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General discussion

Can I create my own Windows 7 recovery disc without all the bloatware?

Jun 11, 2010 5:33AM PDT
Question:
Can I create my own Windows 7 recovery disc without all the bloatware?


I recently purchased an HP desktop PC to replace an old Dell. It came with Windows 7 and, unfortunately, a lot of bloatware came preinstalled on it. I would like to do a clean Windows 7 install. The only disks I have for the operating system are the recovery disks that I created from the factory install partition. Unfortunately, it installs not only the Windows 7 operating system, but also reinstalls all of the bloatware.

I have seen utilities that will create a Windows XP install disk from an existing installation. I would like to do the same for Windows 7. Are any of your readers aware of a way to create a Windows 7 only reinstall disk from the existing system installed on a Windows 7 machine? If there are, can you please recommend them and tell me why you recommend them? Are these types of utilities simple to use and reliable? Please let me know if there any things I should made aware of about these utilities before I proceed. Thanks for you help.

--Submitted by Rick Z.

Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.

It's possible to create Windows 7 recovery disc --Submitted by thljcl
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3320345#3320345

Making a clean recovery disk --Submitted by Fireboss
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3320411#3320411

Use the Official MS Windows 7 ISO image to make a Disk --Submitted by charleswsheets
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3320466#3320466

Use Windows System Image in Backup and Restore --Submitted by j_a_s_p_e_r
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3320462#3320462

Thank you to all who contributed!

If you have an answer for Rick, please submit it here. Be as detailed as possible when providing a solution. If you are recommending a specific utility, please include a link for reference. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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You've just about got it
Jun 19, 2010 1:54PM PDT

Exactly. Where the file goes depends on how important it is, and whether or not it will change. Of course there is no one way to do it; what really matters is redundancy. Say you have a folder with very important pictures, documents, or scans of documents. These might go on a one-shot CD or DVD (three copies is enough for me: one on the fixed drive, one on the PassPort, and one online). I still say that where you put your pivotal disk images depends on how often you create a new one. In my case, it's rewritable discs. And besides, even if you only create one backup set during the lifetime of one unit, you could use those discs again when you buy a new unit.

By the way, thank you for mentioning SkyDrive. I don't have enough critical documents to justify paying for a large amount of online storage, but I need more than 5 GB, and had basically written off SkyDrive when I first read about its public release. I've been using iDrive for the office machine, where I move up from 2 GB to 12 GB after sending an e-mail to three "contacts" (even if all three addresses are owned by me), and get a desktop synchronization utility for free. Then I have ADrive, which gives me 50 GB for free with no backup utility. But 25 GB with desktop synchronization? Now there is a happy medium! And best of all, I don't expect Microsoft to go belly up tomorrow, taking my precious files with them. Online backup is always a good thing to have, just in case disaster befalls your house. I think it's time for me to switch!

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System image works

It formats and processes DVD-Rs just fine. DVDs are so cheap its worth a try. Its been a while, but I believe there is a chekbox to autoformat disks for the session.

I prefer to keep my PC clean and that includes limiting third party apps such as Paragon or Arconis

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You might be right
Jun 19, 2010 9:46AM PDT

I believe there is in fact a checkbox to remember your answer; that would definitely make things easier. I would like to reiterate that you should wait until asked to insert the first media, otherwise Backup and Restore might have a coronary on you.

Like I said to thljcl, it's all about preference; everyone has different needs. If you're only going to make one backup of a vanilla Windows installation, that's all well and good (just make sure you watch out for uninstallers trying to delete shared DLLs, and you might want to leave OEM software be, just in case). But it's a rarity for me to deal with customers who just want to get rid of bloatware and nothing else; image backups are usually requested for the sake of preserving licensed programs and/or settings that took a long time to sort out. Most people start drooling when I tell them about Acronis' One-Click Backup. Most people don't want to take the time to learn all the little nuances of technology; they prefer to stick to English.

I understand you when you say that you prefer to limit third-party apps. You sound like the kind of person who would be better off using a Mac. I too like to limit the installation of third-party apps, but can only do so much of that when my computers are the community Swiss Army knives. My solution is portable apps. I have over 160 programs on my D: drive, and also on my 16 GB PNY flash drive. I have them all neatly organized, and accessible from a PStart menu launcher.

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There are...
Jun 11, 2010 1:02PM PDT

But there are a number of catches. There are links all over the internet for you to download the original .iso disks from Microsoft, but I will not disclose them here because they are possibly illegal, but are guaranteed Microsoft untouched because they are from Digital River, Microsoft's online store partner. If you do a little digging around you should find them.

