Re-building (Windows) Workstations

There are rules!

OK, this isn't really a pleasure-read so much as it is a checklist for me to follow so I don't forget anything. Also it serves as a handy tool to pass along to techs/irritating people that constantly harangue me about how to do this sort of thing. Here's the right way to do it...so don't bother me no more!


What you'll need:

1. A brain ;)
   
2. Some basic knowledge of how to use software tools
3. A working (preferably speedy) internet connection
4. Your Windows OS install disk (XP, Vista, 7, etc.)
5. A (large) flash drive/external hard drive/file storage server (depending on how large the backup is that you'll be making)
6. Install media/files for software needing to be restored (e.g. Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, etc.)
   

1. Ask the user what he/she can't live without (locally stored documents, photos, videos, music, etc kinda go without saying...) and back those items up on some sort of external storage device.

2. If possible (or necessary) perform a full system backup with either VMWare Converter (which is free) or Norton Ghost (This is just good policy for CYA purposes)

3. Run a Belarc Advisor(free) audit to collect such information as:

• Installed hardware (so you can find get the right drivers later)
• Installed software (for re-installation/data file backup purposes [e.g. QuickBooks data file])
• Software license keys (e.g. Microsoft Windows license key required on installation)
• IP Addresses (if statically configured)
• Etc...
  

4. Run the driver backup program: Double Driver(free) which will auto-select third-party drivers and back them up so that you may restore them once Windows is re-installed. (Don't forget to offload the backup file to an external storage device!)

5. Verify that all pertinent data has been backed up and offloaded then reformat/re-install Windows.

6. Restore drivers using Double Driver restore option.

7. Re-install all necessary software user needs to operate and download and install latest updates/patches.

8. Run Windows update until there are no more updates to install (may require several restarts)

9. Defragment main hard drive (twice or three times would be better for a cleaner defragment)

10. Create a Norton Ghost image (for future quick restoration from a fresh install [stored on an external device such as a file server])

11. Restore user data (Documents, outlook email file, pictures, etc.)

12. Join PC to Windows Domain (if you have a PDC)

13. Load VMWare image onto VMWare server(free) in case user needs to access their previous OS (in case something wasn't properly backed up)

14. Sit back, relax and enjoy the bliss of a trouble-free workstation ;D