Direct MP3 Download: Podnutz Episode 7: Installing Windows on a PC
- Mike Petro from Petro Computer Solutions joins us.
- Why install Windows?
- How to back up your data
- Steps to re-install
- Installing drivers
- Windows Vista
Show Notes:
- Survey your system to determine if you need to reinstall.
- Back up your data. Your files are most likely in Documents and Setting folder (Windows XP) or the Users folder (Vista).
- Check in root directory or Program Files folder for special program data like Quicken.
- Spacemonger shows graphical representation of your hard drive – helps in determining what to back up.
- Check also in shared folders for additional files.
- You can use either System Recovery or do a fresh install with your own Windows.
- If system prompts you to make recovery CD’s, DO IT.
- You can slipstream Service Pack 2 into Windows CD along with drivers. Get Service Pack 2 here . Creat image with MagicISO. Also check out Ryan’s VM Integrator to slipstream updates.
- Listener Simod Z. also emailed us and gave us a cool site for slipstreaming drivers into XP disk at DriverPacks.net
- For fresh install, to start Windows Setup, insert the OS disc and boot from the CD.
- Set up your partitions. You can split your hard drive into two partitions or more if you want.
- Then enter activation key if asked for. Dells will not ask for code but you must activate Windows after the installation.
- Use device manager to install drivers. Type devmgmt.msc into run box to get there quick.
- Get drivers from manfacturer if you can.
- Install chipset drivers first. Unless you need ethernet driver (get ethernet driver from another computer)
- Use Belarc or Everest to find drivers for mysterious components.
- Install anti-virus or any protection.