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Use the Official MS Windows 7 ISO image to make a Disk
Jun 11, 2010 1:04PM PDT

Hi Rick,

Of the thousands of Operating Systems we reload for one reason or another, we seldom use the factory supplied disks for re-installation for the very reasons you have sited. Instead we use an OEM installation disk. Of course, you'll have to have a valid License Key from Microsoft if you're faced with re-installing the operating system.

The only official site I'm aware of that provides these ISO image downloads is Digital River, and you can download them directly to your desktop.

First, you'll need to have a program installed like NERO that will recognize an ISO file, and burn it to a DVD for you. When you do this, make certain that you tell the burning program to verify the data burned to the disk. You don't want to be faced with a system crash and a re-install disk with errors on it.

You'll also need to be sure you're downloading the proper ISO image. There are different images for 32 Bit and 64 Bit installations, and there are different ISO images for Windows 7 Home Premium, Pro, and Ultimate. I've included below the two images for Windows 7 Home Premium 32 Bit, and 64 Bit below. If you're using Pro or Ultimate, you'll need to try this link to find your download:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/11/10/windows-7-iso-x86-and-x64-official-direct-download-links-ultimate-professional-and-home-premium/

For Windows 7 Home Premium 32 Bit, download this:

http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65732/X15-65732.iso

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit download this:

http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso

These are legal downloads and are intended to allow legally licensed users with valid installation keys to re-load their original operating system. YOU MUST HAVE A VALID LICENSE KEY to use these installation disks.

One other thing you should remember is that you'll want to back up your drivers. There are numerous products out there that can do this, and it will save you a ton of time if/when the time comes to re-load your operating system. I use a little program called CSharp Driver Backup which you should be able to find easily with a Google search.

This will allow you to reload your system from a Windows 7 Disk and dispense with all of the bloatware usually found on new computers. You should also remember that if there are utilities other than drivers that you enjoy using that came installed on your new computer, they will not be installed with the Windows 7 disk. You will have to go back to the manufacturers website and download them. You can usually find these in the manufacturer's website under the downloads area for your particular model of computer. Just a helpful hint; if you want a complete backup of all of the items mentioned, you should locate the drivers and software you would want to keep now, and store them on a disk or USB Flash drive and store them where they won't get lost.

If you're really want to save space, get yourself an 8GB Flash drive and learn how to store the ISO image mentioned earlier, right along with the drivers and downloaded software accessories, and you'll have a complete set capable of reloading everything you want.

Hope this is helpful for you Rick

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free tool to backup and restore activation file
Jun 11, 2010 1:53PM PDT
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I don't know about legal... but interesting nevertheless
Jun 19, 2010 2:40AM PDT

I am going to have to do a comparison to verify that these haven't been modified, but if truly unmarred it would be worth considering as many if not most Windows boxes targeted towards consumers as opposed to business users tend to NOT include Windows discs. The reality though is that I seriously doubt that this site is distributing these ISOs with Microsoft's permission. Authorized reseller's can distribute the images online with Microsoft's approval, but somehow I doubt that is the case here.

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Yes, it is legal
Jun 19, 2010 3:08PM PDT

Digital River is a big software distributor, and Microsoft would jump on them in a hurry if the downloads were not legal and genuine.

MS will mail you the discs at little or no charge. I have Vista. In a support issue, I said I wished I could do a clean install because some of my problems are caused by HP bloatware. The tech said "I'll just have them mail you the discs. We do it all the time." They mailed them to me, no charge. I'm confident Win7 works the same way.

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Macrium Reflect free does the job
Jun 11, 2010 1:24PM PDT

I have tried many apps over the years, but I find, that this is the best.

It works very fast, and the backup-image is very small.

Easy to operate - very reliable

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Get rid of bloatware
Jun 11, 2010 1:28PM PDT
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Ditto on Macrium Reflect
Jun 20, 2010 2:11AM PDT

I've used Macrium Reflect since 2008. Over 50 complete restores, never a failure. I suggest makng a backup image of your system BEFORE you make any changes, and another AFTER making the changes. You can always delete backups you don't need. Basic rule: Before you change it, back it up.

Decrapifier (link in previous reply) sounds interesting. I would still get original MS disc or download the ISO. It isn't possible to reverse engineer a clean install.

Most factory recovery programs give you the ability to reinstall individual programs that shipped with the computer. You can do a clean install with original MS disc or ISO, then use the factory recovery program to install any programs you want to keep. Then use Win7, Macrium Reflect, or other backup program to make an image of your system for later recovery.

