should i remove installed W7 & re-install W7 from CD?

[12tom]

The computer i bought in june came with an authorised W7 installed, it's not working properly. Given that i'm a computer illiterate should i remove the installed w7 and re-install a fresh W7 from an authorised CD. I have no add ons or programs worth saving, so to speak.

If the consensus is to remove and re-install could someone walk me thro the process?

[BeeCeeBee]

While it can't hurt if you truly have nothing to lose, we really have no idea what "it's not working properly" means. Assuming it is a problem with Windows that can be solved by performing a fresh install or a repair install really has no basis without additional information.

[12tom]

Thanks for replying. There's a list of things ref. the performance of the computer which i've rehearsed on various help forums, but no one has come up with solutions eg. i have had various Pdf programs installed But none will open, same with Flash player and other video programs, they will install ( sometimes after endless trouble ) but they will not open.

After going down trouble shooting routes repetitively, it's been suggested that i de-install the come with W7 and re-install W7 from the CD.

It might be the machine , the original machine was sent back weeks after it arrived and eventually replaced with this computer ( which is supposed to be the same specs - how would i know! ) which came with W7 installed.

[KenB]

Hi 12tom

 

This machine, presumably, still comes with a warranty.

It may be worth contacting the company that sold it to you and asking:

1. If, under the terms of the warranty, can you re-install Windows or does it need to be returned to them.

 

============

You say you have posted this same problem on other forums.

2. Did they check for Malware on your system ?

 

3. Do you have recovery Disks or a Full Installation Disk for your Win7 ?

 

=============

Download MBAM from here:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Click on Products - you want the free version.

 

Install > Update > Run

 

It will produce a log.

Copy this and post it here.

 

================

 

If you cannot run it from Normal Mode - try Safe Mode

Switch on and constantly tap F8 ( about once per second )

Select Safe Mode from the list of options.

(graphics will look odd due to minimal drivers )

[12tom]

Thank you for replying, i do have a contract warranty, but i'm sick of dealing with them.

I am allowed to attempt a re-install - both W7's came from them.

 

I have a full installationW7 disc.

 

The malware program you suggested (full service 14 day trial) has been installed and full scanned - nothing was observed. ( i couldn't copy and paste).

[KenB]

If you have no data that needs to be reclaimed then it may be beneficial to re-install Win7.

Or backup any files etc. to an external drive.

 

Take a look here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

 

You would need to be sure that the DVD Drive is the first in the Boot Order in the BIOS.

(I can explain how if necessary)

 

The link explains about "Upgrading" and keeping your data.

I don't think this would be an option as you are replacing the OS with the same OS - not an "upgrade".

 

Be aware - if you go down this route all data / files / photos will be lost off the drive.

[12tom]

Yes Ken, i'm willing to go down the upgrade or whatever if you will take me thro it. Will the newly installed malware be erased or can it be saved ?

[KenB]

Will the newly installed malware be erased or can it be saved ?

I assume you are referring to MBAM - this will be overwritten along with everything else.

You will end up with no software at all - other than Windows 7.

 

Re-installing is usually a last resort after everything else has been tried.

 

Did you try running a System File Check ?

 

Let me know what you want to do.

[12tom]

Yes, i'll go ahead with re-installing W7. I've actually got nothing on there that cannot be free downloaded in an hour or so

I did run the System File Check and it came up clear

I have the W7 Home Premium CD before me.

[12tom]

Ken, if you still wish to take me thro it,perhaps you would post a convenient time and i'll make sure that i'm online.

[KenB]

Hi,

 

You need to check that the CD Drive is the first boot device in the BIOS.

Switch on and tap DEL ( sometimes it is F2 )

It will say something like "Press ** to enter set-up"

If it is not DEL or F2 it will be another "F" key.

 

When in the BIOS look for "Boot Sequence" or "Boot Order" or similar.

 

You navigate with the arrow keys.

 

If the CD ROM is not the first device the you need to move it.

This is normally done with the + / - key.

 

After you have moved it to the first position you need to Save and Exit.

Usually F10 - but it will say on the screen somewhere.

[12tom]

Thank you all for replying and sharing your expertise. I was in over my head so i took the PC to a fix-it guy and everything, so far, is working well. I now dont intend to touch anything for a while.Thanks again everyone.

[KenB]

I was in over my head

Sometimes it is best to let a tech fix it - especially if you are not happy following the directions.

At least you know your limitations :)

 

Good to hear that your machine is up-and-running again.