How To Reinstall Windows 7 Drivers
Technical Level : Basic
Summary
A Make clean Reinstall is often amend than getting a new computer since most PC's come up larded with sponsors' bloatware and indistinguishable utilities that interfere with much better versions congenital into Windows 7. For this reason most tech enthusiasts Clean Reinstall using the Product Central on the COA sticker affixed to machine. This guide compiles everything that works best in tens of thousands of installs I've direct helped with in forums since Windows seven beta, and continues my 7 Forums web tutorial with 2+ million views.
Details
Please read over all steps to exist sure y'all understand them before starting time. Inquire back any questions in the Comments section beneath. For instance, it is important enough to sympathize exactly how drivers are handled in the start mostly driver-consummate OS that these steps are printed in red.
To salvage pages of infinite I provide blue links to illustrated tutorials instead of illustrating them in-line. You can open up these in a new tab using your middle mouse button (coil wheel) or from the right-click context menu. Please notify me in Comments section if any link is faulty, and so google the proper name to get an alternating link for that operation.
Step 1 
Detect the right Windows 7 .iso
There is a stable source for the WIndows 7 installation media ISO to download your licensed version here.
I would use 64-scrap for 4gb or more RAM, 32-bit (x86) for 3gb or less RAM.
Yous tin can slipstream the latest Updates into the installer ISO to save at least an hour's Updating after install using Update 7 installation media. However it may take an 60 minutes to practise this then consider how much you want this. Due to problems with Updates which accept recently grown more serious, MS has besides just released a rollup you tin can install or slipstream into media here:
Simplifying updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 | Windows for IT Pros .
For UEFI installs format flash stick with Selection Ane of
Burn ISO to DVD or to USB flash stick (minimum size of 4GB required) using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool or alternatively to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed, to flash stick using Rufus selecting UEFI for GPT for UEFI BIOS, or Legacy MBR for Legacy BIOS.
Step ii
Backup your user data
If your files are not organized now is a good time to sort them into the User folders for your named User account using i of The many ways to copy, motility, or delete multiple files. I detect the easiest way to do this is to scan on the left-manus Explorer bar to C:\Users\[Your User Account] to aggrandize User folders, then in right hand pane browse to all locations with unsorted files and drag them separately or in groups to the desired User folder on Explorer bar. Finally delete unwanted files from each User folder.
For all browsers other than IE which stores Favorites in the User binder of that name, export your bookmarks to Documents now. Virtually browsers will also let you set up a sync to store your browser settings, Favorites and history in a Google account, Firefox Sync, or similar:
Import or export bookmarks - Chrome Help
Sync Chrome information beyond devices
Export Firefox bookmarks to an HTML file to support or transfer bookmarks
How do I set upward Sync on my computer? | Firefox
.
An alternative is to upload files to the cloud using Microsoft OneDrive which offers 15gb free storage for each Outlook/Live ID. Install and use the OneDrive app to drag User folders into OneDrive folder, monitor uploading progress past clicking Cloud icon in Organisation Tray on lesser right end of taskbar. Once files are all uploaded, rightclick the Deject Icon once again to cull Settings and Unlink and so that whatsoever adventitious file deletions are not deleted in the Deject. Step 7 volition pick upwardly with reinstalling OneDrive to recover your files. Remember that any accidental deletions always finish up in OneDrive's also as your PC'due south Recycle Bin.
For unbootable Windows copy information to some other Hard disk or USB device using the Windows vii disk to Copy & Paste in Windows Recovery Console, free Paragon rescue disk, or a Linux boot deejay.
You tin Run and print an audit of hardware and software including installed Product Keys using Belarc Advisor. This audit assures you won't lose any paid software keys like Role. Note that the Windows vii Product Key found by Belarc or another key finder will exist an SLP batch key used at factory, if information technology has not nevertheless been activated from COA sticker Cardinal used for a Clean Reinstall. This SLP batch key cannot be used for reinstall. Methods for bankroll up Mill SLP Activation if the COA Product Key is not readable are not supported here only can be plant on the web.