Another good idea: Don't buy HP.

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no you cant as per my knowledge
Jun 11, 2010 4:53PM PDT

but u can call on microsoft support number provided with your disc..
they can assist you about this !
if still u hav any problem then visit extratorrent.com and download windows7 Silly

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what I do
Jun 11, 2010 5:10PM PDT

get rid of everything not wanted, set your machine up exactly how you like it and then use something like Acronis to make an image of your hard disk. The advantage of this approach is that should your hard disk fail you can simply put the replacement in and a few minutes later you have your pc back to how it was when you made the image. You do not even have to format the disk just use the startup disk and connect your storage device with the image on it.

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New Software from Microsoft
Jun 11, 2010 7:05PM PDT

Hi! Go to the Microsoft website and download windows 7. Install it on your PC and use the original key to activate it.

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Yes YOU can
Jun 11, 2010 8:42PM PDT

First of all go to control panel as the administrator. Un-install unwanted bloat. Then next delete the BLOAT from programs listed inPrograms list Find this by using Window.s Explorer Delete Bloat program. Word of warning some of this bloat uses coomon program file dlls. Unless the statement that shows the common file is no longer in use by other programs. When you feel you have gotten rid of all your BLOAT back-up yor disk C by opening computer rightclick Disk C go to first page in properties window see the tools BACK-UP Do it first the on the back-up page it is on the left of window make emergency start-up disk. Make it! Please be patient and don't in any hurry. Theif all else fails " QUIT BUYING THESE OVER-THE-COUNTER PIECES OF JUNK! Learn to built your own! HAVE A NICE DAY! signed someone who's been messing with this JUNK for 57 Years

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Win 7 install
Jun 11, 2010 9:20PM PDT

Get a copy of a windows 7 oem disk from a friend and do a clean install with that and when you have to input the serial number (key) use the one that is on your machine. Also you will have to download the drivers that you require from the HP website. That is the best way to get a clean install. Also a Dell operating system disk (Win7) can be used they only have the operating system on them the drivers and bloatware are on their other disks and its the same thing use your key. You can make a copy of your friends oem disk to keep but I didnt tell you that.

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Create Windows 7 recovery disc
Jun 11, 2010 10:56PM PDT

You could use Norton Ghost or Vista recovery disc.net-ebooks.com

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Create Windows 7 recovery disc
Jun 11, 2010 11:19PM PDT

I am using Win 7 pro OEM release that did not come with the "bloatware". This has a backup and imaging utility that not only backs up the data but will clone the system. I have this running as a scheduled task once a week going to a second hard drive. I am not sure if restoring the image from this will work so I have also used Symantec "Ghost" and made an image of the system and burned it to DVDs. This "Ghost" image I update every few months so as to incorporate any new software and MS updates.

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Here's What I Did...
Jun 12, 2010 1:21AM PDT

Hi

I have faced similar problems to yourself with a older machine of mine that came with a preinstalled version of XP and lots of other 'bloatware'. Fortunatly, in my case I had a stand alone copy of windows xp which I could reinstall over my system which then left me with nothing but a clean bloatware free xp environment.

In your case, the best solution would be simply to install a fresh copy of Windows 7, which would then give you just that, no bloatware. Although judging from your question you only have the preinstall environment for your machine and not a stand alone copy of Windows 7.

There are a number of ways round getting to what you wish to achieveand the method I used in the past was as follows...

Restore your machine to default factory settings using your recovery partition or disks. Then connect to the internet and download a free copy of CCLEANER from http://www.piriform.com

Use CCLEANER to uninstall all your bloatware and installed software that you feel you do not need (be careful not to remove any of your drivers or programs that your system depends on.

Then reboot your machine. Go back into CCLEANER and this time allow it to scan the registry and fix any issues, then run the actual cleaner to quickly clense your system.

Download the free version of Drive Image XML from http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

Use Drive Image XML to create an image of your whole system, Drive Image XML will then build a snapshot or image of your hard drive in its current state and once complete will have 'backed up' your entire system.

Burn the backed up images you created with Drive Image to either some DVD-R/+R etc.. or to an external hard drive.

You can now use Drive Image XML to revert your machine exactly back to the state it was when you created the back up, so if your machine becomes full, slow or infected in the future you can simply replace the whole hard disk image from the file/dvds you just created.

It MAY even be possible to replace the image files that DriveImage XML created with that of the ones that are stored in the recovery sector of your hard drive, thus way enabling you install your own customised system directly from the dos/windows recovery console, however this itself is probably a topic for another post and at this stage I wouldn't be advising anybody to start playing or messing with your recovery partitions unless you know exactly what you are doing.

