We're going to walk through how to create a customized Windows disc image, using your Windows install DVD (or pre-installed Windows setup files) and the RT7Lite app. RT7Lite covers both Windows 7 ...

Integrating drivers onto the CD was also important; if your system had a disk controller made after 2001, there was a good chance that Windows XP wouldn't recognize it, and so wouldn't install.

Using a disk like this you can now install Windows XP and be at a high patch level so that your freshly installed operating system is less vulnerable to malware and hackers.

Microsoft makes the Windows installation media available for download, but you will have to put it into a format that aligns with how you plan to use the installation files.

Thankfully, I discovered this incredibly handy tool: it’s a way to create “reset and refresh media”, which in everyday terms means a Windows installation disc.

Here's how to legally download Windows 7 and make your own install disc. This way you don't have to deal with bloatware or fuss with the limited options of the Restore disc that came with your PC.

If you do a clean install using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, you should be fine—but if you've already formatted your drive or you're moving to a new drive, you can't do a "clean install ...

I really just want the disk to do a clean install, as I'll obviously already have a license key. I have such a disk for Windows XP, but this would be my first Vista computer.