No clean install possible on new Dell?

[kegobeer]

So one partition would have the OS and anything I install on it and the other partition I would set up to have downloads go to (then I could move them over if I needed to) and any drivers I would need to keep for backup purposes, pictures, etc.?

That's what I do.

 

[81sc]

From what I've read when I go through and delete the partitions it looks like I can create another one? And should I format both drives before installing 7 on the active one?

 

[gregrocker]

It's best to install your program files to the same partition as OS, however you can put your other User files on the other partition so it acts as a vault separate from your OS in case it ever won't boot. In a worst case situation, you could then just reimage OS to the first partition and have your files in place and waiting on the OS.

Here is a tutorial on how to link your User folders to another partition location: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

You can also right click any folder and include it in a Library like Pictures, Documents, Downloads, Videos, etc.

When you get it set up as you like, then save a Win7 backup image of your OS drive externally so that you can reimage HD or a replacement if necessary using your DVD Repair console or Repair CD. I would also drag your User folders or entire Storage partition onto the external in case of HD loss.

I see you chose MSE, a solid choice. Remember to check Optional Updates for drivers, finish with the same cleaning and defragging regimen, edit your msconfig>Startup list ruthlessly.

 

[81sc]

gregrocker- what's a good size for the second partition? I'll admit when I did a clean install on my old PC I just had one big partition. I see why it would be a good idea to have another partition. I've wiped all three partitions and hit new to create a new one.

crap- I think I screwed up. I created a 30gb partition and hit format, so I was left with a big unallocated drive but I think windows is now trying to install to the 30gb partition!

 

[gregrocker]

Depends on the size of your HD and how many programs you have so that Win7 fits comfortably in the first partition without crowding.

The base size of WIn7 can be around 20gb with drivers, so say 50-60 gb ballpark.

You can resize later using free Partition Wizard bootable CD if you want to move the walls around.

 

[81sc]

Is windows supposed to install on whatever partition you format or go on the unallocated space drive? I clicked once on the unallocated drive (around 560 gb size) and hit next.

 

[gregrocker]

Use Drive Options to Create New parttition, then format each first before installing to first partition.

It will be okay if you didn't format, but I thought you wanted to partition first?

Screenshots here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Don't worry it can be done later in Disk Mgmt but you may only be able to shrink it by half, so you might wanna start over and create your partiitons.

 

[81sc]

Ok, maybe I was wrong? I have a Local Disk C with 549 gb free and a Local Disk D with 29.1 gb free. Program files (x86) is on the C drive, so it looks like windows installed there? I don't think I'd use close to 30gb for storage on the D drive so I could use Disk Management later to shrink it, right? I think I'm ok to move on from this point?

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, if you confirm by clicking on Computer>C Drive that it has the Win7 install then you can use Disk Mgmt later to shrink it if you choose to put your User files on a separate partition, deleting the 29 gb partition to include in that or any other partitions you want to create at the time.

Your C may only shrink by half though, depending upon where the Partition Table is placed. You might be able to shrink it more using free Partition Wizard bootable CD, but have a System Image and files backed up.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2672-partition-volume-shrink.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2674-partition-volume-create-new.html

Everyone has their favorite way to do this so hopefully others will chime in to give you choices.

 

[81sc]

Phew, ok. Last thing and I think I'm good for now: I didn't click use recommended settings because I don't have the w7 PC hooked up to the internet yet. Should I have clicked use recommended settings or can I go download all the updates now and I'd end up at the same point?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[gregrocker]

No prob. Get your Ethernet or Wireless up and connect to WIndows Updates to get them going. I always look for optional Update "goodies" like chipset, video or other newer drivers and get them in first. Then restart and install other Updates.

Take time and set a Restore point before installing to gauge performance after each program and driver is installed. Don't let them write themselves into your msconfig>startup or hang a toolbar on ya.

Get Adobe Flash and Reader, their free OpenOfc suite if you want it, Java Runtime from their websites.

Remember your Dell Service Tag will link you to whatever other drivers you need, but try to avoid changing any out unless performance dictates. Win7 is not like Vista or XP.

Finish up with CCleaner "Run Cleaner" and Registry tab, then Auslogics disk and reg defraggers.

 

[81sc]

I went to the Device Manager and the only device that has an exclamation point is the "Other Devices- Network Controller." I also have 4 keyboards and 2 mice (HID compliant mouse) and a bunch of Human Interface Devices. Is that normal?

 

[gregrocker]

Is your ethernet or wireless connected? If not, then unzip the driver file for whichever you use and browse to it from the Network Controller Driver tab>Update Driver>Browse.

Or run the app .exe to install its software, although Win7 network connection manager will work better than another.

Ethernet should connect itself. If wireless it should show an available network for you to connect.

 

[81sc]

Ok, I'm connected through ethernet (I have wireless but haven't messed with it yet). Will Windows Updates find the updated driver?

 

[gregrocker]

It may deliver several newer drivers in optional Updates. I trust these drivers as few have failed me yet.

You can of course compare to the ones cued on Dell Support Downloads webpage for your model. But as a rule I only replace drivers from the installer and Updates if performance requires I try another.

Others feel that the chipset should always be updated from maker, which I tend to think of as XP oldthink but there are a few cases where this becomes apparent, like a strange unlogged browser hang across Chrome, IE8 and Firefox on my nephew's pc which that solved.

Do you notice the lighter load right off without the Dell utilities? Remember to throw the startup freeloaders off the bus.

 

[81sc]

Looks like Windows Update did the trick and updated the missing driver. Should I make a system image now or wait until I get to a good point where I would want to restore to? In other words, make the system image after I have updated the video drivers and anything else I would want in a base install.