Help needed - Clean Install of Vista

 
Hi guys
 
As you may be aware, I've been having some problems with my PC. Although I managed to get up and running for a short while, the problem has re-occured and I'm only able to run in Safe Mode.
 
This means no SONAR, in fact no sound at all, no printing etc - a complete PITA.
 
To these ends, I've decided to follow one of two courses of action:

1. Use the Dell factory-reset option first to see if this clears the problem (it will leave Vista on the PC)
2. If not, I plan to do a complete reinstallation of Vista (I did have the disc all along JB)

I've backed up everything to an external 1TB drive so I know my files are safe, and I'm currently gathering together all my program installation discs, as well as making a note of all the programs/VST's etc I'll need to download and reinstall after.
 
I also have my PC backed up to external drive using Acronis but I think it might be best to put everything back on manually, lest I simply restore the problem.
 
What I'd like some advice on (as I've never done this before and am admittedly very green about the gills with this sort of stuff) is what are the sort of things I should be doing before I commit to doing a factory reset/reinstall to ensure I'm able to (eventually) get back to somewhere near where I am now.
 
Incidentally, any advice you guys can give me will be inavaluable in a few weeks time as I've ordered a new PC (i7/2x 1TB internal drive/16GB RAM) and I'll need to get that up and running with all my favourite programs. I've been seriously contemplating an upgrade anyway, but the problems I've been having have sort of speeded up the process
 
Thanks in advance guys and gals
 
 

Beagle

I see you're ordering a new system, and I understand money doesn't grow on trees (or does it in Grzylyrg??) but I'd still buy a new drive for this system if you can and if you're going to put vista on it.

Thanks Beag.
 
Once I get my new toy I won't really need this PC, but if I can get it running relatively hassle-free I'll keep it for the kids to use upstairs.
 
I guess what's frightening me more is making sure I get everything I want installed properly and running on the new one.
 
I can get online with my old PC, so I guess I've got nothing to lose using the DIY approach to this machine
 
 
 
 

 
Thanks Bubba, this is the sort of stuff I have no idea about
 
The factory reset is supposed to return my PC to the exact state it was before I turned it on for the very first time, so I'll try that before the complete re-install of Vista in any case.
 
 

UbiquitousBubba


Hitting it hard enough to make it see into its own dismal and shockingly brief future may not be as helpful as you might imagine. 

 

 
Might make me feel better though
 
 

Steve:
If you are going down to a clean install, meaning nada on the HD, you want to ensure that Vista has required drivers for the chipset (IO, Mem controllers, etc) on your motherboard.   Otherwise, you need to get them from Intel, Ausu, or whomever made your motherboard.  Sometimes the OS will load up a generic set and then later when it gets internet access it will download what it needs. But, ya never know.
 
Also, depending on how many times you have made changes to your system under this SN of Vista, you may be required to re-authorize the hard way...phone call.

Do all Service packs and the ubiquitous Windows update, have hours possibly days of fun with those, before installing anything else.

Then make an image of that with Acronis. 

Then all the latests drivers and make an image.

Then start with mission critical software and do the image game even do the odd image for major installs.

This will give you good roll back positions should you accidentally reintroduce this time sucking little bu&&er again.

I am so glad I do not work in IT any longer, all I can and do is wish you the best of luck Steve and I will keep my hairy paws crossed for you.

 
Wow - you folk are amazing, thanks MM, Katie, Mesh, Wook and Slart' for your most welcome advice.
 
Slart, the Dell factory reset recovery partition is listed as Drive 'E' on my machine - it contains a Factory 'Image' including all the relevant drivers etc.
 
I'm reading through the stuff on the 'Repair' link too, thanks for that.

 
Herb, that's exactly how I'm feeling!
 
Even though I have a new PC on order, and I've dragged my older PC down out of the attic to allow me to get online should I fluff the restore, I'm still filled with trepidation
 
Guess I need to pluck up the courage and push the button

Push it real good