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#41
Exactly my point. The recovery console gives options to restore your computer from the system images you have made with Windows Backup and Restore, do startup repair and several other options. You can also do this from a Windows 7 disc, which you do not have currently. Ignatzatsonic will happily help you make a Windows 7 install disc if you would like.
The best advice I can give is, if you don't feel comfortable doing it, don't. It seems that you feel uncomfortable doing some of the things we have mentioned, so if I were you I would leave well enough alone.
Sorry if I seem cautious, I'm just trying to work it out in my head.
So your saying, that if I feel comfortable with it, it would be fine to delete the HP_tools partition, create a new partition, and install the new OS on there. While also to keep the option of a windows 7 restore, that could be done without the HP_tools partition and without discs as long as I keep the recovery partition. And don't touch the system partition.
Well, if you put another OS on this PC and later use the recovery partition to "restore" your PC, that would wipe out your new OS and leave you with whatever the PC shipped with.
Personally-----I would hose it all and do a clean install with a downloaded ISO to get HP completely out of my life.
You are right to seem cautious. It was just a piece of general advice that I find comes in handy, especially when make changes on a computer.
You can delete the HP_Tools partition AND the recovery partition. What needs to stay is the System Reserve partition. I mention it because it seemed that ignatzatsonic was recommending removing it, which some do not realize is needed for certain functions to work properly.
Well I've downloaded the iso, so I'll take reinstalling everything into consideration, as I'll be able to restore my settings and files through windows backup. But a thought that has just come into my head is, would I still be able to use windows update as I have a mate who has had various windows os's installed, but when he tries to update it mucks up the system or something.
As far as I can tell from what I've read, the recovery partition is useless without the HP_Tools partition. Doing a clean install on OEM computers (OEM means made by HP, Dell, Toshiba etc.) can be a bit tricky. In order to activate Windows you almost always have to activate by phone, a lengthy by relatively simple tesk. Also, some software that comes on OEM computer is necessary to use it properly, but cannot be easily reinstalled. For example, my friend has a ASUS computer that he paid $1500 for. He decided to do a clean install of Windows 7 and delete all the partitions on his hard drive without making recovery disk or a system image. He can no longer play blu-rays or get his webcam to work properly. Not saying the same would happen to you, just that it is something to consider. As long as you get Windows activated and you don't lose functionality, then everything else should be fine, including Windows updates. I can't say what your friend's issue with it is.
I have to ask why do you want to install a different OS anyways? Is there something about Windows 7 that does not meet your needs?