Doing a clean install on a new laptop? Acer 1410

[mgftp]

I just got a new laptop, Acer 1410 and have gotten my W7 upgrade disk (just did a standard install). I really desire for this thing to be as bare bones as possible without one bit of the preloaded junk on it. I am gathering this is one reason why people do what I see from this website is called a clean install?

I know the basics and catch on to technology well but I am no regular computer wiz, so is this something I should attempt? Will the laptop function fully? Anyting this dummy should know?

Thanks

 

[gregrocker]

They used to say clean installing is like "getting a new computer" but as you are finding out, many new computers today are loaded with junkware with little or no option to clean reinstall. So it's really better than getting a new computer.

Thanks to MS requiring the Upgrade Kits to have a clean copy DVD of Win7 in addition to a drivers/apps CD, it is possible to get the cleanest possible install from Win7: booting from the DVD to Custom Install, using Drive Options to delete the useless recovery partition, creating new partitions as you wish, then formatting before installing Win7 to the first partition.

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer ones arriving in Windows Updates. Any drivers missing in Device Manager, as well as favorite apps, can be found on the kit CD or on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer. Adobe reader/flash and Java runtime/free Ofc Suite are on their sites.

Once you get it running as you like, be sure to save a Win7 Backup Image externally (and in a primary formatted partition if you like) so that you never have to reinstall again - just boot into the DVD repair console or Repair CD and reimage the HD or a replacement in 15 minutes.

Were here to help with anything.

 

[mgftp]

Thanks for the help,

A couple questions or clarifications please.

So I am not doing any formatting prior to the install?

How exactly do I boot from the DVD drive? If I start the laptop with a DVD in the drive it'll boot differently? Maybe I have never tried this but I have never noticed. (BTW, it's an external DVD drive I will be using, laptop doesn't have one)

Lastly, all this partition deleting, creating, formating is done within the install process? Anything that is recommended? I don't see any need for a partition but like I said, I am no computer wiz.

Thanks again, these forums seem very helpful!

 

[richc46]

Thanks for the help,

A couple questions or clarifications please.

So I am not doing any formatting prior to the install?

How exactly do I boot from the DVD drive? If I start the laptop with a DVD in the drive it'll boot differently? Maybe I have never tried this but I have never noticed. (BTW, it's an external DVD drive I will be using, laptop doesn't have one)

Lastly, all this partition deleting, creating, formating is done within the install process? Anything that is recommended? I don't see any need for a partition but like I said, I am no computer wiz.

Thanks again, these forums seem very helpful!

Go into bios (every company is different, but probably hit f8 or f12 during boot process. Hit the key rapidly) In bios, select boot from dvd/cd. Then turn off computer, put DVD in drive and boot up.

While installing you will see a selection clean or upgrade. There is another option advanced. Chose advanced, you will be able to format, partition, etc. I suggest that you format, for the best results.
Dont give your key and dont check the box to activate automatically. Give your key when you are don and satisfied. You have 30 days
You can watch the entire process on youtube.

I did not partition, my Hard Drive, it is not necessary. If you are not a wizz, you prob, would not use a sep partiton. The OS,will take care of itself during install.

Have a good New Year.

 

[mgftp]

Thanks richc... one question with what you said. You said don't give the key unless I am satisfied. Is it a problem that I already used the upgrade to do a regular upgrade install?

 

[richc46]

Thanks richc... one question with what you said. You said don't give the key unless I am satisfied. Is it a problem that I already used the upgrade to do a regular upgrade install?

No, I suggest that you do a clean install. You will be given an option to give your number during the process, as I said do not take it and uncheck the box to automatically activate. Wait until you are done. You reinstall 5, 6 or 7 times, they may begin to ask questions. But if you use the key only 2 times, you will be ok. After you activate, make a system image, put it away on a separate hard drive, and update it once a month. If you ever have to reinstall again, you do not need the key or the DVD all will be on the image, that you made

If you give the key before you know you are satisfied, you may have to use the key a third time. You have 30 days before giving your number.

 

[myzr7]

Thanks richc... one question with what you said. You said don't give the key unless I am satisfied. Is it a problem that I already used the upgrade to do a regular upgrade install?

Welcome, Looks like you have already install win 7 once then. second time is a breeze, If you like have a look at some of the tutorial here and go for it. Clean is the way to go and it is simple after reading some How to's Good luck to you!
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[gregrocker]

Tap the key given on first bootup screen to Enter BIOS setup, set the boot order to boot your external DVD drive first. It may be listed under HD's or USB device. Make sure USB and PlugNPlay are enabled in your BIOS. Save all settings and exit.

Now you should be prompted to Press any key to boot from DVD. If not, reboot and look for key given on first bootup screen for Boot Menu to try to boot your external (under HD's) from there. Follow Clean Install Windows 7 given above.

If not, check BIOS boot settings again and seek additional help here.

If your external DVD drive will not boot, you can indeed run the Custom clean install from within your current OS. Just run the installer.

However will not be able to repartition and format using Custom>Drive Options which is available only when you boot the installer, and makes a cleaner install IMO.

No worries about using your installation key as often as you need to reinstall, or even if you want to migrate Win7 to another computer in the future. A retail copy can migrate freely as long as it is on only one machine at a time
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html