8 Apps For Painless Windows Reformats

Thanks to customers who can't avoid spyware and Trojans to save their lives, I've gotten pretty quick at backing up, reformatting, and finishing off Windows installs. I've got five core tools that I use to get the job done, and here they are.

1. DriverMax. After going through the install process, the first thing I shoot for is a complete set of functional drivers. Running DriverMax before the format lets you back up all the drivers on a system. It's a great app, and it even loads drivers for non-present devices - meaning my customers don't have to fight with a printer or webcam install CD when they get their computer home.

2. Migwiz. Oh god, I can hear the screams. Truth be told, I've only had three problems with migwiz, and they were my entire fault. Microsoft's file and settings transfer utility works extremely well, and I've never had a problem since changing my method.
Copy the USMT folder from the computer's c:\windows\system32\ and save it to a USB drive. Alternatively, does what the wizard wants you do and create a wizard disk. Run the exe from there both before and after the reformat. It's critical to use the exact same version of the executable to avoid problems.

3. Nlite. I don't like being forced to babysit a Windows install, so I'm a big fan of NLite (or VLite for Vista). Extract your CD's contents to a folder, run N/VLite on it, fill in the blanks, and grab some application add-ons from Winaddons. Burn your disc and presto, you've got a silent Windows install!

4. WPI. The Windows post install makes post-reformat application installs a breeze. Throw your favorite apps in a folder and set up their silent switches in the WPI configuration page. Reinstalling them is as easy as checking some boxes and clicking a button.
The tutorial at the WPIW site is excellent, and will guide you through setting up your first Wizard.

5. PING (Partition Image is Not Ghost). Now that you've got a nice, clean install, create an image so you don't have to go through that garbage again. Imaging saves all kinds of hassles and massive external hard drives are dirt cheap. Pick one up and reimage instead of reformatting again next time.

6. DriverForge. DriverForge is a program that will automatically install all drivers from a specified location. These drivers can be compressed or uncompressed.

7. DriverPacks. Currently there are 10 DriverPacks available, all for the wnt5_x86-32 OS platform.

8. AutoPatcher. AutoPatcher is based on the functionality of the special updates, automating their installation process. This way, with only a few mouse clicks and two minutes of your time, AutoPatcher is able to continue with the installation of the items you selected. In short, AutoPatcher combines the advantage of both Windows Update (presentation and description of updates and automated installation), and the special administrative updates (portability and installation without the need of an Internet connection).

What about you? What apps help you get from a crapped up install back to a nice, clean OS?