For unbootable Windows, you lot can read the installed Product Primal and any Office cardinal you don't have backed up using ProduKey - Recover lost product key (CD-Primal) of Windows/MS-Office/SQL Server
Footstep 3
Salvage essential system information
If you have a Recovery partition it may non run later clean reinstall. You may want to make your Recovery Disks so yous have a path back to factory condition, following the steps given in your PC's setup literature or in the Transmission located on the Support Downloads webpage for your model estimator. As an alternative to Recovery Disks you tin can save a Windows 7 Backup Image or more flexibleMacrium Reverberate Costless image of the entire HD.
You can expect until later on to see if Recovery or (Diagnostics) Tools partitions will run from kick to decide if y'all want to delete those partitions and recover the space into C or elsewhere (using Pace 3 hither). This information may be provided for your brand PC in the Special Notes at the end of this tutorial.
Write down the Product Central from COA sticker located on back or side of PC belfry, bottom or under battery of notebook. Make sure you get the characters correct as this is a chief crusade of activation failure. You lot can input or Skip the key during install then afterwards activate at Control Panel>Organisation, which may require a quick robocall. But put the fundamental in a safe place and then you have it for the life of the PC, which may outlast the sticker's readability.
The COA sticker looks similar this:
Step 4
Manage installed programs
Gather your program installers. For those lacking disks, you lot may find them on the program's Support Downloads webpage. Favorite pre-installed apps may exist establish on the Downloads webpage for your model computer or manufacturer-provided Apps Disk. Others may be establish by googling. Some pre-installed apps may not be available for clean reinstall - more about this for your brand PC in the Special Notes at stop.
If needed, Office reinstallation media can exist obtained via Manage, Download, Backup, & Restore Microsoft Office Productsand activated with the Production Primal yous originally bought with information technology or audited using Belarc Advisor or ProduKey. A expert costless compatible alternative to Role is LibreOffice Complimentary Office Suite or OpenOffice. You can also Try Function 365 for costless to trial the new subscription Office suite fully integrated into the deject.
Many of the favorite apps needed and desired for reinstall are available in the terrific app Ninite - Install or Update Multiple Apps at Once. This makes a custom installer you can save which keeps all app installers updated within.
Just in case, save in advance your Wireless or Ethernet LAN (wired) driver in your backup so if it isn't provided during install you can install it to get online quickly to install all Important and Optional Windows Updates - which will besides provide most drivers. Your network LAN commuter tin can exist institute on the Support Downloads webpage for your model PC. The exact make/model volition be listed in your Device Director under Network Adapters.
Step 5
Install the Windows vii .iso
Unplug all other HD's and peripherals except ethernet cablevision to increase chances of information technology starting upwardly connected after install. If not prompted for wireless key during install information technology's probable you'll need to install the wireless driver immediately after getting to the desktop, or if ethernet LAN is working wait for wireless driver to come in via Windows Update.
Follow How to Enter Your PC's BIOS, about the storage settings brand sure SATA controller setting is AHCI, then under Kicking tab fix the hard drive offset to boot (unless you don't accept a BIOS boot menu key in which case you need to set your Installation media device first to kicking), Save Settings and Exit. If in doubt virtually whether you have a UEFI BIOS, comb the settings for UEFI, EFI, CSM, Legacy BIOS, Secure Kick - if none of these are present and so you don't have a UEFI BIOS. If you have UEFI, check the PC or mobo's Support downloads webpage for latest firmware to install if necessary now.
Reboot tapping BIOS kick carte cardinal to trigger installation media, as a UEFI/EFI device if you have a UEFI BIOS. Choose Custom Install, then at the "Where practise you want to Install Windows?" screen admission the Drive Options (Advanced) to delete all partitions to Unallocated Space, create New and Format as desired, or only click Side by side to let the Installer automobile-create and format needed partitions and brainstorm install.
