, why do u install essential programs, before security programs? <-QUOTE}
This one is an interesting question.
I always advice the others to image without any security programs. Their low level hooking and hidden drivers can cause big trouble if something goes wrong during their installation or uninstallation. It is much easier to start with a clean image than to troubleshoot problems caused by security apps.
If you install first a security program and after a year want to change or upgrade you will have to face uninstalling your previous security setup, eliminating the drivers, the files and the registry keys that are left behind. Instead with this method you simple restore that image and you are ready to go with the new installation. ;)

Panagiotis

[ErikAlbert]

I have an off-line snapshot without malware & anti-malware. That's where I do my job and hobbies without any disturbance and no internet connection.
My second snapshot is on-line for doing all the dirty jobs and testings.

[Mrkvonic]

Hi,

Depends on the OS, but I guess the question is for Windows ...?

If so:

1. Drivers.
2. Image.
3. Basic software that I find necessary.
4. Image.
5. Updates.
6. Image.
7. All software I want and need.
8. Image.

No special tweaking, except to use classic theme, a few minor functions here and there, like disable caching of thumbnail, show extensions, show hidden files, disable autorun etc...

Verify everything works ... of course ... including heavy gaming, p2p, internet connectivity in all ... if satisfied after 1-2 weeks or so, let it be.

Mrk
Mrk

[boonie]

On a "fresh" install.

Download latest programs, drivers
Unplug from internet
Zero and format drives
Install XP
Activate XP
Image w/IFD and store on external HD
Transfer data from external HD to internal data drive
Install drivers and SP3
Install FD-ISR and create second profile and archives of both
A few security tweaks
Connect to internet
MS update
Install any MS software that needs patching (Office, IE7) and check for updates
Install general software
Install security software
Update software if needed
Any other configuring/tweaks
Run CCleaner, defrag, defrag registry
Enable DEP

Along the way I create FD-ISR archives in stages should anything foul happen as pandlouk mentioned in post #23. I keep the IFD image should anything go wrong with IFD (it happened once and reverting to the earliest IFD archive didn't help as the program itself became corrupt).

[mistycat]

{QUOTE-> I have a friend also who has had his Win2k install for over 5 years now without ever reformatting. I usually manage to hose something one way or another pretty fast, and if not, then boredom sets in and I want a change. <-QUOTE} Five years, I'm lucky to make it two weeks, couldn't live without an imaging program. I usually reformat every two years or so just because but is that any better than just restoring an image of a fresh install after a certain amount of time has passed since the image's creation? Thanks

[Rmus]

Restoring with an image is fine if you want to recreate exactly what you started with.

Back in my Win9x days when I used to change things a lot, part of the fun of reformating and starting over was that I could rebuild my system from scratch - I would always do things just a little bit differently than before - install this, not install that, put things on a different partition, etc.

--

[emperordarius]

If this will ever happen (I have serious doubts) I'll have to:

Install drivers.
Install Kaspersky.
Install the other 400 programs I use.:-\

[Sully]

Well, lot's of imaging going on here. What if your mobo dies? Is your image good? Many moons ago I used ghost to make images. First system replacement and my xp image was a no go. What about the imaging mentioned here? Same thing?

As for me, I have invested much time into unattended installs. All my drivers are already installed, my account is made, my reg file tweaks are in place. Pretty much can get right to the desktop even with my background in place. I got tired of automated installations so I built my own little system that before first login, allows me to install in both unattended mode or attended mode, depending on if I have scripted the installs or not. This makes it easy to put on an application such as AV scripted, and then mabye I don't want to script RivaTuner or SpeeedFan or some other util like that.

Couple that with my bootable menu which lets me pick which computer I am installing to, each with thier own set of features, maybe different IP address for each, etc. Or I can boot into a floppy image to do maybe fdisk or similar. Or I even now have menu option to boot into BartPE image.

Really for me, I like to wipe a few times a year, or as needed. I have mulitple harddrives, and my data is rarely on the same drive/partition that the OS is on. Other than large installs like games or something, I don't sweat it. I grab a cup or two of coffee, and read something for about 30 minutes while I do a 'fresh' install and most of it is done for me.

Sul.