New
#151
Hello Vice.
Correct. :)
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
Doing a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
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New #152
Student upgrade (download) from Ubuntu
hello from a non-windows user. i am a student, and have been running ubuntu as my os for a few years now. generally i am very satisfied, but am very curious to check out windows 7 on my laptop. when i heard about the 30 dollar download deal, i rushed to sign up. i (quickly) read the info, and saw it said that you could do a custom install from other os. so far i have not had much success figuring out what to do here - i scanned through the others posts, but didnt see anyone in a similar position. am i just out 30 bucks? or is there some way get this done? thanks for any help
eta: would like to do this as a dual boot and not eradicate ubuntu.Last edited by YolkiZelyoni; 27 Oct 2009 at 13:35. Reason: additional info
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New #153
OK so I thought I had everything all figured out now and I am confused again. I think my Windows 7 is at my door so when I get home, I want to install it.
But before I do, I want clarification on the DELL RECOVERY partition.
I read the last few posts but still don't understand - why exactly should I keep it? I REALLY want to do a complete format of my hard drive with one partition and do not plan to go back to Vista. I have my back-up discs that came with the laptop and have all of my data backed up.
What good reason is there to keep the Recovery partition? Please answer soon if anyone can.
And if anyone has any additional tips on installing Windows 7 that have not been covered - I would appreciate that!
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New #154
From all I have read including zrtom's comprehensive Dell research reports, there is no reason to save ANY recovery partition if you have no intention of returning to Vista.
If you should ever have to restore to factory condition, it would be because the manufacturer wanted it back on to replace certain hardware under warranty, and if you didn't make the disks first they would provide them. Any copy of Vista could otherwise be used with your Vista license key to put just the OS back on.
That license key sticker on your machine is all you need to prove previous OS to MS if future reinstalls would ever call Upgrade qualification into question.
Just be sure to save externally a Win7 backup image so reinstall won't ever be needed again, just reimage the drive in 15 minutes from the Win7 installer Repair Console.
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New #155
You have read two different views on the OEM recovery partition. It's always good to have a discussion on your options.
Now you can decide, if you have the re-installation DVD you can use that if required.
If you have the space on your backup drive you can make a backup image of the recovery partition. The important thing is to leave your options open.
I kept my Dell Recovery partition, but that may not be your decision, that's what makes this world such a great place.
If you "REALLY want to do a complete format of my hard drive with one partition" then do it. If you decide to sell the laptop or Dell requests, you can put vista back on with the DVD. Most OEMs will send you the re-installations DVD for free or shipping charges during the first 6 months to a year after you purchase it, depending on the OEM.
For additional tips on your Win7 installation check this sticky thread Tutorial quick reference list for Installing Windows 7
Take a look at Windows Easy Transfer, it will transfer your user settings, you will still need to install your programs.
Always backup your HD before any installation, as you've already done, with Win7 backup or one of the great free backup programs.
Let us know how it goes.
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New #156
Small clarification on performance with an upgrade copy of Win7.
Is there really a performance difference between a Clean Install and Custom Install (when in OS already)? Don't both spit out a Windows.old folder?
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New #157
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New #159
I would personally argue that a clean install is a subset of a custom install, but what's really important is what the user wants to accomplish, not necessarily the nomenclature people use (which varies on who's doing the talking).
-HM
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New #160
Hi Guys,
I go on and on (and on and on) about the Dell recovery partition/process only because over the last two years I've spent considerable time studying it, dissecting it and tweaking it (using the files in the Tools folder to create my own custom recovery images). If you don't intend to go back to Vista then delete it. The existence of the recovery partition has no affect on installing Windows 7. Dell's recovery process is unlike most of the others; it is more sophisticated than burning your own recovery disks (not an option on a Dell) and I daresay that in no small way contributes to the fact that (some) Dell computers cost more than others.
My main concern is that there are literally millions of Dell owners out there who know absolutely nothing about computers (think of all the new netbook users) and now they are thinking of installing Windows 7. If something goes wrong, the Dell Factory Image Restoration process can get them back to a functioning Operating System in 10-15 minutes. And then there is the warranty issue.
Hard drives (good hard drives) are a dime a dozen. For $50US you can get a really good 500GB hard drive and just install Windows 7 on that. Put the factory hard drive away in a drawer somewhere.
And one final thought. I'll spill a little secret. If you only have one hard drive, delete the recovery partition, install Windows 7 then need Vista back for some reason (I, personally, can't think of any) there is one final alternative. Call Dell Tech. support, ask for the SRCDs for your service tag (you may need to be still under warranty). System Restoration CDs (or DVDs). They'll deny they exist. Mention they are part # 59221. They'll deny again. Keep at it (it may take more than one call). Eventually a manager will come on and say "Oh SRCDs! why didn't you say so?" Then they will overnight the SRCDs.
What are SRCDs (or DVDs for Vista computers)? They are not the backup disks you can request here: https://support.dell.com/support/top.../backupcd_form
They are a set of DVDs burned specifically to your Service Tag. You boot the first one (of 3 or 4 DVDs for Vista, 2 or 3 CDs for XP) and they start a process (using Norton Ghost) to load all of the DVDs, completely format the hard drive, install the OS the way it was shipped (including software originally purchased, drivers, etc.), create the recovery partition and recovery/restoration tools, create a recovery image to put in the recovery partition and then boot into the OOBE like the computer just arrived. Dells of the past couple years have very little bloatware (and no trialware except sometimes an AV) and the SRCDs have even less.
So that's it. If you don't want the recovery partition hanging around, delete it.
Tom
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