Agee Software, Inc.

New PC Setup - XP

  1. Before booting, find the recovery CD or DVD. HP/Compaq sometimes have a 'recovery partition' and don't include the CD/DVD. If they don't, I use Ghost to clone the drive to a spare one before starting Windows.
  2. Use Partition Magic to resize the C: drive to about 65% of its original size. Use the empty space to create a Fat32 partition (drive d:). On Vista, use AdminTools, ComputerManagement, DriveManager to create a 32gb Fat32 partition instead.
  3. Copy Ghost, PQMagic, my Ghost batch files at http://www.ageesw.com/bak.htm to D:. and make a backup with gbak.
  4. Boot Windows. Set user to Owner. Name the PC something easy to remember. No spaces, 8 or less characters.
  5. Right-click Computer/MyComputer and select Properties, Hardware and DeviceManager. Resolve any ?'s on hardware with factory or downloaded drivers.
  6. In ControlPanel, set display & folder options. I usually set to Windows Classic appearance for the screen, start button & folder options. Show hidden, encrypted and system files. Sort files by name, show details, auto arrange. No custom folders for each user. Update all folders. Show admin tools & control panel, mapped drives & printers.
  7. Set networking protocols. Make sure you're behind a router. Disable Netbios over TCP/IP, copy drivers for Netbeui from CD and install Netbeui protocol. Enable Windows firewall and reset exceptions to default settings.
  8. Turn off system restore, set startup & recovery wait from 30 to 5 sec, turn off write debug file, add environmental variables dircmd=/ogen & path (add ;c:\util). Make sure there are no hardware driver problems.
  9. Set to automatically download Windows updates.
  10. In ControlPanel AddRemovePrograms, delete the demos and junk. AOL, MSN, Compuserve, Real, ITunes, Quicktime, InternetGames, Quicken, MSMoney, Works, Norton Antivirus (demo), Norton Firewall, Norton Internet Security, McAfee Antivirus or security (demo), Office demo, etc. Basically if I don't recognize it as a good app, I research it on the Google, try it out and delete anything that isn't useful or might open the door to spyware.
  11. Install AVG Antivirus from download.com Make sure it downloads updates and scans each night.
  12. Install Spybot Search & Destroy from download.com. Set Mode to Advanced. Check to enable all Tools. On the Settings menu, select Settings and under Automation, ProgramStart, check FixAllProblems.. and Immunize.. under WebUpdate, check SearchTheWebForNewVersions.. and DownloadUpdatedIncludeFiles. On the Settings, Scheduler tab, click Add and check both boxes. Click Edit, Schedule, New, set a time, click Apply and OK.
  13. Defrag the drive and make sure Windows has downloaded all critical updates. Download all Windows hardware & optional updates.
  14. Set Internet Explorer options. Set all four security zones to default, block cookies and allow session cookies, check for newver version of stored page every visit to the page, delete cookies, temp files and Settings ViewObjects you don't recognize. On the Advanced tab, turn off anything that contains install, offline, friendly or check. Check EmptyTempInternetFiles when browser is closed.
  15. Install shareware Utils folder & Paint Shop Pro 4. Put Notepad and PaintShopPro in SendTo of each user's DocumentsAndSettings folder.
  16. Install Microsoft Office with custom setting to run all from hard drive. Make Office Assistant, FastFind, Office Toolbar, other language proofing tools, web tools, FrontPage, Outlook etc. not available.
  17. Download all office updates from Office Update link on Windows Updates page.
  18. Create Apps folder with Office shortcuts, MSDos Prompt, Admin tools (services, computer management, event log), defrag, Paint Shop Pro (not on Vista), Acrobat Reader 6, 7-Zip, CCleaner, etc.
  19. Install Roxio EasyCD Creator. Only DiskCopier & DiskCreatorClassic. Run twice and disable all the auto update reminders.
  20. Set up OutlookExpress. You'll need your email address, SMTP and POP3 servers, UserID and password. If you still have problems, verify settings against another PC where it is working or see support notes from the ISP.
  21. Set up dialup to your ISP as a backup in case broadband goes down.
  22. Set passwords for Administrator and Owner (Net User Owner pwd) Make sure Guest is disabled.
  23. Share and use folders and printers as required.
  24. Make a batch file c:\bk.bat to Xcopy /D /I /C /Y /S /H data files to another drive. ControlPanel, Schedue the task to run nightly.
  25. Log on normally, defrag and double check everything.
  26. Rename the BK folder on D: to BK_Orig. Use the boot floppy or CD to boot to DOS and run GBak again.
  27. Burn CD/DVDs of BK_Orig and BK folders with Roxio EasyCD.
  28. Store a copy of all receipts, activation codes, ISP directions, driver CDs, manuals and the backup CDs in a ziploc bag in a safe place. Remember to add new upgrades to the bag

