Multiple Questions (Involves Customization of Windows 7)

[AggieBlazer]

Hello!

First I would like to thank you all for this wonderful site! This site has helped me out with many questions and problems that I have encountered. Your tutorials are great and very helpful. Much appreciated!

Now to business.

First solution needed: (Assembly Error)

I have been encountering an error. It's an assembly loading error. I have attached a picture of the dialogue box. It has something to do with HP Connection Manager. (I think it might be related to my custom skin. I downloaded travaris and installed it when I first saw this error. Now the error shows up with the new skin I have. (Dark Mango)

Second solution needed: (Failing to load bitmap - Custom Start Orb)

I installed the Dark Mango theme on my laptop and for some reason it failed to change the start orb. I tried to re-install the theme and get the orb to change, but I had no luck. I also didn't want to mess around with the explorer system file since it caused my laptop to crash a few times. (something about the class not being defined :/) So instead I installed Windows 7 start orb changer (V5 I think..) I successfully downloaded a custom orb pack and used it to change the orb. After it successfully changed, the notification popped up saying "Failed to load bitmap...." and it popped up 3 times. After restarting the computer, I tried to log on. The screen would turn grey and freeze for a second before loading the 3 bitmap errors again. After clicking "OK" for the 3 errors, the computer would load the desktop like normal. It's more or less something that's really annoying >.<

Third solution needed: (Windows boot up - whether from 'resuming windows' or 'starting windows'- will display squares instead of text)

Ok so I opened the proper files for changing the text strings on the computer and customized the text. All of them work great (except for the "Please wait...." string. I can't find that one to change it >.<). However, with the new skin pack that I downloaded and installed the boot up text was changed and so was the animation. When I tried to edit the string that displays the text, upon boot up it would display squares (like when the computer doesn't recognize a font- try typing Japanese characters in skype). When booting up the text has squares and then something like "E'4" at the end. The resuming windows text is just squares.

Side Note: I also changed the fonts by opening regedit and editing the "Font Substitution" files. The fonts did not change after restarting the computer.


I am running a Windows 7 Ultimate x64 laptop. It's an HP DV7 series. Please let me know if you need more information.

Thank you for reading my wall of text and trying to help in advance! I tried to give the possibly important details.

Blazer


PS. Thought it would be important to include that I got rid of the the Windows 7 Branding for login screen, edited the login background screen, recently decrypted my hard drive (Lost restore points while it was encrypted) and have rain meter installed. (Might add more if I think of other things I tinkered with)

 

[gregrocker]

It's strange you would be customizing themes but still running the bloated factory pre-install which on HP's is the worst in the industry. Most tech enthusiasts would never run such a corrupt install which throttles Win7 from it's native instantaneous state.

I would strongly consider getting a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 using only the tools and methods given which will assure a perfect install if it isn't tweaked to death as you've apparently done.

Short of that I'd work through the steps to Clean Up Factory Bloatware.

 

[AggieBlazer]

Yeah i never really messed with my system after upgrading to ultimate. I just recently got into customization and became more comfortable adjusting files. I figure it will be a good learning experience. The laptop still has to last me a couple years so i figure learning more about computers and customizing it to the way i like it would be nice.

So a clean reinstall would likely help? Im sure it would be good for my system to get a breather and refresh itself after my tinkering. Now that i know how to get results i could do a better job.

I will look into the reinstalling in greater detail when i get a shot. Im mostly concerned about losing personal files. I would also like to use the dark mango skin pack with custom text if possible. It's just something to make it more personal as a preference. If i do go through with the reinstall, i hear its best to have your account as a regular user and keep the admin account for installing only. Is that true? Any other good tips?

 

[gregrocker]

I don't think it's necessary to run in any other than the Admin-level account which is set up when you install.

I would also complete the reinstall according to the steps given and then capture a backup image externally before making any modifications. This way you only have to do it once. If you're going to continue tweaking Win7 beyond normal system settings you'll also need it to fall back on.

 

[AggieBlazer]

Yeah I think I will do a clean re-install following your tutorial. It sounds like a good idea. I will certainly create an image backup. (Will have to buy another portable hd xD)

Huge file to install Ultimate all over again. Sounds like I will have to reserve a whole day for this. I'll let you know if I run into any problems alright?

Thanks for the help!

 

[gregrocker]

How is Ultimate activated? Did it come with the PC or are you using a retail Upgrade or Anytime Upgrade? The steps may vary if so.

 

[AggieBlazer]

How is Ultimate activated? Did it come with the PC or are you using a retail Upgrade or Anytime Upgrade? The steps may vary if so.

