Windows Vista How to remove completely all software titles?

To recap on information accumulated over years. To remove all software installed including what that came with computer when new. Formatting the "C" hard drive, will remove all from the computers HD and memory? To reinstall the OS will then require to either install contents of original OS disk or a new update OS (Vista to windows 7) and later install any other separate software titles required? I did read that it required professional know how, to do this.

 

Hello Evan Omo, thanks for your response, appreciated. Actually, I wish to revert back to Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit, to do so, I will purchase an OEM DVD of Windows 7, as my Windows 7 upgrade from Windows Vista is or appears to be corrupted or faulty, this being the reason for using Vista at the present moment. I realise that it will require some updates to be updated, fewer than the upgrade that I have dating back to 2009 and this required over 300 files, this proving a waste of time as it turned out DVD was now corrupted.

 

Hi Bob, I installed my W7 Pro SP1 64bit OS to a clean HDD on 4/09/2014.
I've just checked and there are currently 276 MS Updates installed.
When you do your install of W7 - you will need to Download and install these updates as Security will be compromised if you don't.
If you want to install W8.1 - you will need to download All the current updates for W8.1 for the same reason.
The DVD you purchase/own (W7xxxxx version) will not have the Security Patches built in. It's usually one of the 1st necessary jobs to do to bring the OS up to date and make it secure. This was why I said on your other Thread to make sure that the DVD you purchase has SP1 installed in it.
If you get one of the early builds of W7 without SP1 (not very likely) it would be a major job with downloading patches. Neil.

 

Neil, I fully realise that the number of MS updates will be in the three figures and I remember of you saying to download and install in small Numbers. I did this sometime ago in large numbers and many failed, requiring a repeat download doubling the time taken. I checked the retailer you mentioned and it was printed that sp1 is included. It is really being hesitant to change over to Windows 7. Bob.

 

W7 is the better and finished product of Vista. You'll find it easy to get used to and less hassles than Vista as MS will no doubt chop support for Vista very soon.
Take a big breath and make the step into W7 Neil.

I've just looked in my Vista HDD and total 410 updates - 352 MS and the balance made up of .NET 3.5/4.5 and MS Office 2007.

 

I don't believe that an OEM version of Windows will contain all the bloat/**** ware that comes pre installed on a PC. Things like AV, Players etc. Just the OS and nothing else.

 

MrBill is correct. There isn't any bloat ware associated with the OEM versions of Windows. I know first hand I only use OEM versions of Windows and perform a clean install of the OS when I want to move the latest version of Windows.

 

Gentlemen, thank you for each comment. As said beforehand, I had to revert back to Vista from Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit, owing to an error. It proves if you receive something for nothing as in "Pre-installed OS, etc" that is exactly what you get, full of garbage software. Freebies are like magnets and we all, well me fall for this, fully forgetting "You get nothing for nothing ".

 

Advise please! For a very long period now, I can not "Backup or Restore" due to a "Catastrophic error" caption report. Will a new clean Windows 7 OEM install, remove this error? Sorry for being over cautious before taking final steps, but I need a complete clean computer. Bobby.

 

Can't say for sure. But when you format the HD, any errors or problems with Windows will be gone. Then install the new OS again and go from there.

As for the error, it may be the program or something else causing this. Since you don't say what program you are using (unless I missed it) can't answer the question.

 

Mr Bill, sorry, Windows 7/Vista Backup/Restore. However, tried other software as Backupper and error shows similar. This is the reason for my question, as procedure is not available in all instances.

 

Hi Bob, You can use AOMEI software to check for bad Partitions: http://www.disk-partition.com/help/check-bad-sector.html
The other way to Backup would be by Sector. Neil.

 

Hello Neil, thanks for software title, I downloaded, installed and run. The "C" was checked "full ", result showed the "C" HD had no errors or bad sectors. All other HDs were checked with "Quick check" and again results were "no errors or bad sectors ". Apparently, it boils down that errors eminent are down to the pre-installed Vista and Windows 7 upgrade being corrupted in some way.

 

I thought I posted in another one of your threads that I thought there was something wrong with the disks. That is why I posted the link to TigerDirect, and I even contacted them, but, unfortunately they do not ship to Scotland. I you are worried about HP software you can download software and drivers from here

 

lj50, TigerDirect, I used their Chat line, and the chap said that they do ship to Scotland and certainly each day receive at least two e-mails. HP stopped years ago with providing driver software etc for my CQ5115uk computer. I find HP stop responding after the computers guarantee has lapsed. Thanks for your response. Bobby.

 

Another question on Windows 7 Home Premium OEM. A picture seen of the said disk, shows "Only to be used on a new machine. Difficulty, contact manufacturer of the computer ". This can be awkward as in my case HP fails or in the past ignored e-mails. Microsoft too will not entertain any queries, but refer you to the manufacturer of the computer. Does this apply too to the Professional version?

 

I've used OEM versions in the past and still do. You will not have a problem with that disk. Steve is correct when he wrote MS does not support OEM versions but do support retail versions of their OSs. I wouldn't worry about MS support. You have windowsbbs for support. That's why you and the rest of us are here: To help any one with any windows related problems.

 

Indeed, in the past as in the future, I depend on WindowsBBS for all help, thanks. This afternoon, spent over two hours scouring over various retailers of Windows 7 OS, and boy, all reviews where mostly negative. General report was Microsoft refusing to "activate" copies. Most annoying to all was Dell logo, poor disk quality (scratches, finger marks etc). I did not come across any Retailers without some negative report, Amazon scoring the highest for bad reports. So, I am back to square one, where can I purchase a genuine Windows 7 Home Premium OS in pristine and activate by Microsoft? It certainly appears many are off loading all stock as new.