For my own reference as much as anything here is a list of things I do when I have to wipe and reload a client’s PC.
- Make sure the client understands what it means to reload the Operating System. All their documents will be saved (and possibly their entire profile) but all programs will have to be reinstalled (some customers no longer have disks).
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- I also make sure they know the advantages such as the PC will run like it did on day one out of the box.
- I get all the disks they have or anything they want reinstalled (OS or manufacturer install disks, programs, etc).
- I make a list of all the storage places for stuff that is important to the client.
- I make a full image backup of the entire hard drive including any malware it may have. Just in case there is something I missed or they didn’t tell me about.
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- I use DriveXML to create the image.
- Separate from the hard drive image, I make copies of all the important data they told me about earlier (My Documents, iTunes stuff, pictures, movies, etc).
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- If I’m not dealing with malware then I’ll use Transwiz (User Profile Transfer Wizard) to transfer the client’s entire Windows profile(s). Although I’ve had problems with Transwiz.
- I backup all the drivers using DriverBackup! 2. I only use those drivers if I can’t find an up to date drivers online.
- I take screen shots of all the programs they have installed on their system for future reference. Now I use Belarc Advisor to get a complete snapshot of the entire system.
- I use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to get all the Microsoft products key codes and save those to a file.
- Then I reinstall the OS, install any missing drivers, put back their files and programs, and return the machine to them.
Ta Da, generally they have a machine that is running better than it has in years plus any malware is long gone. Of course I can’t save them from themselves if they try to download those free ring tones.