New PC Setup - Windows 7

  1. Create a (Factory) Recovery DVD: Search Start, Programs for Recovery Tools, Recovery Disc or System Recovery. The help file or documentation that came with the computer often tells how to do this for your make of computer. These disks will let you reinstall everything back to factory settings.
  2. Set up a partition for backups on a single drive: Control Panel, System & Security, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Disk Management. Right click on C: and Shrink Volume to about 2/3 of the entire drive. Create and format an NTFS drive in the empty space. Note the drive letter for backups.
  3. Clean up apps: Computer (double click), Uninstall or Change Programs. This is where you can remove useless stuff. If you are unsure whether to remove it, Google the filename first. PCDecrapifier.com removes a lot of useless apps from a new PC.
  4. Set up Backup: Computer, right click on C: drive, Properties, Tools, Backup Now. Follow the wizard and use the backup drive letter you created above. Make a System Restore CD to make recovery easier. Store it in a ziploc bag with your other driver CDs and DVDs. Some like to tape it to the side of the computer.
  5. Defrag hard drive: Computer, right click C: drive, Properties, Tools, Defrag Now. It is also good to run Defrag Now every few months, after you do a lot of hard drive cleaning or if you notice things slowing down.
  6. Turn off System Protection: Right click Computer, Properties, Advanced, System Settings, System Protection, Turn Off. You are using backup instead.
  7. Optimize video performance: Right click Computer, Properties, Advanced, Settings, Best Performance. Also make sure the System is setting the size of the Swap file.
  8. Tune up Internet Explorer: Tools (gear on right of screen), Internet Options. Check Delete Browsing History on Exit. Click Settings. Set Check for Newer Version of Stored Pages to Every Time I Visit the Web Page.
  9. Add Command Prompt Shortcut: Right Click on Desktop, New, Shortcut, Cmd. To give it more power, Right click, Properties, Advanced, Run As Administrator.
  10. Set Administrator Password: From Command Prompt: net user administratior secret where secret is the password.
  11. Install new software:
    • FileHippo.com: AVG Antivirus, Spybot Search and Destroy (schedule update and spyware scans), 7-Zip (opens Zip and other compressed files), Adobe Acrobat Reader (view PDFs), Primo PDF (print driver to create PDFs), CCleaner (deletes temporary and deleted files). I also recommend installing a second browser like Opera, Google Chrome or Firefox in case Internet Explorer is damaged by a virus.
    • belarc.com: Belarc Advisor. This will inventory your installed apps, serial numbers, drivers and hardware.BPrint a copy of the first couple pages and store with your system restore disk.
    • TeamViewer.com: Lets you connect to other computers through firewall. Tell someone your 9 digit ID and 4 digit password and they can connect to you. Your 4 digit password changes when you restart TeamViewer. In the wizard, Install Full Version instead of Run Once. You are using it for Personal Use. Accept the defaults to keep it from always listening for a connection. You only want to let people connect when you are there.

Windows 7 FAQ

Q: In number 1, do you have any idea roughly how many 700mb CD-RW it should take to create a Recovery DVD. Is a 12X CD sufficient speed?
A: The recovery CD will probably only take one CD. Any speed is OK.

