Need some help going from Vista to 7.

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  1. Posts : 14
    Windows Vista Home premium 32bit
       #1

    Need some help going from Vista to 7.


    What's up people? First post here, I need some help with this.
    I'm not a super computer nerd, but I know enough. This is just something I want a second opinion on. So I have this pretty old HP laptop running Vista separate from my gaming rig and it's fairly clogged up with viruses, corrupted data etc. I wanted to upgrade to Windows 7, wipe the hard drive and start over. Because it's specs aren't bad for what I use it for, mainly just browsing and watching movies. My girlfriend is studying computer science so she gave me access to her account. For those of you who don't know, dreamspark is a Microsoft program that they use to give free software to students. So I was able to get a completely legit Windows 7. Had to download it and burn the image to a DVD. Now here's the tricky bit. I don't have the original master disc for my laptop and I've never had to do a complete system wipe before. I know that there is software out there that'll wipe your hard drive for you but my question is what order should I do it in?
    I'm not sure if deleting my hard drive will stop me from installing Windows 7 or not because I want a genuinely pristine, empty hard drive with a brand new OS to start over again. What do you think?
    Cheers!

    *Should probably mention that I have a copy of Norton ready to go once I'm up and running with Windows 7 and I can use Dreamspark to stock up again on all of the software I'll have lost so I literally want EVERYTHING gone.*
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #2
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #3

    To clean install:
    1) Clean the HD Drive, using Step one in this tutorial:
    SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
    than
    2)Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
      My Computer

  4.    #4

    Follow the steps Eric gave you in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 so you remember everything possible to back up, do the install perfectly, use the tools and methods which will keep it that way.

    When you boot the Win7 DVD, choose Custom install, then at the screen in Steps 7 and 8 in Clean Install Windows 7 (illustrated install steps) delete all partitions, create and format New as you wish, or just click Next on the Unallocated Space you create to let the installer do it for you and begin.

    Put your network driver in the backup so if the installer doesn't provide it you can install it to get online, enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3), then run all rounds of Important and Optional WIndows Updates to completion. After requested reboots, go back to Check for more Updates until there are no more.

    Then import any drivers still missing in Device Manager from the Support downloads webpage for your model PC or device. We can help you find any you have probs with.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #5

    Troyzer66,
    Welcome to SF. The advice above is excellent. As well you are currently using a 32bit version of Vista and I hope you are considering replacing that with a 64 bit W7. This if your budget will allow it would be a great time to add a SSD for just the OS and software you'll be adding a 128gb SSD are very cheap and will rock your world in many ways and will transfer to a new rig when your'e ready. Also consider adding more ram, 32 bit limited you to 4gb with a 3.2gb usable. 64 will run nicely with 8-16gb if your mobo can handle that, order these in matching pairs and use Crucial's ram upgrade tool to suggest the type and amount and of course we're here to help as well.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14
    Windows Vista Home premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks lads, I'll try it all out!
    By the way linnemeyerhere, this is literally just a laptop to mess around on. I already have a 2,000 euro i7, GTX 780 equipped gaming rig! I'm not looking to upgrade, it's a seriously old laptop. But it's more than good enough to dick around on facebook when I'm watching TV, or for using in college.
    I just wanted to make absolutely sure I was going about it the right way. I'll let you know how it goes!
    Cheers!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 14
    Windows Vista Home premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Sorry, meant to say. Said gaming rig is currently only under construction sadly. Still have to save up for the memory modules and a good quality SDD. Otherwise she's good to go!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #8

    When you get W7 set up then get a speedy sd or usb class 10 and set it up for ready boost then get 4-16gb. in lieu of extra ram then.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,045
    Win8/8.1,Win7-U64, Vista U64, uncounted Linux distor's
       #9

    Troyzer66 said:
    What's up people? First post here, I need some help with this.
    I'm not a super computer nerd, but I know enough. This is just something I want a second opinion on. So I have this pretty old HP laptop running Vista separate from my gaming rig and it's fairly clogged up with viruses, corrupted data etc. I wanted to upgrade to Windows 7, wipe the hard drive and start over. Because it's specs aren't bad for what I use it for, mainly just browsing and watching movies. My girlfriend is studying computer science so she gave me access to her account. For those of you who don't know, dreamspark is a Microsoft program that they use to give free software to students. So I was able to get a completely legit Windows 7. Had to download it and burn the image to a DVD. Now here's the tricky bit. I don't have the original master disc for my laptop and I've never had to do a complete system wipe before. I know that there is software out there that'll wipe your hard drive for you but my question is what order should I do it in?
    I'm not sure if deleting my hard drive will stop me from installing Windows 7 or not because I want a genuinely pristine, empty hard drive with a brand new OS to start over again. What do you think?
    Cheers!

    *Should probably mention that I have a copy of Norton ready to go once I'm up and running with Windows 7 and I can use Dreamspark to stock up again on all of the software I'll have lost so I literally want EVERYTHING gone.*
    The best thing you can do with that is give to someone other than a friend.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 14
    Windows Vista Home premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

    linnemeyerhere said:
    When you get W7 set up then get a speedy sd or usb class 10 and set it up for ready boost then get 4-16gb. in lieu of extra ram then.

    But I don't really care about making it faster. I just want to browse on it!
      My Computer


 
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