"Install" choice should take you eventually to a screen where you are asked "where do you want to install Windows". That's what you should choose, but be sure to choose the correct partition when you get there, not one of your data partitions.
Yeah, that thing you burned works as a repair disk too, but that's not what you want this time.
You won't see an overt "format" choice, but Windows will do it automatically after you select where you want to install.
Iggy's got you going but we should remind you that your data should always be backed up against drive failure. And if you choose the wrong partition for install (happens all the time) and format that data is gone forever.
Here is a way to backup, store and sync your data to the cloud for free. You can at least send 7gb up there in your User folders so that its safe, then access it from anywhere on the web and if you want sync your other computers or devices to the same master set of data. Sync, Backup and Store your Files to the Cloud with Skydrive - Windows 7 Forums
Thanks Gregrocker, I will checkout SkyDrive.
One thing bothers me about installing a fresh Windows, I willthen lose all the HP software that came with it? I had dumped a load of it already bust there are a few things I do ue. I tried to instal the latest HP Support Assitant but that failed to instal.
I just wondered if anything on the laptop were dependant on HP drivers.
Yes: a clean install will leave you without the HP software. You may be able to download some of it from HP, but the fact is that you are likely better off without most of it and should be able to find free replacements for anything you need. Billions of people get along fine without HP software.
Name the few things you do use and maybe we can point you to replacements.
I managed to get the Support Assistant installed on my new windows and I shan't bother with the rest of it, as I can't remember now what I used!
I did the Windows install and I'm up and running. I'm puzzled though, as when I clicked Instal there were no options for me to format C: or any drive rn partition. I did get a list asking me where to install it but nothing about formats. It didn't take long so I assume it did a quick one.
I'm missing an Infrared device but as I don't know what it was I can't try to download it so I shall leave that till later.
I want to thank ignatzatsonic and gregrocker for your brilliant support. I'm not sure I could have sorted it out by myself, maybe with a whole load of studying, but I needed to get sorted so I could have a decent image backu in place.
Thanks Guys!!
Bertie, the whole point of doing the Clean Reinstall over Factory Recovery is to get rid of the crippling bloatware which on HP is the worst in the industry, and which gives the worst possible install of Win7 one can have. The utilities like Support Assistant interfere with better versions like Windows Update built into Win7. Have you run all of your Important and Optional Windows Updates (with reboots) after enabling Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) ??
I would uninstall the Support Assistant before it starts pushing through a bunch of crap that you don't need. You only need Win7 and the drivers it provides. If you notice a function missing from your laptop and if it isn't listed under Special note for HP Owners in the tutorial then let us know and we will help you. The infrared Device can be traced by finding its Hardware Identification. It may be the card reader under Storage Drivers at http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...t=4099779#N189 - try both to see which installs.
Every bit of HP crapware you install is going to diminish Win7.
If you couldn't find how to format the partition then Win7 did it for you. Apparently you weren't following the tutorial which clearly says to use the Drive Options link at the bottom of the Drive Selection screen.
I shall take your advice and send Support Assistant to that great crapcan in the sky!!
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