Let’s do it! A reinstallation of your dinged up perhaps malware infected Windows 7 that’ll not make any changes to your current data, settings, preferences, installed programs and drivers.

Let’s do it! A reinstallation of your dinged up perhaps malware infected Windows 7 that’ll not make any changes to your current data, settings, preferences, installed programs and drivers.

Step 1: If your Windows 7 has been updated to SP1 and your installation DVD does not include SP1 you must uninstall SP1.
1. Click Start > Control Panel > ‘Programs and Features’ or ‘Uninstall a Program’ under ‘Programs’.
2. Click ‘View installed updates’.
3. Select > Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB976932) and click > Uninstall.

Step 2:
1. Click Start and type in ‘msconfig’ and click on ‘msconfig.exe’.
2. Click ‘Services’, then click on the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ checkbox and click ‘Disable all’.

Note: Only non Microsoft services will be disabled.

3. Click ‘Startup’ and ‘Disable all’.
4. Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.

Step 3: Turn off your anti virus program.

Step 4: A not absolutely necessary step: Access your Disk Cleanup utility and select ‘Clean up system files’

Step 5: Place DVD in player and run ‘Setup’.

Note: If you’re currently running a genuine copy of Windows 7 and a have a valid serial number it’s okay to borrow a same version Windows 7 installation DVD.

1. Windows will ask whether you want to allow the program to make changes to your computer. Click > Yes.
2. In the next windows click > Install.
3. Windows setup will proceed with copying temporary files and running a compatibility check.
4. Select ‘go online and get the latest updates’.
5. Accept the license terms and click > Next.

Step 6: Very Important! Select > ‘Upgrade’ when asked which type of installation you want.

Note: You’re not actually upgrading. You’re installing the same operating system over your existing installation. By selecting ‘Upgrade’, the installation will not make any changes to your current data, settings, preferences, installed programs and drivers.

The installation can take an hour or so and will re-boot your system several times.

Step 7: You’ll be asked to enter your product key.

Finally after going through a few basic settings and re-starts, you’ll be able to log onto a repaired and rejuvenated Windows 7.

Note: On your first logon, activate your account!

Step 8: Click Start > All Programs > Windows updates and reinstall SP1.
Step 9: Go to ‘msconfig’ and enable your non Microsoft ‘Services’ and reactivate the ‘Startups’ you disabled.

Note: If you’re unsure which non Microsoft ‘Services’ you disabled, the ‘Services’ panel will indicate those you turned off.

Step 10: Turn on your anti virus.

A healthy and perky Windows 7 is a good thing.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.