version of Windows to install on repaired laptop?

HAVOC said:

Thanks again. I'm going to download all the drivers that are listed on HP's page and save them to the same thumb drive that I'm using with that USB DVD tool.

I'm also downloading the BIOS update (not sure if I need it) HP quick launch, HP power manager, and HP on screen display utility.

Why are you doing this? You only need the wireless driver in case it isn't provided during install so you can install it to get online. Then follow the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get all of your drivers from Windows Update. There should be very few still missing after all rounds of Important and Optional WIndows Updates.

Wasting time downloading a bunch drivers is from the XP era. Win7 is a driver-complete OS. And you don't want to reimport the HP crapware which conflicts with Win7's superior utilities, as it defeats the purpose of a Clean Reinstall.

I figured I'd have them in case I need them. I'll check device manager before installing any drivers. There are multiple wireless drivers listed on HP's page for this laptop. I'll have to see what one is installed after installing the new display and before the clean install.

Can someone take a look at this page:
Software & driver downloads HP Pavilion g6-1d60us Notebook PC | HP® Support
and see if I should install anything from
"Operating System-Enhancements and QFE's"
"Software-Solutions"
"Utility-Tools"

I would not reimport any of the OEM software until you run for awhile to know for sure you need it. There may be patches on the Support Downloads webpage needed to improve performance so browse them to be aware what's available. But reinstalling any OEM crapware besides that which is absolutely needed for good performance or a function you need defeats the purpose of a Clean Reinstall.

If you rely on on-screen display for volume controls or other functions then you might want to install that Utility. If your Power Manager offers any added benefits like better battery tending then you may want to install it. If either of these cause issues or you decide you don't need them then you can uninstall them or if necessary run System Restore which is another way to undo anything during the install that causes issues.

The MS patches will all come in during many rounds of Important and Optional Updates. Run them until there are no more. If they fail the problem can usually be sorted during several reboots or a Shutdown if they become queued on the Start menu Shutdown button with an !

Just finished installing the new display in the laptop. No dead pixels.

Now it's time to do a clean install, this laptop is slow as hell. There is so much "support software" that runs as soon as you turn it on.

Clean install done. Had to use the automated phone system to activate Windows. Installed wireless LAN driver and down loading updates as I type this.

Couldn't find the SM_BUS Controller driver. Installed the AMD graphics driver and the SM BUS driver and Bluetooth drivers were installed. Now I have no !'s in Device Manager :)