Q: Regarding NTFS, can you what steps I take to create that. You say "Note the drive letter for backups." Does that mean I assign a drive letter to that drive, and if so, should there be a list to select from. If there is a list to select from does it matter which one I select?
A: Link

Q: If I run PCDecrapifier.com is there a chance it will remove anything I might need?
A: I think it will let you choose anything it removes. It won't remove anything essential.

Q: What steps do I take to create a System Restore CD?
A: It differs by manufacturer and even by model.
Dell
HP

Q: In number 7 you state "Also make sure the System is setting the size of the Swap file. How do I make sure of that and what steps do I need to take if it is not setting the size? What should the size be?
A: Link. Let the system determine the size.

Q: In number 9, what is the purpose of the Command Prompt Shortcut?
A: To do things from the command prompt like set the Administrator password more easily.

Q: Not sure I understand what to do in number 10.
A: By default in home versions, you can log on in the safe mode as administrator without a password. This secures that hole.

Q: In reference to number 11, are all those software programs freeware? Should I install those in addition to Verizon's virus protection system, or instead of Verizon's virus system?
A: All the apps are freeware. I have had problems with CA Associates antivirus. Norton and McAfee drop dead after they expire and leave you vulnerable. AVG doesn't.

Q: Are Google Chrome and Firefox an option in FileHippo..com?
A: Yes.

Q: Will the firewall be set up by Verizon, or is that something I need to do? If so, what steps do I need to take for that?
A: Verizon will set up a hardware firewall. Windows also has a firewall.
Link

Q: I will also be installing Office 2010 (provided by PISD) on my computer. At what point should I do that?
A: Any time before backup. I like to set up security first.

Q: I will also want to allow my granddaughter (living with us) to wirelessly connect her laptop to the network. Verizon is providing the router. I assume I should take all the same steps for her computer as well??
A: Most of the time, internet connection is automatic. I usually set it up with hardwired connection first, then unplug and connect to the router with the wifi card. Your router documentation (if you don't have it, Google for the model number of your router) will usually give the easiest path to connecting with the security you have chosen.

Q: I set up Backup. When establishing a schedule for the backup, how frequently do you recommend running a backup? Also, if the backup is scheduled to run at a time when the computer is not typically turned on or being used (i.e. 2:00 a.m.), does it skip that backup or does it "wake up" the computer to run the backup and then shut it back down?
A: Weekly backup is probably adequate. I recommend leaving the computer on overnight so it will update AVG, Spybot, run Windows Updates and backup. The savings in electricity is balanced by the damage to the motherboard starting and shutting down. You can set power savings in the control panel to turn off the monitor.

Q: Do AVG Antivirus, Spybot Search and Destroy, and CCleaner automatically update when a new version becomes available, or is that something I will need to remember to do periodically? I looks like AVG offerens a couple of "enhanced" versions for a fee. Is that worth purchasing, or is what I now have installed sufficient to protect my system?
A: You can verify the settings are set to update each of those apps. AVG updates by default. Spybot requires you set it to update and scan. Check the settings on CCLeaner. You can also set it to auto delete temp files daily.

Q: Regarding Setting Up Admistrator Password, do I simply type in "net user adminstrator secret" (in place of secret I type in the password I wish to use) and then I hit return, and then exit out of the Command Prompt. Is that right?
That is correct. To test it, log in as administrator in safe mode (F8 key every 1/2 sec while screen is black on startup).

Q: I have one problem that I have run into that I have not been able to resolve. When I go to Start, Getting Started, Personalize Windows (trying to change desktop background, colors, etc.), when I click on Personalize Windows a box pops up that says:
Windows Explorer has stopped working
Exception Code: c0000005
I have tried it several times with the same result. Can you give me any ideas how to remedy that problem? Oddly enough I can click on Windows Explorer and it seems to work perfectly fine.
A: Try this link. Use the repair utility.