How to quickly re-install applications after system failure

The Problem

You’ve carefully been running full backups of your computer for ages, using the built-in Windows Backup tool in Win7.

An unrecoverable crash occurs, but you’re not scared as you have multiple backups with multiple restore points; if anything, you’re spoilt for choice with restore options…or are you?!

All attempts to repair your Windows installation have already failed, so your livid to find out you also cannot restore from your Windows Backup images.

Luckily you use Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Evernote and Dropbox, so all of your important data is in the cloud. You just need to re-install Windows 7 and all your applications quickly and efficiently.

The Solution

One word…Ninite!

This excellent website allows you to choose a variety of useful applications on one page, ready for a 1-click install:

Once you’ve chosen your applications, select the “Get Installer” button to download the customised Ninite installer.

Run the Ninite installer to download and install the latest versions of your chosen applications, all in one go…simples:

If you have an iTunes library, it is advisable to store it on a data drive – opposed to the system C drive. This allows you to re-install iTunes after a system crash and have all your library data, playlists etc reappear with no effort. Tell a lie, you must make sure you change the location of the “My Music” folder to your data drive first:

As well as using Evernote and Dropbox to sync files and notes, I highly recommend LastPass and Xmarks for password and bookmark management, respectively.

The total time for a complete system install – with all common applications and data restored – was ~45 mins…not bad eh!

Comments

  1. Thanks a bunch for the info, and your web page honestly looks very good. Exactly what wordpress theme are you utilizing?

    • Adam Rush says

      Thanks Jeffrey. The Theme is called “Twenty Eleven 1.3” by the WordPress team.