Solved version of Windows to install on repaired laptop?

[HAVOC]

My cousin was given a laptop (HP Pavilion G6) with a cracked display (display was unreadable). I'll be fixing it. I have the laptop apart and already ordered a new display from eBay. I'd like to do a clean install (Windows 7 Home Premium) to remove the HP bloat ware and personal info of the previous owner. I'll be following this tutorial:

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

Would the product key on the bottom of the laptop work with the downloaded .iso?

 

[Golden]

Yes no problem - make sure the ISO is the same version as stated on the COA sticker (e.g. Home Premium or whatever)

Get your .ISO here:
Microsoft

Install the .ISO to USB2.0 using this tool, then boot from USB and install as normal:
Microsoft Store

 

[HAVOC]

Thanks. The laptop has Home Premium 64-bit on it. I downloaded X17-58997.iso (Windows 7 Home Premium X64 SP1). What does "(media refresh)" mean?

 

[Golden]

The media refresh includes KB2534111 - it allows you to use numbers as part of the computer name if you want.

Read more here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2534111

Some of the laptop functionality might be limited until you download and install specific drivers for it (e.g. webcam, some keyboard functionality). Get the drivers here, once Windows is installed, if you need them:

Software & driver downloads HP Pavilion g6-1a52nr Notebook PC | HP® Support

 

[HAVOC]

I have the driver page for the laptop saved as a favorite until I download all the needed drivers.

 

[Golden]

 

[HAVOC]

The laptop I'm repairing ( g6-1d60us) is slightly different than the driver page you posted.

 

[Golden]

Apologies. Windows will still install as normal of course, but if you google your exact laptop model you will find the HP support page for it.

 

[gregrocker]

Everything you need is here to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Pay careful attention to how drivers are handled in Win7. Put your wireless driver in the backup so if it's not provided during install you can install it to get online to enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) and then run all Important and Optional WIndows UPdates until there are no more. Only then would I import any drivers still missing in Device Manager.

 

[HAVOC]

Thanks again. I'm going to download all the drivers that are listed on HP's page and save them to the same thumb drive that I'm using with that USB DVD tool.

I'm also downloading the BIOS update (not sure if I need it) HP quick launch, HP power manager, and HP on screen display utility.

 

[Golden]

Good idea...be sure to write the ISO first, since the tool formats the USB first. Then copy the drivers to it afterwards. Be sure to install off a USB2.0 port....not USB3.0 since there is no native drivers for USB3.0

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks again. I'm going to download all the drivers that are listed on HP's page and save them to the same thumb drive that I'm using with that USB DVD tool.

I'm also downloading the BIOS update (not sure if I need it) HP quick launch, HP power manager, and HP on screen display utility.

Why are you doing this? You only need the wireless driver in case it isn't provided during install so you can install it to get online. Then follow the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get all of your drivers from Windows Update. There should be very few still missing after all rounds of Important and Optional WIndows Updates.

Wasting time downloading a bunch drivers is from the XP era. Win7 is a driver-complete OS. And you don't want to reimport the HP crapware which conflicts with Win7's superior utilities, as it defeats the purpose of a Clean Reinstall.

 

[HAVOC]

I figured I'd have them in case I need them. I'll check device manager before installing any drivers. There are multiple wireless drivers listed on HP's page for this laptop. I'll have to see what one is installed after installing the new display and before the clean install.

Can someone take a look at this page:
Software & driver downloads HP Pavilion g6-1d60us Notebook PC | HP® Support
and see if I should install anything from
"Operating System-Enhancements and QFE's"
"Software-Solutions"
"Utility-Tools"

 

[gregrocker]

I would not reimport any of the OEM software until you run for awhile to know for sure you need it. There may be patches on the Support Downloads webpage needed to improve performance so browse them to be aware what's available. But reinstalling any OEM crapware besides that which is absolutely needed for good performance or a function you need defeats the purpose of a Clean Reinstall.

If you rely on on-screen display for volume controls or other functions then you might want to install that Utility. If your Power Manager offers any added benefits like better battery tending then you may want to install it. If either of these cause issues or you decide you don't need them then you can uninstall them or if necessary run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html which is another way to undo anything during the install that causes issues.

The MS patches will all come in during many rounds of Important and Optional Updates. Run them until there are no more. If they fail the problem can usually be sorted during several reboots or a Shutdown if they become queued on the Start menu Shutdown button with an !

 

[HAVOC]

Just finished installing the new display in the laptop. No dead pixels.

Now it's time to do a clean install, this laptop is slow as hell. There is so much "support software" that runs as soon as you turn it on.

 

[HAVOC]

Clean install done. Had to use the automated phone system to activate Windows. Installed wireless LAN driver and down loading updates as I type this.

 

[HAVOC]

Couldn't find the SM_BUS Controller driver. Installed the AMD graphics driver and the SM BUS driver and Bluetooth drivers were installed. Now I have no !'s in Device Manager

 

[Golden]