Quick way to reload your programs after a format

**Potemkine** · 06-28-10, 10:14 PM

So I have been formatting a lot of computers and installing the usual software and stuff and constantly having to download them from the internet was a pain. Thats when I had an idea. Why not download all your 3rd party programs, save the .exes in a folder in an external hard drive or flash drive. This way, all you have to do is just navigate to your folder and click to install.

I started my process at approximately 715/720 pm EST. As of now, all I have left is BF2 to finish loading and ALL my software, 3rd party programs, configurations are set. Including my music library and movie library (11.1 GB music/31.3 GB movies) all in there correct location. Plus, the sync feature in Google Chrome saved a lot of time as well, all my bookmarks are in place. Yes, I have been converted and now browse using Chrome when I can.

So in what will be the better part of 5 hours I will have loaded win7 64 bit pro, all the usual drivers, office ultimate 2007, visio pro 2010, CS3, chrome, FF, AVG (antivirus) skype, TS3, vent, bf2cc, 2142cc, procon, zune, BF2, 2142, and my library of steam games (BFBC2, L4D, L4D2, CSS, DoDS, TF2, HL2 and Killing Floor) all loaded and ready to go. Pretty good if I do say so. I could do better though.

Next time

**DancingCorpse** · 06-28-10, 11:12 PM

I've been doing this for years :P

I have a copy of the forgotten hope files for BF1942 that I downloaded like 3 - 4 years ago!

My next step is learning how to make an install disk for Windows that will install all my programs as it is installing windows at the same time (or right after, but still on the same disk(s))

**deputyfestus** · 06-28-10, 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by Potemkine

So I have been formatting a lot of computers and installing the usual software and stuff and constantly having to download them from the internet was a pain. Thats when I had an idea. Why not download all your 3rd party programs, save the .exes in a folder in an external hard drive or flash drive. This way, all you have to do is just navigate to your folder and click to install.

I started my process at approximately 715/720 pm EST. As of now, all I have left is BF2 to finish loading and ALL my software, 3rd party programs, configurations are set. Including my music library and movie library (11.1 GB music/31.3 GB movies) all in there correct location. Plus, the sync feature in Google Chrome saved a lot of time as well, all my bookmarks are in place. Yes, I have been converted and now browse using Chrome when I can.

So in what will be the better part of 5 hours I will have loaded win7 64 bit pro, all the usual drivers, office ultimate 2007, visio pro 2010, CS3, chrome, FF, AVG (antivirus) skype, TS3, vent, bf2cc, 2142cc, procon, zune, BF2, 2142, and my library of steam games (BFBC2, L4D, L4D2, CSS, DoDS, TF2, HL2 and Killing Floor) all loaded and ready to go. Pretty good if I do say so. I could do better though.

Next time

Yeah I converted awhile back but I think I'm gonna give this a try. http://download.cnet.com/Comodo-Drag...html?tag=mncol

**BigHub** · 06-28-10, 11:52 PM

I've built so many rigs, I can literally build your computer, AND have EVERYTHING installed in less than 2.5 - 3 hours.

It's when you run into those pesky little problems such as the Win 7 key and shit with that student promo deal. I don't have to worry about that anymore, thank God.

**hannibal** · 06-29-10, 01:40 AM

vlite was a good option until Microsoft hobbled it, WAIK (Windows Automated Installation Kit) should do what you want. That program is messy though.

-H

**WileECyte** · 06-29-10, 07:59 AM

BART PE also can be used to automate installs as well.

**damian** · 06-29-10, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by DancingCorpse

My next step is learning how to make an install disk for Windows that will install all my programs as it is installing windows at the same time (or right after, but still on the same disk(s))

i think you might be interested in this:
http://forums.overclockersclub.com/i...owtopic=161325

**Gumby** · 07-01-10, 05:30 PM

if you are doing a lot of them, SCCM with USMT is the way to go.
PXE boot the thing, walk away, come back 45 minutes later with all your data and programs loaded along with all the latest windows patches ready to go. It even re-adds it back to the domain if you need to do that too.