There are probably more and better ways than the above, but this is the method I use and have never had a problem with it.

On another note, it is always helpful to have your own stand alone OS on disk, that way your not caught out to be relying on the horrible bloated install environmets that are shipped out with new pc's these days.

Hope some of this helps someone.
Jo

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HP Window 7/ Bloatware Problems
Jun 12, 2010 5:48AM PDT

The short answer is: Yes, but it is not in your best interest.

The long answer is:

Because HP has proprietary drivers for a vast majority of thier hardware, and you need those drivers for the hardware to operate properly, you are better off restoring from the Restore disks provided. Many people will tell you that you can get the correct drivers from other places, but they are not the drivers designed by engineers who designed the PC. . . You are better off removing whatever "bloatware" you do not want. Please keep in mind that some of the Hp Background services are there to help you, in the event of HP hardware updats, or notify you in the event of a recall, known problems etc. You may not need them immediately, but if HP releases an hardwar driver update, you will wish you had left the background services on the PC.

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Sorry, but you're giving inaccurate information.
Jun 14, 2010 5:07AM PDT

It's true that a clean install with an OEM disk will be absent of some of the drivers required for the restored operating system. In Rick's case, HP has ALL of the drivers on their driver download page. These are the most up to date HP Drivers available and will work perfectly for the circumstances being discussed here, and will be compatible with Windows 7. Rick, being Pro-Active about this situation has the luxury of being able to log on to the HP Site, download ALL of the drivers for his new system, and store them on disk or other mediums for safe keeping.

He also has the option of using a driver backup program that will locate and save all of his existing drivers. I use CSharp Driver Backup which is a free download right here at CNET and works quite well.

By the way, important updates for HP are also included in Custom Updates for Microsoft or Windows Update. HP's background services use up system resources, slows start-up times, and are more often used to provide the user even more Bloatware than they already have.

Rick needs to determine which features he'd like to keep, download and backup the software for them from the HP website, and store them for future use.

Just to keep the record straight.

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Uninstall the crap.
Jun 12, 2010 6:11AM PDT

Uninstall all the crap and then make a recovery disc.

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Hi
Jun 12, 2010 6:30AM PDT

yes you can ,

go to start, control panal, windows recovery then save in DVD.

have fun Wink

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Yes you Can
Jun 12, 2010 8:32AM PDT

Go to programmes and features and remove all the bloatware that you dont want. Do a back up to another hard drive of everything windows7 can do this for you. Then create a system repair disc. Job done. I do a backup on a weekly basis so if any disaster happens I dont loose everything.

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ref: Recovery Disc and bloatware
Jun 12, 2010 8:50AM PDT

New machine? And the computer experts did not give you the Windows 7 disc? To do what you want, you are talking about a clean boot, and to do that you need a legit Windows 7 disc.

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How?
Jun 12, 2010 11:31PM PDT

In similar circumstance,if this is a home machine, there should be little problem, but if this machine is used in a commercial enviorment and you have many files, the only problem is loading those Files to an external hard drive to save them. Otherwise with a normal use PC, what you want to save is minimal, pictures and stuff. Your programs you can reinstall afterwards. And to rid a PC of HP's program manager and what you call bloatware,do a FORMAT of drive C, that erases everything on that drive, then do a clean boot, load Windows 7. I did not understand your reference to using Windows 8.

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Should be easy after you do this...
Jun 12, 2010 10:26AM PDT

You should remove the crapware, then install your personalizations and programs. In the process you might acquire some temporary files that you do no want to save. Then burn your recovery image. After this all you need to backup are your files, DRM, passwords, etc. You can use a cloud storage method, DVD, or external harddrive for complete or incremental backup.

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WINDOW 7 FREEZE
Jun 12, 2010 2:25PM PDT

HOW WILL MY WINDOW 7 WILL BE ACTIVATED DESPITE THAT I BEEN USING A WINDOW 8

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Your Key is the Key
Jun 14, 2010 5:14AM PDT

When you reinstall Windows 7 from a recovery partition, on some machines you are prompted for the License Key and some reinstall it automatically. When you do a clean install of Windows 7 with an installation disk, you will be prompted to enter the License Key as part of the installation.

When it comes time to activate (or reactivate) Windows 7 - you'll be prompted to do so. If your install is legal, and your License Key is valid (found on the holographic Windows Sticker on your computer or included with a purchased disk), your computer will automatically connect to Microsoft's activation site and reactivate your License.

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Attention to OEM PC users
Jun 14, 2010 7:34AM PDT