Whether to use more than one division depends largely if you want your information in the OS partition, or have it linked from another partitioning to make C sectionalization backup image smaller - this way if Windows seven becomes irreparable you tin re-image the Os/Programs to C and the information will be electric current and waiting safely in its own partition.
Due to lack of SP2 Win7 has no USB3 drivers and so use a USB2 port for flash install ; it may be necessary to disable USB3 controller in BIOS setup for install . If you're prompted for drivers for any other reason during install it about always means a bad installer, so make sure ISO download completed and create some other one.
If y'all have an UEFI BIOS, or receive an fault that Win7 cannot be installed to disk because of its formatting, and cannot overcome the error by deleting all partitions, and then yous may need to follow the special steps to Install Windows 7 with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) including if necessary to Create UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive, or may Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7. Recall to boot installer every bit UEFI Device. We tin help troubleshoot UEFI problems as we do hither every 24-hour interval.
Other Steps here to Troubleshoot Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows vii Help Forums
Step 6
Get online to run all Windows Updates
Immediately after install cheque lesser correct Arrangement Tray network icon to connect to your network if necessary. If simply a Telly icon with a ruby-red slash appears and then open and extract network LAN commuter, right click on Setup to Run as Administrator, install LAN driver watching Organisation tray icon to choose network if required. Why can't I connect to a network? - Windows Aid
Immediately after getting online install your AV. I suggest using a lightweight free Antivirus like Microsoft Security Essentials or the more ambitious Panda Cloud which perform well with the Windows 7 Firewall. Bloated AV's cause problems with Win7; if you're infected while using MSE I suggest adding inexpensive Malwarebytes Real Time Protection which besides work together well.
Next enable hardware driver automobile-updating , open up Windows Update to Check for Updates, select all Of import and Optional Updates (except Bing, unless yous prefer it) to install. Later requested reboots, go back again to Check for Updates until at that place are no more than. These Updates deliver drivers, critical system, hardware and security patches. I would have them all to be safest, keep Updates ready to Automatic and regularly cheque for Optional to install because oft needed Updates are queued there.
If Updates stall or balk check your Start carte'southward Shutdown button for a "!" signaling there are Updates queued there for install at Shutdown. Perform a Shutdown to install them and so go along an eye on the Shutdown button if further rounds of Updates stall to articulate them there outset before proceeding to again Check for Updates. Most Update jams can be resolved past several reboots - real issues are ane in a million.
If Updates volition not install at all or endlessly Check for Updates, become into Windows Update "Modify Settings" and set it to Never Check for Updates, download and install manually Windows Updates KB3020369, followed by a restart and then KB3172605 , then restart again. Now Bank check for Updates and they should announced. Install all Important and Optional, with necessary Restarts. Once all Updates are installed you can Change Settings again to Install Updates Automatically.
Any drivers even so missing in Device Manager later on all Important and Optional Updates are installed can be found on the Back up Downloads webpage for the model PC or device, along with other OEM software which you tin wait to meet if you need. "Standard VGA" Brandish driver is a placeholder driver which but should be used when no other possible driver volition install as it will not let Sleep or Hibernate. So if Updates don't provide a meliorate driver, import it from the PC model's Support Downloads webpage -
I would not supersede any drivers given by the installer or Windows Update unless operation problems point to that specific driver. We can help you troubleshoot these problems. If you install a driver and it performs badly yous tin Roll Back on its Driver tab in Device Manager.
Unknown Devices are frequently menu reader drivers posted on the model'due south Support Downloads webpage along with other drivers which may be revealed past a function still missing on the PC such as laptop role keys or keyboard lighting, or can be traced using Device Manager - Finding Unknown Devices - Windows 7 Help Forums
Co-processor, SM Bus controller, USB and Storage controllers are ofttimes elements of the chipset. If no chipset is posted on your model's Downloads folio, apply the Intel Drive Update Utility or AMD Auto-Detect to discover your chipset, or ask in our Drivers forum.
