Windows re-install

[Kev367th]

Not for the novice -
Make your own custom rewritable DVD with Windows,
and 'slipstream' all the available current updates into the installation.
Add your motherboard/card drivers into the package also.
Use a re-writable so you can update fixes/drivers etc on a regular basis.

If you ever need to re-install you have an up-to-date Windows installation and all required drivers, and it is all installed 1st time around.
No need for numerous reboots.

Loads of info on the web.
Search for Windows slipstreaming and adding drivers to custom Windows installations.

Takes a lot of setting up but makes re-installs a breeze.

[Sandog]

I have been looking into slip streaming. I run a raid 0 setup and have been using drive image 7.0 which supports raid. I generally install windows do all the updates and service packs install MOBO video,sound drivers and essential programs. I then save an image to dvd (just in case) and one to my 3rd HD.  It takes a little over 4 gigs but I can reinstall from the image on the 3rd hd  in less than 10 minutes. Of course if you change hardware a lot like I do your image is no good.

[Kev367th]

Thats why you use a rewritable DVD for the slipstreamed Windows install.
You change a card, just build the new drivers into the package.