These are my 25 steps of  Proper Installation
(enjoy)

1. If you bought an OEM machine, quick restore it or format and reinstall the O/S.
2. Scandisk and Defrag.
3. Get yourself on the Internet.
4. Remove any preinstalled software from OEM or Windows Components not to be used.
5. Scandisk and Defrag. "Thorough" Scandisk and with the Advanced setup as described on maintain.beemerworld.com
6. Upgrade your basic hardware drivers from saved downloads or manufactures web sites. (Mobo, Video, Chipsets)
7. Configure to your ways of usage, all that is Windows and any programs installed.
8. Go to Windows Product Update and get all Critical Updates and reboot.
9. Go to Windows Product Update and get the System Updates and reboot. (Service Packs)
10. Watch for Critical Updates during the rest of the Windows Product Updates and install them as they show up.
11. Go to Windows Product Updates and get the I.E. of your choice.
12. There should be some Critical Updates at this point.
13. Go to Windows Product Updates and get any enhancements to I.E. with the exception of the Windows Media Player and Direct X.
14. Now that you have Windows upgraded, Scandisk and Defrag.
15. Go back and get your Direct X.
16. Get your WMP.
17. Quick Defrag.
18. Start installing your personal programs starting with any software needed to operate any hardware components installed.
    e.g.: sound card, burner, special drivers.
19. This should be a perfect installation of your O/S and hardware.
20. If you didn't encounter any problems during this long process, use a drive-imaging program to preserve all your hard work to this point of the game. You will need a separate partition to perform this type of a backup. I recommend Norton's Ghost.
21. It's time to install your software. Research your intended software for Windows compliance. If any programs are found to be non-compliant, find something that works.
22. Start installing your personal software. Install a large program group such as Microsoft Office, and Defrag. Configure Office and complete any updates such as sr1 and 2. Defrag.
23. Install a large program and defrag or a few smaller programs and Defrag. Configure program Options as you go of each installed program.
24. You can make more drive images as you go. If you feel confident about the shape of your installation, replace the old drive image each time. I like to leave the first drive image alone and create a replaceable one.
25. When installation is finished, Scandisked and Defragged, Test your computer thoroughly for about a week (or less) before you make your final drive image(s).

Now, you should have the system you would like to keep.
Remember, time stands still for no man.

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