Windows 7 - Upgrade To 7 On an HP

Hello,

I have 3 HP machines (out of warranty) with Visa on them and will installing 7 Pro on them. Clean install vs. upgrade...The computers have been slowing down over the past 2 years so I'd like a fresh OS installation. Will the upgrade option be starting fresh enough or is a format the better option? I know it will be more work but that's OK. And how about HP stuff? Most of it Idon't use but there's stuff I'll need, right (drivers, etc). I don't even mind their Update software.
So any suggestion how to go about this are appreciated.

Thanks,
Jamie

Hi

If they've been slowing down its probably due to a build up of files and programs.
I would go for a full clean install as the upgrade keeps your existing files.
If you need any of them simply make a new partition using Partition Wizard Free Download Partition Wizard
Download both home bootdisc (burn to disc) and the program.
First Find out how much space you need to save the the data you need.
Then go into PW and and find a partition with some extra space.
Shrink it by how much you need>click Apply
Make a new partition, FAT32 format and logical (open to correction)>apply
Give it a letter if it hasnt got one yet.
Close PW.

Now move your data into the new empty partition.
Then shutdown and boot using the PW bootable disc (you need to allow "boot from Disc" in bios.
Enter at the initial screens.
Delete all partitions so you have xxxGB of unallocated space.Apply after each deletion/ except one you have your saved data on.
Make a new partition using the existing space>apply
Make it Fat32/bootable
Set as primary>apply
Reboot using the Windows 7 Disc and install on the new partition you just created.


**Now to things im not sure on,ive heard HP have a hidden partition that basically does not allow you to install a new os,technically you should have this problem if you do the above and delete it but im sure someone else on here has tried to install on a HP machine,i will be soon myself for my GF.

Dan

Jamie Hi and welcome

Clean Install format overwhelmingly. It is a PITA but it is the most efficient your computers can be. Drivers are different and while you can use vista drivers in win 7 if a native one is available it is better. My only thought is to find the network drivers before hand just in case the win 7 one doesnt work.

When you are ready let us know if you need help

Ken J+

Booting the Windows 7 DVD gives you access to Custom Advanced drive tools to delete, change and then format partition(s) for the cleanest possible install.

The Windows 7 DVD is mostly driver-complete, with others delivered during install if you select "connect to internet during install" and keep ethernet plugged. More arrive in Windows Updates.

You may need to find some favorite apps and sundry drivers on the Support Downloads page for your model. Check the disks which came with your HP as they may be capable of picking apps/drivers and not just bloated recovery disks designed to force you to install the sponsors crapware.

Adobe reader/flash and Java runtime/free Ofc suite are available from their sites. Check the Device manager or any missing drivers and Google to track them down or post here in Drivers forum.

Thanks for the replies. I'll be doing a clean install. Most of the software I want is found at HP's site, except for Cyberlink and Muvee software that came with the computer. It is on the recovery CD's but as you said, I don't want all the other junk that comes with a recovery CD.
I emiled HP but I'm pretty sure they will tell me the only way to reinstall Cyberlink and Muvee is from the recovery CD's!

Thanks again for the help,
Jamie

Recommend Belarc Advisor to audit soft/hardware in detail and all license keys on machine. For HP apps like Works, Muvee you can download a trial or other copy of the software if you can locate them then insert key.

Belarc Advisor.exe

One change from Vista: WMP12 can play DVDs without any additional codecs. I don't know whether you'll miss the third party software, but it's not needed to play DVDs.