Re-Installing your Windows PC for a fresh start

We've all been there. Windows needs a fresh start every 6 months or so due to stuff accumulating in the registry or even more common these days, "Malware". Most of us jump into this task feet first, and realize midway through that we forgot to document important information from our old configurations and backup our files. WHOOPS!

IT departments, have this down to a science. Usually keeping virtualized images on a lan, or bootable Ghost images ready to go. Here are some tools and tips to help you get your fresh start done right.

1. Most important TIP of all , BACKUP your DATA!
2. Make a list of all the software on your old Installation that you will need to re-install.
3. Document all your hardware & serial information by using Belarc Advisor. It's a Free Download and gives you information on your motherboard model, hard drive size, and all sorts of serial information, including, your own Windows serial.
4. This one will save you hours of frustration. Use Double Driver or Driver Backup 2, to backup up your device drivers. This saves you the trouble of searching, downloading and installing the drivers after you have reformatted the system.
5. Gather all your installation CD's & software.
6. Re-format your drives & Re-install windows.
7. Check for new updates to drivers and your Operating System.
8. Install Antivirus, and Malware prevention of choice.
9. Re-Install your software, and finally restore your data.

That's it, You are good to go. If you're in an environment where you will be doing this frequently, this may be a good time to make a complete bootable image of your PC using Ghost, Acronis True Image or your favorite Imaging tool.

If you've installed into a Virtual Machine, backup your VM Image. This will save you countless hours in the future.

In closing, it's not a fun process, but it's one you will most likely have to go through at somepoint, and planning ahead is always good practice for a smooth and painless process.