Preinstalled Win 7 laptop need to make reformat disk

Pslug · 27 Oct 2009

I just picked up a new laptop pre installed with windows 7, everything is running great but I am trying to make a complete reformat disk on a DVD (not a repair disk) before I go on the net and actually use the computer.

Ideally I want to wipe the system clean and put on just windows 7 with no bloatware.

I have made a repair disk its 160 mb or something, but I know that is not the complete version of the OS.

I could also make an image of my current computer which I just made, but again its not a clean copy of windows 7.

What I dont understand if something happens to my harddrive, what then? is the recovery disk going to magically bring back my OS at 160 mb from the bios alone?

I am running a VAIO VPC-CW17FX any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Zidane24 · 27 Oct 2009

I would bet money that you have a recovery partiton that will restore the computer to factory settings...

Other than downloading a Windows 7 ISO off the net or copying one from a trusted friend...you are going to have to contact SONY and see if they will send you one

Pslug · 27 Oct 2009

You are right, i found some settings that would bring back my computer with a recovery partition, but again what good would this be if i had a failed hard drive? It so frustrating that I cant seem to find or make a tangible copy of my own purchased operating system. Also if I revert my computer back to its original settings, it states that it will include all software that was originally on it (bloatware)

Zidane24 · 27 Oct 2009

Pslug said:

You are right, i found some settings that would bring back my computer with a recovery partition, but again what good would this be if i had a failed hard drive? It so frustrating that I cant seem to find or make a tangible copy of my own purchased operating system. Also if I revert my computer back to its original settings, it states that it will include all software that was originally on it (bloatware)

Your assumption is correct...

It is a deathly loop of bloat...finding/requesting a disc is left up to you

gregrocker · 27 Oct 2009

I am a clean install guy myself, and would handle it this way:

Yes you should make the recovery disk set in case you ever need to recover to factory condition because in rare cases manufacturers may require it to replace certain hardware under warranty. You can also use Win7 Backup Imaging to save an image of your system right now to an external drive - same thing.

Be aware that many/most manufacturers now enforce their sponsored bloatware which provides almost all of their profit margin. Don't say anything about doing a clean install, as it will void your tech support (NOT hardware) warranty until you restore to factory condition. If you need tech support just tell them you have their bloaty version on.

Then I would obtain the RTM* or another clean copy of Win7 (which will activate with your OEM license - get the exact key by running Belarc advisor now) and do a clean install from boot using CUstom advanced tools to delete all, create your partitioning as you want, then format and install. Upgrade will detect another OS before formatting and take your key.

After you get it configured the way you want, make another image saved externally so you never have to clean reinstall again.

*Unlock all editions from Windows 7 ISO image (x86 and x64)

Pslug · 27 Oct 2009

So assuming I can get my hands on a clean copy of windows I could install it on my computer and simply use my Serial to activate the OS?

If i understand correctly every hard copy of windows 7 that microsoft sends out is exactly the same and the only thing needed to activate that copy is the serial number associated with the computer? also how big is windows 7 on a disk?

If i call up sony and tell them my hard drive has been acting up would they tell me a way to back up my copy of windows 7 or at this point is it not possible to make my own copy of windows 7?

Zidane24 · 27 Oct 2009

Pslug said:

So assuming I can get my hands on a clean copy of windows I could install it on my computer and simply use my Serial to activate the OS?

If i understand correctly every hard copy of windows 7 that microsoft sends out is exactly the same and the only thing needed to activate that copy is the serial number associated with the computer? also how big is windows 7 on a disk?

If i call up sony and tell them my hard drive has been acting up would they tell me a way to back up my copy of windows 7 or at this point is it not possible to make my own copy of windows 7?

Again...your assumptions are correct!

You assume things very good (unlike some people)

x86: ~2.3GB
x64: ~3GB

Sony will tell you to probably utilize the recovery partion (NOT WHAT YOU WANT). I would ask them about the possiblity of sending you a disk. Never hurts to try

gregrocker · 27 Oct 2009

Pslug said:

So assuming I can get my hands on a clean copy of windows I could install it on my computer and simply use my Serial to activate the OS?

If i understand correctly every hard copy of windows 7 that microsoft sends out is exactly the same and the only thing needed to activate that copy is the serial number associated with the computer? also how big is windows 7 on a disk?

If i call up sony and tell them my hard drive has been acting up would they tell me a way to back up my copy of windows 7 or at this point is it not possible to make my own copy of windows 7?

Yes, the key on the sticker is a batch key, so use Belarc advisor to get your exact key off the motherboard. It saves a robocall to MS when re-activating.

Just save the Win7 image (and separate Vista) backup externally and it will reimage to a replacement drive in case of HDD failure, in about 15 minutes flawlessly. Reinstalls are a thing of the past now that MS has brought Backup Imaging to the masses!

Pslug · 27 Oct 2009

Quote: Sony will tell you to probably utilize the recovery partion (NOT WHAT YOU WANT). I would ask them about the possiblity of sending you a disk. Never hurts to try

I have to say I called Sony and I was thrilled with their service. I told them that I may be updating my hard drives and I will no longer have access to those partitions. The said no problem, took my address and sent me my recovery disks!

Knowing my luck they will be bloaty recovery disks, but I dont care as long as I have a tangible copy im happy.

gregrocker · 27 Oct 2009

+1 for Sony!