Unique Installation Question

[gregrocker]

Are you wanting to Upgrade or just reinstall factory OEM without the bloatware?

 

[VegasJamie]

GregRocker:

I want to install the factory OEM on a new SSD that will be added to a brand-new machine. But, during the course of this thread, and doing more research, I'm now wondering if I can use a W7 HP 64 upgrade disk to do the install, versus the DVD's Dell will ask me to make? (I've read other threads on this site, and, according to them, it appears to me that I can do just that.) I am looking to make the process as efficient (and legal) as possible, without one bit of bloatware (pun intended) installed.

I will also be upgrading the other three PC's in my house to W7 HP, and wonder if I can use the 64-bit DVD to do the install on the new SSD. If I have to use the DVD's I make of W7, then so be it.

The machine is going to have a BD burner,.....can I just make one BD of the W7, instead of two DVD's? (I know the BD will only be able to be used on that machine.)

 

[gregrocker]

Yes you can use any retail installer for your version (or unlock another version using tutorial I posted earlier) to reinstall with the Product Key on your COA sticker.

This is of course legal since you own that version of Win7 for life when you bought the computer with it pre-installed. You are entitled to clean reinstall it as often as you want under the MS EULA which cannot be overridden by your computer manufacturer so that they can make more money off their pre-installed bloatware.

In my earlier post I gave you tips for clean reinstalling OEM which I've used for years with good results.

Be sure to make your Recovery Disks first so you have a path back to the original install in case you need to service the hardware warranty or sell the machine later. You can also save the old HDD intact so you have the factory install that way.

Also make sure to unplug the old HD just before install to the SSD, which may need to be initialized in Disk manager first. Afterwards you can plug back in the other HD to access your data. You can even use the second HD as a data drive linking your User folders from the SSD install this way: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

This saves space on your SSD for just the OS and Programs, while your data remains on a separate HD. The backup image of the SSD is more compact so that if Win7 becomes irreparable, you only need to reimage OS/Programs to the SSD and your data is current and waiting in its vault.

You can keep the factory installation on the old HD so you have it, or store it as an image externally or in a Primary partition you create on the end of that HD. You can also copy your User folders over into another partition if you decide you want to delete the factory install leaving your old HD for data and image storage.

 

[mjf]

He's already been told all this!

 

[gregrocker]

Was trying to summarize so may have repeated a bit.

Jamie, is it clear now and are there any further questions?

 

[VegasJamie]

Yes, very clear!! Thank you all for your input!! I plan to reference this forum during (and after) the install. I'm not expecting there to be any major surprizes, seems pretty straightforward.

I've only done installs with Windows OS's prior to and including Xp Pro,....no Vista, no W7. Put the install disk(s) in the dvd tray, follow instructions, correct? (In addition to the steps mentioned about adding the SSD, and then adding the 1.5 TB HD after the OS install is completed)

In addition to the Crucial SSD, I also ordered a Asus U3S6 USB 3.0/ SATA 3 6GB Pci-e card....again, want to make it as future-proof, and as fast as possible for the time being.

This is my first new performance computer in almost eight years, so I'm taking the steps I can afford to make it a really solid performer,.... I'm really excited to use and learn W7.

I'll be in and out of the forums looking for tips and tricks for W7, as well as providing my input on what I learn....

Thanks again for all your time, insight, and help with my upcoming issue.

 

[VegasJamie]

So, I finally have the machine, and all the components I spoke of at the beginning of this thread,....

I understand what I need to do as far as the OS install, etc., but, I have a new question pertaining to the installation of the new SSD:

In addition to purchasing a SSD, I also bought an ASUS U3S6 card (two USB 3.0 ports, and two internal SATA 3 6GB/s ports) in order to realize the SSD's potential. I will be connecting the SSD to the U3S6, but, when I reconnect the factory 1.5 TB HD, do I connect that to the same SATA 2 port it is connected to now, or another SATA 2 port? I believe there are a total of 6 SATA 2 ports on the MB.....the one the HD is currently connected to has two ports, one stacked on top of another. Or does it matter which port I connect it to?

Unfortunately, I have quite a bit going on this weekend and will not be getting the machine set up until next week,....when all is a go, I'll be back to profusely thank everyone (again) for all their help, and recognize those who put in their $.02.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello again, you may be better served starting a new thread in the hardware forum, please post a link to it here, in this same thread so we can see the progress.

 

[VegasJamie]

First and foremost, thank ALL of you for your help, insight, and knowledge...

Secondly, I just wanted to update everyone and let you all know I'm using the new computer.

Amazing. Stunning.

Thank you.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

VegasJamie,
That's fantastic news. I was going to tell you that you can run the 1.5 to either the mobo Sata II ports or the Asus but you of course don't pick up the added speed of the Sata III connection so in my book your better off hooking up to the mobo and save the second Sata III for another Sata III device down the road.....there coming and prices will fall.
Cheers, the Cheese

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Glad to see you got it running and thanks for the update.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you clean reinstall the factory preinstall or clean it up?

Any further report on how it all went so others can benefit?

 

[VegasJamie]

The process was simple....(just as all of you mentioned):

1) Ran initial startup of new machine, made backup disks
2) Installed U3S6 card
3) Pulled OEM HD, installed SSD
4) Installed W7 HP from 64-bit disk in family upgrade package
5) Used factory COA sticker to install OS
6) Ran MS update a few times, made sure all drivers were up to date
7) Connected OEM HD to original SATA 2 location
8) Made necessary changes to ensure data is stored to standard HD
9) Called MS to validate W7 HP via telephone

....smiled, laughed, and giggled quite a bit at performance of machine while drinking a few beers.

Haven't used any of the OEM programs included on CD included with machine, nor did I reinstall McAfee,....went with AVG 11 (free) instead.....

Again, thank you all soo much for your help.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

The process was simple....(just as all of you mentioned):

1) Ran initial startup of new machine, made backup disks
2) Installed U3S6 card
3) Pulled OEM HD, installed SSD
4) Installed W7 HP from 64-bit disk in family upgrade package
5) Used factory COA sticker to install OS
6) Ran MS update a few times, made sure all drivers were up to date
7) Connected OEM HD to original SATA 2 location
8) Made necessary changes to ensure data is stored to standard HD
9) Called MS to validate W7 HP via telephone

....smiled, laughed, and giggled quite a bit at performance of machine while drinking a few beers.

Haven't used any of the OEM programs included on CD included with machine, nor did I reinstall McAfee,....went with AVG 11 (free) instead.....

Again, thank you all soo much for your help.

Thanks for the update.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Don't you just love it when a plan works ! Stellar......