Yous tin also trace any missing driver using
Hardware Identification . It's oftentimes faster to google the Commuter Item'due south Hardware ID than to look it upward.
I would not re-import any of the OEM software until y'all run for awhile to know for certain you demand information technology. There may be patches on the PC's Support Downloads webpage needed to meliorate performance so scan them to exist aware what's bachelor as you test performance to decide if they're needed. But go along in listen re-installing OEM bloatware also that which is absolutely needed for good operation or a specific office you need defeats the purpose of a Clean Reinstall.
Step 7
Reinstall your programs
Install programs slowly over time to guess performance changes after each. You tin can roll dorsum bad effects of a Program install or Update(s) past uninstalling it or using System Restore.
Install your preferred Reader and Flash Player declining the Optional offer. I no longer recommend installing Java unless you know you demand information technology or are prompted to install it to run a program, as it is an infection path.
Don't let programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup equally they slow startup, get freeloaders on your RAM/CPU, can spy on you and crusade conflicts. No video, sound or other driver software needs to start with Windows 7 unless you know you need special settings on these.
As illustrated in Startup Programs - Change uncheck everything except AV, gadgets (aka "Sidebar"), Sync plan, printer which scans from printer top, and Flash role player updater (needed for prophylactic and operation) in msconfig>Startup.
Then afterwards reboot do the aforementioned in msconfig>Services after checking the box to "Hide All MS Services."
Bank check dorsum with both lists periodically to run into if annihilation writes itself back in, plough it off in its Programme Preferences.
If you have whatsoever questions about a list, Google it to learn what it does or enquire us.
However I would not install any Google programs which are relentless spyware. Merely use the stable Google search box in your browser and don't stay signed into any Google web apps.
Avoid spyware tracking cookies placing annoying involvement ads by periodically Opting Out of Network Advertising. This will greatly save the imprint ads which rail your shopping habits and spider web searches.
The almost important thing you can practise to avoid spyware creeping in is to watch your program installs like a hawk at every step, considering freeware authors accept establish ingenious ways to sneak in spyware with tricky check box choices - even in the License Agreement. Always do a Custom install and just permit the features you know you lot want, check later to remove anything actress in Control Panel>Programs and past running a full Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner scan (Step 12) which roots them out as deep as they can get.
Go along an middle also on your Browser Add together-Ons or Extensions to only let the ones you know y'all desire or are required to make a page brandish correctly, including Flash, Shockwave, WMP or Quicktime plug-in, a reader, Silverlight. Likewise under Add-Ons monitor Search services to remove whatsoever simply Google in the stable browser search box, tick the box to disallow any others to replace it. Strange search service are often spyware.
If you lot're prone to infection add together the cheap paid real-time protection for Malwarebytes to run alongside a lightweight recommended AV, otherwise use its excellent complimentary scanner as needed.
Step 8
Recover your user files
Before copying your files into the new install, now would be a proficient time to download, install (declining trial), update and run a scan on them with Malwarebytes to brand sure no infection is being re-imported.
If you lot backed up to OneDrive, reinstall the OneDrive App, wait for files to download from OneDrive into the OneDrive folder completely, then copy them into User folders, or move the User folders of the new Install into the OneDrive folder to Sync, Backup and Store your Files to the Cloud with OneDrive.
To re-create your files into the new install, open the storage binder, open each User binder (Documents, Pictures, etc.). Next from the Organize tab choose Select All, elevate the group to the corresponding folder on Explorer bar at left. Wait until the bar stops unfolding and hypertext confirms the precise re-create location before releasing the left click.
If this method makes y'all nervous, right click on the Select All file group to Copy, and so open the corresponding target user folder, in an empty space right click to Paste.
