any way to streamline the reformat process in windows?

minofifa

Senior member
May 19, 2004
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after reformatting my computer, i'm determined to find a faster way to reformat. the actual reinstall of windows isn't so bad, its the bazillion restarts that follow. is there anyway i could make a CD that would have my programs and drivers on it and when i inserted it into my CD drive, it woud execute the install programs?
 

Smilin

Diamond Member
Mar 4, 2002
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Short answer: yes.

What you want is an unattended install. There are tons of documents about it on technet and in the ms kbase. You'll also want to investigate slipstreaming so you can slipstream service packs and security updates into your source files.

Some keywords to look for:
unattend.txt
$oem$
slipstream

There are some 3rd party tools out there that help with this, although I've not used them. Apparently they are very easy to use and guys here swear by them. Someone else will have to post details though :(
 

Nothinman

Elite Member
Sep 14, 2001
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How about just don't format? Or at the very least make an image with ghost or something to use as a starting point.
 

ITJunkie

Platinum Member
Apr 17, 2003
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www.techange.com
Originally posted by: Nothinman
How about just don't format? Or at the very least make an image with ghost or something to use as a starting point.

I was thinking TrueImage or Ghost here too. Once you have a clean build....image it.
 

FuZoRBlade

Member
May 2, 2005
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Originally posted by: ITJunkie
Originally posted by: Nothinman
How about just don't format? Or at the very least make an image with ghost or something to use as a starting point.

I was thinking TrueImage or Ghost here too. Once you have a clean build....image it.



I'd go with true image, i think its a better program overall.
 

Umberger

Golden Member
Apr 13, 2005
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i LOVE norton ghost. i make a disc image, put it on a DVD, and then restore from that whenever the need arises. it really takes the sting out of having to reformat. it's worth the money.