Want to install fresh version on my laptop..

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 29
    Windows 7
       #1

    Want to install fresh version on my laptop..


    First off, apologies if this is not the proper forum..

    My HP laptop has been giving me a little trouble lately, and I wish to do a fresh install of Windows 7. Rather then using the recovery method provided by HP, I was wondering if I could use the key printed on the laptop, and install a clean copy of Windows 7 Premium without all the pre-installed crap. Could I legally use a friends disc, or my own Ultimate disc? Would I just be better off using the HP method, and uninstalling all the crapware myself?

    Thanks in advance..
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #2

    The opinions vary on this. I myself have no problems doing a recovery to factory settings and then uninstalling everything HP (including games). However, there are methods to do an OEM clean install. See Reinstalling Windows 7

    Edit: I just noticed that since you are using an HP, you cannot do a clean install. I am able to on my HP because I upgraded to Win 7 from Vista through HP, so it is a little different. But I still am running my HP with the factory recovered image and the HP stuff manually uninstalled, and my computer runs great now. :)
    Last edited by writhziden; 07 Jan 2012 at 22:03. Reason: HP Clean install seems unlikely
      My Computer


  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    You can install with any installation disc and apply your COA key - provided it is the same edition (e.g. Home Premium).
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #4

    whs said:
    You can install with any installation disc and apply your COA key - provided it is the same edition (e.g. Home Premium).
    Are you sure? gregrocker made an offhand remark in that link I gave about HP doing some squirrely things. I haven't had any issues with my HP, but I also bought it just before 7 came out and had the free upgrade, so I don't know if it applies to me.
      My Computer


  5. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #5

    Possible, but I know of any special HP situation. But if Greg saya so, it is possible. He is always on top of installation issues.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,167
    Windows 7 Pro with SP1 32bit
       #6

    That seems absolutely right. I have done it successfully once with XP but haven't tried it in Windows 7 so far. Why not just try it. In the rare event that it doesn't succeed you have only lost an hour or so.

    And if you try out, do please post the results for the Forum's benefit.


    whs said:
    You can install with any installation disc and apply your COA key - provided it is the same edition (e.g. Home Premium).
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #7

    wanchoo said:
    That seems absolutely right. I have done it successfully once with XP but haven't tried it in Windows 7 so far. Why not just try it. In the rare event that it doesn't succeed you have only lost an hour or so.

    And if you try out, do please post the results for the Forum's benefit.


    whs said:
    You can install with any installation disc and apply your COA key - provided it is the same edition (e.g. Home Premium).
    If you do go this route, make sure to make the recovery discs so you can do a recovery to factory settings if needed.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #8

    I would tell you to do a clean install. If you have a recovery partition or recovery discs you could always use those options in the future. If your laptop is not too old you shouldn`t have ANY driver issues, but maybe some HP software you liked but you should be able to get that at the HP site.

    As mentioned install the same version you already have and you should not have any issues.

    I`m going to assume you have the 64 bit version installed now, but make sure b4 you start your new install and God Luck
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 3,187
    Main - Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-Bit; 2nd - Windows Server 2008 R2
       #9

    Good advice above. :)

    I'm with the gang suggesting you at least try the clean install. If it doesn't work you'll probably find out fairly quickly. Even if you get to the end of the installation process and it chokes it still wouldn't be too much wasted time. It might not hurt to test your recovery discs beforehand, though.
      My Computer


  10. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #10

    I know at least one geek in the Netherlands who has done that twice very recently. And there it worked.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:35.
Find Us