Windows 10: How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 10 Home - Viruses et al.

Hi All,


I upgraded my computer from Windows 8.1 to 10 when it was available. I have no working back up on a flash or DVD.

My computer was infected with numerous viruses and a remote keystroke programme. I've cleaned it, but would like to wipe it completely and start over.

Where do I start? Can I download Windows 10 from the Microsoft site?

With thanks, *Smile

:)

 

Apps not opening

How long has it been?

The Windows update that was installed today fixed the problem! Edge, Money, News, et al, now open!

 

Before you jump when a MVP says "Frog", consider this:

After spending time and money to secure my PCs from malware, viruses, Trojans, ransomware, et al, who would have thought the biggest threat to my PCs would come from Microsoft?

 

If you upgraded to windows 10 during the free upgrade you should have a digital license.
So you should be able to perform a clean install.
For a clean install you will delete partitions, format, create an unallocated drive, and install windows 10 version 1703.
On a working computer create a bootable windows 10 iso:
Download Windows 10
Power on the computer and boot to the windows 10 iso.
For Asus desktop you should be able to click the F8 key to choose the bios boot order: external hard drive
List of PC brands with their corresponding hot-keys
If that does not work then you would need to change the bios boot order so that the USB drive is on top.
Once you power on and boot using the bootable windows 10 is you will click on install and follow the text and images in this link:
Clean Install Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

 

Morning zBook,

Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast. I truly appreciate all your help. I'm rather nervous about doing the clean install since it's been quite sometime.

I'm currently downloading the Windows 10 ISO image from the Microsoft website and will burn the ISO DVD next.

What drivers do I need in order to get my system up and running?

I've been to the Asus website and they don't seem to have any drivers for Windows 10. I can only assume I would use the Windows 8-64 bit drivers.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Driver & Tools - CM6870


I greatly appreciate some help on which ones I need to download prior to my clean install.

Also, my system has two dedicated partitions: C: and D:. How do I create those two partitions when it comes time to clean install?

Thanks bunches, *Smile

 

I'm not zBook.

I looked at the Asus link. Most of the drivers aren't Asus proprietary ones. You may be able to get newer versions from their sources (like Realtek). Check Device Manager to find out which hardware options are present in your specific machine.

The only drivers I'd bother with up front are the communications ones: LAN or wireless. The odds are good that the Windows installation will include what you need, but it's cheap insurance.

It has been a while since I did a new Win10 clean install, but, if memory serves, you can set up the partitions during the installation. The installer will automatically create partitions, but it sounds like you want a different configuration. (You also ought to be able to resize c: and create d: after the installation in Computer Management.)

 

You can back up the existing drivers. I'm on my phone right now. Google dism /online /export-driver

 

I have just done a clean install from a USB to a ASUS MB, and was pleasantly surprised I didn't need any drivers windows found them all, though I had an issue with an Intel management engine drive, which I removed and uninstalled, and all was well.

 

Hi Bobkn, NavyLCDR, and Jimmyb,

Thanks for all the input.

Sadly, I won't be able to keep anything from my previous system. Too many viruses including a keystroke or logger programme. I've quarantined the nasties and will have to start over (clean slate)!

I'll keep you posted. Using another computer at the moment since mine is down.

Thanks bunches, *Smile

 

When you perform the clean install Windows will install Microsoft and non-Microsoft drivers.
Windows updates will then install many updated Microsoft and non-Microsoft drivers.
For Asus notebooks there has been problems with a Realtek driver producing BSOD and that has been fixed by rolling back this driver.
This has not been a problem with Asus desktops.
So if you want to keep your system as clean as possible with the problems with malware please consider installing all new applications, software, drivers, bookmarks, etc.
Once you have Windows updating the drivers if there are any problems you can let us know and we can troubleshoot them.

 

Hi zbook,

Thank you for the advice. I'll keep everyone posted.

*Smile*Smile*Smile

 

Hi Folks,

I apologise for not getting back to everyone sooner.

I'm back to my initial project of trying to do a Clean install of Windows 10.

I made the recovery disk and started reinstalling Windows 10.

It was working well and then I received a BSOD - Windows Stop Code - Clock Watchdog Timeout.

Restarted computer. A number of steps were missed somewhere along the way with the BSOD.

I've restarted the re-install and hopefully this time it will work.

Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks*Sad

 

In order to boot from the USB port you will need to know the keyboard key or temporarily change the bios boot order.
For Asus is should be the F8 key:
List of PC brands with their corresponding hot-keys
So power on and repetitively click the F8 key to get to the boot menu.
On the boot menu select external USB hard drive.
It may take time for the iso to load while you see the Windows icon.
There will be a choice to click install in the center of the windows or repair your computer in the left lower corner.
Select install > delete partitions > make an unallocated drive > install windows 10 version 1709.
Clean Install Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

If the keyboard method fails you will then need to boot to the bios and temporarily change the bios boot order so that the USB drive is on top.
Then continue with the same steps as above and in this link with text and images:
Clean Install Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

 

I advise the OP to select UEFI in the boot menu if it is available.

On my ASUS motherboard, I have not installed any drivers from the ASUS website.

I did the same to my ASUS motherboard but had no issue with the Intel Management Engine driver.

 

Morning zbook and Matthew,

Thank you for the boot sequence and how to re-install Windows 10.

I tried the second time and received a "getting ready screen" and "just a moment" and then a BSOD -- black this time.

There nothing on my computer now and it just shuts off.

Any suggestions?!

Thanks