Solved Is this the correct procedure for doing a clean install of W7-Pro?

[Mike Lynch]

To a brand new hard drive:

1.) Apply W7-Pro SP-1 from the Microsoft Media
2.) Apply W7-Pro SP-2 (MS doesn't officially call it SP-2) from the Microsoft Web Site
3.) Apply Simplex from the Simplex site.
4.) Make Recovery Disk
5.) Run Disk Cleanup
6.) Run Defrag
7.) Run Backup

 

[flavallee]

1. Boot from the installation media and then do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit.
2. Run Simplix Update Pack 21.12.15 (with .NET Framework 4.8 add-on included).
3. Install all necessary drivers.
4. Do a Windows Update scan and then install any remaining important updates.


There is no such thing as SP2 for Windows 7.
Only Windows Vista has SP2.

 

[Mike Lynch]

This is where I found the SP2 term. It appears to be a legitmate.

How to obtain and install Windows 7 SP2 - Microsoft Community

[h=1]How to obtain and install Windows 7 SP2[/h][FONT=&quot]Since the release of Windows 7 back in 2009, hundreds of updates have been issued for the aging OS, and anyone who has done a clean install of Windows 7 knows how painful the updating process can be.
Officially, Microsoft only released a single service pack for Windows 7 - Service Pack 1 was released to the public on February 22, 2011. However, despite promising that Windows 7 would only have one service pack, Microsoft decided to release a "convenience rollup" for Windows 7 in May 2016. This single package combines all previously released updates from the release of SP1 to April 2016. So even though Microsoft isn't calling this a service pack, for all intents and purposes, it serves as one.
This article will show you how to install the convenience update (SP2 for Windows 7).
Note: System Administrators can use DISM to integrate this package into their installation media to simplify future Windows 7 installations.

1. Prerequistes
Before installing the convenience update, make sure:

• You are running Windows 7 SP1
• You have at least 5 GB of free space available on your system disk
• You have installed KB3020369 (download links below)

[/FONT]

 

[torchwood]

if your using an SSD DO NOT defrag.... turn it off in services

 

[Volume Z]

How to obtain and install Windows 7 SP2

The thing's name is Convenience Rollup. It's from almost six years ago and I never understood the craze about it.

And not KB3020369 again. It's outdated. Since September 2016.

 

[Mike Lynch]

To a brand new hard drive:

1.) Apply W7-Pro SP-1 from the Microsoft Media
2.) Apply W7-Pro SP-2 (MS officially calls it Convenience Update, per (VZ)) from the Microsoft Web Site
3.) Research the need for KB3020369, (VZ) has indicated, it is out of date
3.) Apply Simplex from the Simplex site, with the Net Framework 4.8 pack
4.) Make Recovery Disk
5.) Run Disk Cleanup
6.) Run Defrag
7.) Make an Image Backup


QUESTION: Might the "needed drivers" be installed by Convenience Pack?

 

[SIW2]

1. Install windows
2. Run Simplix preferably with the netframework 4.8 pack
3. Install any needed drivers
done

If you already have a recovery disk, no need to make another. Make an image backup at that point if you like.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Clarification.

QUESTION: Might the "needed drivers" be installed by Convenience Pack?

 

[flavallee]

QUESTION: Might the "needed drivers" be installed by Convenience Pack?

No.
You need to obtain and manually install each driver.

 

[Mike Lynch]

To a brand new hard drive:

1.) Apply W7-Pro SP-1 from the Microsoft Media
2.) Apply Simplex from the Simplex site, with the Net Framework 4.8 pack
3.) Obtain and manually install each driver needed, if any
3.) Make Recovery Disk
4.) Run Disk Cleanup
5.) Run Defrag
6.) Make an Image Backup

It's almost Noon here.
I will begin the above procedure then and report back when completed.​

 

[SIW2]

simplix will ask for a reboot a couple of times while installing the updates, then it does the disk cleanup automatically at the end. The whole process will take a while if you are using mechanical hard drive.

 

[Mike Lynch]

My apologies - just my luck!

I ordered two refurbished HP 8300 USFF PC's and received them on 12/24/2021.
I made my Forum Post to expedite installing W7 vs W10 that comes preinstalled.
I started at Noon and so far, both have failed with the same Post Code.
I looked up the Post Code, four short beeps.

Flashing failed (checksum error, corrupted image, etc.)

Unless someone has any idea how to get around this, I will need to return them.

I had called Tech Support from the Company that re-furbished them and reported the first unit.
The first Agent thought the problem was a loose component from shipping.
I then called Tech Support from the Company that re-furbished them and reported the second unit.
The second Agent thought the problem was a bad power cord.

I will repack them later this evening and return them unless I hear back from the Forum on any possible fixes.

Thank you for you patients with me.

Mike Lynch

 

[flavallee]

I seriously doubt there's an issue with those refurbished HP Compaq Elite 8300 computers.

If they came with Windows 10, you should be able to re-do them with a clean install of Windows 7.
(Note: You didn't say how you're going to active Windows 7 afterwards)

It's my guess you're doing it incorrectly or there's an issue with the Windows 7 install media you're using.

 

[Volume Z]

MS officially calls it Convenience Update, per (VZ)

Convenience Rollup Update.



Convenience rollup update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

 

[Mike Lynch]

How could I be doing this wrong?

I never got the point where the PC would read the media!

I power them on and I get the following:

Post Code = Four Short Beeps and a Red Flashing Light!

Nada!

That's it!

That's all she wrote!

They will not read from the Install Media or the Hard Drive.

They do not respond to any "F" Keys.

 

[SIW2]

I would return them and get a refund.

At this stage, I wouldnt buy those particular machines. ( I happen to have one as it happens ).

You already have the 8300 towers, is there a reason you want the sff versions?

 

[Mike Lynch]

Thank you for your feedback.

I agree with you.
I will return them today.
The 8300 CMT's have a significant amount of capability.
When I purchased them, I thought I would be using that capability.
As it turned out, other than having it, I never needed or used it.
The USFF would have saved me space and would do everything I needed, and more.
A poor decision on my part.
Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[SIW2]

There isnt anything to be gained by switching to the sff versions, unless there is absoultely no choice because of space.

But there are many limitations and annoyances with the sff versions.