Practice not copy hidden AppData folders from User Accounts every bit these are a corruption path- another reason non to apply file transfer apps which tin also lose files.
If you're using a separate data segmentation copy your User folders to it, then you can either move the new install's active User folders location to there following User Folders - Change Default Location, or right click each to link it to the related Library - Include a Folder so ready information technology as default for that Library - Set Salvage Folder - Windows 7 Assist Forums. Continue the empty C User binder in each library so you can easily encounter if something lands there and simply drag information technology to the linked User folder. If you move the User folders use another Backup Imaging app like free Macrium Reflect equally the built-in one volition want to include the information bulldoze which now holds Organization files.
A simple complimentary method is here to Sync, Backup and Store your Files to the Cloud with Onedrive - Windows seven Aid Forums that shows how to move your User folders into OneDrive binder on C or information partition for instant backup to the cloud and simultaneous synching beyond all of your devices using this method.
The User Favorites binder volition populate IE Bookmarks. Import another browser'southward Bookmarks from HTML file backed upwardly previously. Copy Quickbooks and other Program information into information technology's default folder location.
Step 9
Activate the Bone
Activation at Control Console>System may in rare cases require an automated robocall to MS the first time to record your hardware signature in their servers. It volition ever work every bit long as you install the right version and input the cardinal accurately which is a frequent stumbling block - taking a well-lighted phone movie of COA sticker key to enlarge may help, or utilise a magnifying drinking glass.
You should be offered to stay on the line to speak with an agent if the automated organization fails to Activate Windows vii by Phone. Some other method is to open a Command Prompt, type slui four, press Enter and follow prompts. If it fails stay on the line to speak with an agent.
Step 10
Housekeeping
You can easily configure and share files between PC's on the same network using Homegroup - Create.
On my installs users are virtually impressed by the spectacular beauty of the collected national editions' 120 Windows seven Backgrounds slideshow. Y'all can download the binder from http://1drv.ms/1shAWUu. Blazon Personalize in Start search box, choose Windows vii Aero Theme, from Slide Bear witness link Browse to Pictures Location, Select binder, Select All as a 30 minute random slideshow, Save Changes.
With gadgets no longer being supported due to supposed take a chance of infection we've never seen, what works better now for millions who dear them is to install v.12 or higher of 8GadgetPack which supports Windows 7. It works the same except you'll need to hibernate the Sidebar. The MSN conditions gadget like to Win7'south popular weather condition gadget can exist easily installed to open up from the aforementioned gadget pack.
When finished, clean and gild the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art complimentary CCleaner "Run Cleaner" push button and Registry tab.
Type "Defrag" into Start Search box to run a Windows defrag and set up its schedule to your liking. Never defrag an SSD!
Periodically run the in a higher place likewise as a full browse with free Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner on-demand scanners, failing the trial unless you're prone to infection - in which case purchasing MBAM Real Time protection at $29 for life almost always resolves this, when run in tandem with your AV. Always check that you are running the latest version of the scanner and it is fully updated.
Accept advantage of the perfected Windows 7 Power Options. Most users only need the Balanced Plan, ideally to Slumber at 30, Hibernate at 45-90, with Hybrid Slumber enabled. Many users prefer Hibernate to Shut Down equally information technology keeps in place your open work and starts upward much faster while still powering down. Note that timing out to Sleep without a Hibernate safety net will wear your RAM indefinitely until you come back (holiday? 
).
Sleep and hibernation: oft asked questions
Hide Shortcut - Create
After reinstall I always browse the logs to resolve echo errors, check System Resources, search for Problem solutions, Generate a Arrangement Wellness Report - every bit shown in these bones Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 to bookmark.
Step 11
Make your first system epitome
Finally, salvage a Windows 7 Fill-in paradigm to external or some other internal HD and so y'all never take to reinstall once again - just do a Arrangement Image Recovery to the Hd or it'south replacement from booted DVD/Repair CD and the stored paradigm.
