Re-install on new drive.

[Pilgrim3]

I want to do a clean install of Vista Home Premium 64bit on a new drive and then remove the old c drive.
How can I best do this without losing useful files while still getting a nice clean registry on the new install?
With thanks,
Pilgrim.

 

[townsbg]

What useful files are you wanting to save? Personal documents?

 

[richc46]

There is only one way you must back up and then do a clean install
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

Windows easy tranfer is suppose to make it easier, but I would still back up the important stuff
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/products/features/productivity

 

[Pilgrim3]

Thank you both.
Townsbg-Let me be more detailed.
My current installation has only the os and those programs which must be installed on the C drive(because their installation gives no option) on that disc.
Most of my stuff including music,photos,vids and documents is on one of the other drives which will be disconnected during the change over.
What I need to know is if I should look for and back up any files which will ensure continuity of use before the change.
Also,with your indulgence,can I plug in the new,totally empty drive,do the clean install onto that by changing the boot target in BIOS and then selectively wipe the old C drive or should I remove the old C drive and boot as if on a new PC for the clean install.
I hope that's a little more lucid.

 

[townsbg]

Well if your docs, music, videos, etc are on another driver already and might what to save your Firefox or IE bookmarks. What else you save depends upon the programs that you use. As to your second question, windows should be installed while in the system that it is going to be installed on especially if the installation disk is a disk from a manufacturer (an OEM disk). If you don't really have anything on C worth keeping I would just overwrite it. There will be an option to format the drive which is what you'll have to do. I hope that helps.

Make sure that you download the drivers ahead of time especially ehternet drivers or drivers for your wireless adapter. Vista has more drivers than XP but it doesn't has everything.

 

[Pilgrim3]

Thank you.
I'll use DriverBackup.

 

[townsbg]

I suggest that the download from the manufacturer's website.