any way to streamline the reformat process in windows?

[minofifa]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Johnnie]

nLite works well

 

[FuZoRBlade]

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.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

A program like Norton Ghost is what you're looking for.

 

[Umberger]

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.