The laptop came with Home Premium or Professional...I'm not sure..I bought Ultimate separately and installed the CD upgraded it. Wouldn't I still be able to just claim the Ultimate Version in the first step and use my product key? Or would I have to upgrade it separately again?

 

[gregrocker]

Normally to Upgrade economically within Win7 you'd use Anytime Upgrade which is a key purchased to unlock the few extra expensive features in Ultimate in a few minutes. Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forum

Most all users only need the Home Premium which comes preinstalled on their PC, so if you dont' need the few extra features I would use the $100+ value license which comes with the PC and lasts for its life. Compare Windows 7 Editions - Windows 7 Forums

You can for convenience also install the full retail or retail Upgrade Product Key into Anytime Upgrade but it wastes a lot of money.

If you own retail Ultimate you can also Clean Install Windows 7 but be aware you're wasting a perfectly good $100+ value license which comes with the PC.

If it's retail Upgrade version when you boot the installer to reinstall it will see the underlying OS to allow use of Upgrade version key during install, even if you go on to delete all partitions and create new as you should.

 

[AggieBlazer]

You can for convenience also install the full retail or retail Upgrade Product Key into Anytime Upgrade but it wastes a lot of money.

I bought the Windows 7 Ultimate OS CD. When I put the disk in I think I was prompted to just use the Anytime Upgrade so it could add a few features and take less time. (I got the CD for a good deal so I bought the full Ultimate CD, not just the few extra perks)

If it's retail Upgrade version when you boot the installer to reinstall it will see the underlying OS to allow use of Upgrade version key during install, even if you go on to delete all partitions and create new as you should.

So I should erase all partitions and get which windows installer exactly?

 

[gregrocker]

If you have a Product Key for Ultimate then you can install it using the installer in Step 1 of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

If you still have the HP OEM and Recovery partitions on the disk and they will run from boot to cue up recovery and diagnostics, then you can decide to keep them if you want, or delete them all during reinstall as shown in Steps 7 and 8 here: Clean Install Windows 7

 

[AggieBlazer]

I think I will just go with the reinstall. I tend to stay away from deleting stuff unless I am 100% I know what I am doing and won't need them. Leaving the D: Drive (Recovery Drive) there won't mess anything up will it?

 

[gregrocker]

I just explained how to decide whether to keep the Recovery partition, and it is explained in the Note for HP Owners at the end of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

I hope you are reading the tutorial to understand what is involved in a Clean Reinstall of Win7, because it is completely different from XP in how drivers are handled. If you will stick with the tools and methods in the tutorial then you'll be assured of getting and keeping a perfect reinstall.

 

[AggieBlazer]

Yeah, you just brought up the Clean Install and that threw me off a bit. I will be going step by step on your tutorial. If it doesn't work I'm coming after you

Edit: Trying to drag my user folder over to my portable hard drive, not working...I'm assuming I'm completely missing something obvious here >.<

 

[gregrocker]

You only need to drag the specific User folders that you use (Documents, Pictures, Video, etc) to external. Later you'll be opening them to drag the contents to the corresponding User folder on the left-hand Explorer bar, so it's easier to have just the needed folders in one view.

Tens of thousands of users have followed the Clean Reinstall steps without any complaint. But we are here to help if you have problems.

 

[AggieBlazer]

How did I know it was going to be something that simple? And don't copy Appdata or anything since it will be corrupted right?

You guys certainly are helpful ^.^ thanks again. I know it must put a toll on your patience

 

[gregrocker]

Not if you read the steps first and interact based on that. That makes it immensely easier to help.

 

[AggieBlazer]

Not if you read the steps first and interact based on that. That makes it immensely easier to help.

I'm sure
I will do my best not to be too much trouble.

 

[gregrocker]

You are no trouble at all.

 

[AggieBlazer]

Haha we will see.
Reinstalling now, warning you to be prepared xD

 

[gregrocker]

Wireless driver standing by in case it isn't in the installer (70% chance).

As soon as you get online enable Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware,
set Updates to Automatic, run Updates and install all Important and Optional Updates.

You can copy in your files, install Adobe Reader, Java, MSE, Flash while Updates are installing. Just heed the restarts from Updates.

Continue installing Programs and residual Updates until all are completed, then check Device Manager, import any missing Devices from HP webpage for your model. Ask if you have any questions.

Set it all up, clean and defrag, capture a backup image before applying any theme crapware, almost all of which is unstable and dodgy.

The one feature all of my installs rave about is a slideshow in Personalize with 120 Original Windows 7 High Resolution Scenery Regional Wallpapers Free Download » My Digital Life using the Win7 Aero theme so you might try that if it isn't too bland. The backgrounds are some of the most spectacular pictures ever taken, from all national editions of Win7.