Clean Install vs Restore

[EchoX860]

I can Clean Install Windows 7, or just use my Recovery CDs and Re-install everything then use Revo to get rid of the HP pre-installed Junk.

Which would you guys do?

 

[richc46]

Just clean install with format. You will start fresh, and you will have the best possible performance. Doing it the other way remnants could remain in addition to other problems.

 

[Ztruker]

Depends. Is there anything in the original installation as far as software that you use and want to keep. If so, use the Recovery DVD, if not a clean install.

 

[Uber Philf]

Clean install provails here, as stated above, no reminats with clean install.

 

[EchoX860]

Nothing really, I usually use Revo

 

[Uber Philf]

Just make sure you have drivers for your various hardware items.

 

[Ztruker]

Definitely clean install then. You may have a problem with some of your hardware after the initial install, but a Windows Update should take care of it. If not you can get Win 7 drivers from the Manufacturers web site:

Software & Driver Downloads HP Pavilion p6270z CTO Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

 

[EchoX860]

I wouldn't know what Drivers to install though, I don't know what ones I have. I know I don't have the Tuner or NVIDIA ones they have on the site

 

[pparks1]

Try a clean install first. If that doesn't suit you, or you cannot find some drivers or are missing some applications...you can always restore the factory image. Nothing to lose but a little time.

 

[gregrocker]

Make your HP Recover Disks first, as you can extract favorite apps from them using this method: Extract HP 3rd Party Software from RecovCD.URL

Then wipe your HD before clean reinstalling: Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command - Windows 7 Forums.URL

Win7 installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your computer model.

Install programs slowly to gauge performance changes over time. Don't let any programs write themselves into your msconfig>Startup list besides AV and gadget (maybe IM) as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU.

When it is set up as you like, clean and order the HD using state-of-the-art CCleaner and Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. The save a Win7 backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again.