How to Create a Windows Rescue CD with Latest Drivers, Updates
Infopackets Reader Ron S. writes:
" Dear Dennis,
I want to do a clean re-install of Windows 7 Pro. I want the best available information [on which steps I should take during] ... the install sequence of everything, especially [how I should install] the motherboard drivers ... What [do you suggest]? "
My response:
There's plenty of step-by-step guides on the Internet that explain how to install Windows - you simply need to search Google.
For the most part, re/installing Windows 7 is as easy as inserting the install media (Windows 7 DVD) into the computer, reboot the machine, press the Space Bar during boot to initiate the Windows 7 installation, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
The only major caveat I can think of during the first few steps is that you may need to modify your computer's BIOS boot sequence in order to get the DVD drive to boot before the hard drive. In that case, you can search Google for "how to change BIOS boot sequence," or similar.
Slipstreaming and Making Patched / Custom Windows Install Discs
In the past, I've used slipstreaming methods to apply Service Packs and drivers to Windows XP install discs, but as far as I understand, nothing like that is available for Windows 7. Yesterday we recommended an interesting freeware program called 'Win Toolkit' that does something along these lines, but it appears that the 'updates' feature is not yet integrated. Even so, the steps required to create such a disc can be quite technical and time consuming.
My advice in this case is to create a fresh install of Windows from a standard Windows 7 install DVD, then install all the Windows updates, and any remaining drivers for your motherboard. Once that's finished, create a disk image backup of your freshly installed Windows 7 system. It should only take about 4 or 5 DVDs worth of 4.7GB backup media (if you want to burn to DVD disc for archiving). In the event that you need to reset your PC back to the pristine state, you can use the disk image backup and you'll be up and running in literally minutes instead of hours. I use this procedure on all my PCs at home (which is also my office).
How to Create a Windows Rescue CD with Latest Drivers, Updates
Here are the steps I normally take when I install Windows 7 for a customer, including a personalized and up-to-date Rescue CD (DVD) backup:
1. Do a clean install of windows; delete and format the C drive during setup. Optional: partition the C drive into 2 partitions: C drive should have at least 160GB free, and a D drive with the remaining space. The D drive would be used to store all user data, including: documents, images, music, etc. The C drive is used for the Windows operating system only. This helps to keep backups of the operating system (the C drive) at a minimum.
2. After Windows is installed, go to Device Manager and ensure the network adapter is functioning, or simply launch Internet Explorer. If there is no Internet, acquire and install the network adapter driver using the original install media (CD or DVD), or download a copy from the vendor's website via the Internet using another PC.
3. Download all Windows Updates. Expect 1-2 hours of download and installing; several reboots will surely be required.
4. Activate Windows.
5. Optional: if the hard drive was partitioned, restore any user data (downloads, pics, docs, etc) onto the D drive.
6. Archive the C drive ("the Windows partition") using Acronis True Image / disk imaging; store the backups onto D drive (on the same system) and set the backup to 4.7GB split files. Later, write the image files to 4.7GB DVD writable media; test the media to ensure backup is valid. The backups will remain on D for easy access / convenience only and should not be relied upon under any circumstance. If the hard drive goes corrupt, the D drive will be lost and so will the backups. Optionally, write the backups to an external hard drive if a partitioning scheme isn't used.
7. Create a backup schedule with Acronis True Image to run every other day: maximum 3 backups per week (MWF) of the C drive; reset the backup archive weekly; store weekly backups on current system; archive 4 weeks of backups on an external media or server and rotate / prune the backups.
8. Backup the most critical files of the D drive (user data) using a similar scheme as mentioned above.
Note that Acronis True Image 2015 was recently released; you can purchase it through our website. Proceeds support our website, staff and writers:
If you need help customizing Acronis True Image to work in the manner I mentioned in this article, I will be glad to help using Remote Desktop Support.
About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise include Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please upvote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.
Most popular articles
- Which Processor is Better: Intel or AMD? - Explained
- How to Prevent Ransomware in 2018 - 10 Steps
- 5 Best Anti Ransomware Software Free
- How to Fix: Computer / Network Infected with Ransomware (10 Steps)
- How to Fix: Your Computer is Infected, Call This Number (Scam)
- Scammed by Informatico Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Smart PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Right PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by PC / Web Network Experts? Here's What to Do
- How to Fix: Windows Update Won't Update
- Explained: Do I need a VPN? Are VPNs Safe for Online Banking?
- Explained: VPN vs Proxy; What's the Difference?
- Explained: Difference Between VPN Server and VPN (Service)
- Forgot Password? How to: Reset Any Password: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10
- How to: Use a Firewall to Block Full Screen Ads on Android
- Explained: Absolute Best way to Limit Data on Android
- Explained: Difference Between Dark Web, Deep Net, Darknet and More
- Explained: If I Reset Windows 10 will it Remove Malware?
My name is Dennis Faas and I am a senior systems administrator and IT technical analyst specializing in cyber crimes (sextortion / blackmail / tech support scams) with over 30 years experience; I also run this website! If you need technical assistance , I can help. Click here to email me now; optionally, you can review my resume here. You can also read how I can fix your computer over the Internet (also includes user reviews).
We are BBB Accredited
We are BBB accredited (A+ rating), celebrating 21 years of excellence! Click to view our rating on the BBB.
Comments
Good info
That is a real good article for those that are in need of the info. (Which is a whole pile of people).
Thanks,
Big John