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Clean Install
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Installing the OS on a new computer or completely replacing the OS on an existing computer, which involves repartitioning and reformatting the target disk, deleting all existing data and settings.
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In-place Upgrade
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Installing a new version of the OS over an existing one, preserving user data, settings, and third-party applications.
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Hardware Compatibility
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Ensuring that the computer's CPU, chipset, and RAM meet the minimum requirements for the new OS.
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Application and Driver Compatibility
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Checking if current applications and device drivers are compatible with the new OS version before upgrading.
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Upgrade Advisor
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A tool provided by some OS vendors to check if a computer's hardware and software will be compatible with a new OS version.
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Backup Files and Preferences
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Creating a backup of important files and settings before performing an OS upgrade or installation to ensure data recovery if needed.
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Unattended Installation
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An OS installation method using a script or configuration file to automate the setup process without user intervention.
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Answer File
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A script used in Windows unattended installations to provide the necessary information and settings during the OS setup process.
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Image Deployment
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Using a cloned copy of an existing OS installation, saved as a single file, to perform unattended installations on multiple machines.
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Optical Media Boot
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Booting from a CD-ROM or DVD to perform an OS installation, requiring the optical drive to be set as the priority boot device.
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USB Boot
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Using a USB flash drive or external drive to boot the computer for OS installation, often preferred for its ability to include updated drivers and patches.
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Network Boot (PXE)
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Booting the computer from a network server using a Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE)-compliant firmware and network adapter.
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Internet-Based Boot
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Booting to an OS setup process over the Internet, requiring network configuration and potentially downloading updates during installation.
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Internal Hard Drive Boot
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Setting the internal hard drive as the priority boot device after OS installation to prevent booting from external setup media again.
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Recovery Partition
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A partition created by OEMs to restore the OS to its original factory state, typically used when the main OS installation is corrupted or fails to boot.
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Refresh (Windows)
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A Windows repair option that recopies system files and reverts most system settings to defaults, while preserving user data and Windows Store apps.
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Reset (Windows)
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A Windows repair option that deletes the existing OS, all apps, settings, and user data, preparing the system for a fresh OS installation.
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Master Boot Record (MBR)
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An older partition style that supports up to four primary partitions and is compatible with legacy BIOS boot mode.
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GUID Partition Table (GPT)
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A modern partition style that supports more than four primary partitions and larger partition sizes, requiring UEFI boot mode.
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Drive Formatting
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The process of preparing a disk partition with a file system compatible with the OS, such as NTFS for Windows, APFS for macOS, or ext4 for Linux.
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mbr2gpt Utility
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A Windows utility that converts an existing MBR disk to a GPT disk without data loss, requiring a backup and switching the firmware to UEFI boot mode afterward.
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Slipstreamed Media
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Installation media that includes all the latest patches, drivers, and updates, reducing post-installation tasks.
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Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE)
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A network environment that allows computers to boot from a server without local storage, often used for network-based OS installations.
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System Partition
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The partition that contains the boot loader in Windows; also known as the "system reserved" partition.