Windows XP restore checklist

Last updated: December 19, 2007^[1]

One of my least favourite tasks is restoring Windows XP after it gets trashed (or just tired). Whether the PC belongs to family, friends, or clients, I'm not usually able to lock it down the way I'd like to, but these steps make it a little less painful and a lot more secure.

1. If the PC still works, make a backup
   • Run the Microsoft Files and Settings Transfer Wizard and/or the User State Migration Tool to save the user's current data and settings, then the Office Save My Settings Wizard if appropriate (and if you're not using Office 2007).
   • Back up all files with the Microsoft Backup Utility (to catch the ones that the Files and Settings Wizard misses)
      
2. Basic Windows XP Install
   • Wipe the hard disk and create a fresh NTFS partition
   • Install Windows XP
   • Install Service Pack 2 (much faster from CD: download here, or make a slipsteam install CD)
     --or-- slipstream XP with SP2 plus post-SP2 hotfixes to speed up the next step
   • Run Windows Update until everything is up-to-date. Make sure Automatic Updates are enabled.
   • Run System Restore, (Start / Help and Support / Performance and Maintenance / Using System Restore to undo changes), and then click Create a Restore Point -- or - Run the System Restore Wizard.
      
3. Absolutely Essential Utilities
   • Install (free?) antivirus. Update definitions; do a full scan; set to auto-update daily; make sure real-time is enabled.
   • Install (free?) antispyware. Update definitions; do a full scan; set to auto-update daily; make sure real-time is enabled. My favourite is the free Windows Defender
   • Run Windows Update until everything is up-to-date. Make sure Automatic Updates are enabled.
   • Create a Restore Point
      
4. Useful Utilities
   • Microsoft Calculator Plus, Photo Info, Wallpaper Changer, Tweak UI, ClearType Tuner, Alt-Tab Replacement, Open Command Window Here
   • Adobe Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, Shockwave
   • Other Gems
      
5. Restore User
   • Run the Microsoft Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to restore the user's old data and settings, and the Office Save My Settings Wizard if appropriate.
   • Create a Restore Point
   • Reinstall the user's applications
   • Run Windows Update until everything is up-to-date. Make sure Automatic Updates are enabled.
   • Create a Restore Point
   • Run the Microsoft Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to save the updated user data and settings
   • Create a full backup (to DVD if possible)

1. ↑ December 19, 2007: Added utilities
   March 16, 2006: Initial version