I would save at least one baseline image later reinstall to supervene upon needing to exercise a reinstall in the future. However some users like to have a more than current prototype to cull from in which example I'd relieve a split one every bit often equally yous want. Win7 imaging will save past images as long every bit there is enough room on the storage bulldoze for a new image.
Note that built-in Win7 backup imaging is limited to restoring the OS to the verbal same partition structure, and then if y'all want a more flexible app try favorite free Macrium Reflect. Once y'all load the prototype and target hard bulldoze, utilise the links under each existing partition to delete those you lot're replacing, then just drag your desired partitions to the target drive, annotation the new link created only below each to use sliders to suit its size, then click Adjacent using the default settings.
Step 12
Notes for specific PC makes
Henceforth if required to contact your OEM Tech Back up do not tell them you Clean Reinstalled but troubleshoot as if you take the factory install. Otherwise they may refuse to support Make clean Reinstall, simply cannot void Hardware warranty. If yous must ship the unit back for repair under Hardware warranty save a Windows seven backup image and then run Factory Recovery beforehand.
Special notes for HP owners:
On newer models HP System Recovery may offering a Minimized OS Recovery option. This retains only the Os, Recovery Manager, HP Support Asst, HP Wireless LAN, drivers and activation, and is as close to a make clean reinstall as you can become without doing one yourself. I would uninstall HP Wireless to use Win7'south superior wireless director.
If you lot format and reinstall only to C leaving all other partitions intact, F11 Recovery key should still work later if yous demand information technology. The helpful hardware diagnostics also listed on the ESC or F9 boot menu may also run subsequently reinstall, so if they will run at present from boot, I would salvage the pocket-size HP Tools sectionalisation to run across if they remain bootable after install.
Issues with volume control lighting and HP Quick Launch buttons take been dealt with here and here.
Specific HP software which might be worth reimporting is discussed in HP Bloatware, or useful arrangement utilities?
Some HP Recovery disks tin have their files extracted to admission favorite program installers using Accessing HP Recovery Disc Files.
Special notes for Dell owners:
If your Recovery partition is triggered at boot from the F8 System Recovery Options so it will no longer run after clean reinstall, so brand your Recovery disks outset, delete Recovery partition during reinstall.
The bootable Dell Diagnostics often will run afterwards Reinstall and so are worth saving if they will kick. Effort it now to exam your hardware and come across if these work, choosing on F12 menu Diagnostics and then Utility Sectionalization which sometimes has a fuller suite. If they run save the Dell Utility partition during install, if non delete all partitions. These tests can also exist run online at Dell PC Diagnostics | Dell US
Useful tips for Dell re-installation plus access to their forums to resolve questions tin can be found at Dell Community . The Dell Reinstallation DVD has only activation and a Dell logo added and tin be used as long as it is labeled to include SP1.
Special Annotation for Sony Vaio Owners:
Software which enables F-key functions and illumination must be reinstalled from the Sony Support Downloads webpage in the society as shown here: Function keys don't work subsequently make clean install - Windows 7 Forums
Special Note for Samsung Owners:
Software which enables F-fundamental functions and illumination may be labeled Easy Display Manager.
Special Notation to Acer Owners
At that place is an OEM Preload binder hidden in the C:/ drive that holds all the pre-loaded software, including the eRecovery software.
Special Note for Lenovo Owners
The only OEM software I've found to be valuable is Lenovo Free energy Management's features to preserve bombardment by maintaining a 60% accuse when plugged in, and fan reversal to clean out dust. Download from your model's Support Downloads webpage or Power Manager for Windows 7 (32-fleck, 64-bit), Vista (32-bit, 64-bit) - Notebook
Office Discussion version here.
Source: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/clean-reinstall-windows-7/0ae269fd-167e-423b-94ef-26133f89e10c
Posted by: williamsfingthily.blogspot.com
0 Response to "How To Reinstall Windows 7 Drivers"
Post a Comment