Just question about install OS

[phudle]

I know how to install almost all OS especially windows. However, the thing that I don't know and want to know is "I don't know what is meant by pre-installed" I want to have the message "It's a first time to run windows" just like when I first urn on my computer first time. Any one know u can help me out? It's definite difficult to find out.

[krazefinn]

Believe you can browse the cd and find the "introduction to windoZe" program..Most people check "do not show this again" and never see it.

Preinstalled is where the OEM copies windows only to the hd, and you get NO media. Suggest burning disc image on CDR so you have a backup, but might present problem asking for the key during install, unless they provide that to you.

Obviously, should burn a bootable "restore cd" before doing anything with such a system. I also would add all updates/sp's/newer drivers etc, and burn another "bootabkle restore cd" so you can do a hassle free window cleaning in 10 minutes without the drudgery of reloading all the drivers/updates etc. In such a scheme, most OEMs create a two partition hdd, with the os on C, windows bin files and data on d, I would then also customize that with a third partition for other junk, just to avoid fragmentation of os, or corruption of bin files.

[phudle]

What kind of program should I used to make a "bootable restore CD"? Microsoft backup program dosn't work. I want to be able to back up whole system without re-install the OS and all drivers over. It's normal take about 2 hours to re-install all programs in my computer when something wrong happen. I have done this way few over ten times since because the microsoft backup didn't really work.

[Tekkitan]

try norton ghost

[krazefinn]

No, Ghost wont do the job right. Search MaximumPC magazine site, they had a real informative article some 5 0r 6 months ago, "Window cleaning" or Clean Satrt. They used DriveImage and cdcreator. Was a real informative and helpful suggestion. Gonna look for the mag, will post more specifics if I find it.

Here's one link, at www. Game PC.com titled Technology Guide: Windows Setup, Doing it Right, was dated 7/27/00.

http://www.gamepc.com/article/print_article.asp?article=winsetup

Oh here ya go, had a copy of the Maximum PC article, June 2000 issue. They used DriveImage3.0 and EasyCD Creator. Check it out, belive you will find it worth your while.