Solved Which partitions do I actually need?

[Tomtom111]

I've got a couple of touch sensitive buttons, which I can tap and the wifi turns off or mutes the PC, and I've just realised that when in windows, the volume buttons is red (indicating mute although it may not be) and when I'm on Ubuntu it's white (indicating unmuted, even though it is not). So I was wondering if any I you guy might know why it's happened, and perhaps how to fix it. It doesn't annoy me much, the button still works fine, the colour just doesn't change.

 

[F5ing]

I've got a couple of touch sensitive buttons, which I can tap and the wifi turns off or mutes the PC, and I've just realised that when in windows, the volume buttons is red (indicating mute although it may not be) and when I'm on Ubuntu it's white (indicating unmuted, even though it is not). So I was wondering if any I you guy might know why it's happened, and perhaps how to fix it. It doesn't annoy me much, the button still works fine, the colour just doesn't change.

I would guess that has something to do with the OEM software installed.
when you're running under Ubuntu that OEM software's not running.

 

[Tomtom111]

So then in theory it should run a ok in windows, but it doesn't! I only get the one colour! Can it be fixed without reinstallation?

 

[gregrocker]

Did you reinstall or are you still running the Win7 factory bloatware preinstall?

If you clean reinstalled did you look for the button software on HP Support Downloads webpage for your model?

In rare cases buttons will not light or function correctly with the software provided after a clean reinstall. If you google the issue you will often find others who have faced this and how they resolved it. If not, the only solution is to reinstall the software, ask HP and/or run Factory Recovery.

 

[Tomtom111]

It's not a clean install, and I've not uninstalled any of HP programs. I'll google it, I don't suppose any of you guys have a solution without reinstalling?

 

[gregrocker]

That's not the way I would ask that question expecting to get help here from our volunteers, especially after a marathon thread in which your every question was answered.

The plain fact is that no tech enthusiast would run a HP bloatware factory preinstall, so we would be remiss if we didn't press this point. While HP's are excellent machines, the preinstalled sponsors' crapware and useless utilities throttle Win7 and create endless niggling issues like you're experiencing. The solution is to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

 

[Tomtom111]

I'm sorry if I seem ungrateful for the help everyone has given me, I don't mean to. I'll consider a clean install more seriously. To make sure- will I just use the product Key that's on the bottom of the PC? I read somewhere that if the key isn't in use it can be used on another windows installation.

 

[gregrocker]

Read the tutorial I linked.

The Product Key on COA sticker is permanently tied to and can only be used on that machine to reinstall as often as you like. Back it up and keep it in a safe place.

However after getting a perfect Clean Reinstall you can save a Win7 backup image to use in place of reinstall or recovery.

Most everything is covered in the tutorial, but ask back if you have any other questions.

 

[Tomtom111]

Ok, would it be better to do a clean install from an official disc, as I have another w7 PC which is bloatware free, or at least would the key still work with it? I have read the guide which says to download an iso from the site, but I'm out of discs that are big enough, so using the disc I've already got would save some money and time.

 

[Tomtom111]

Should I delete the system partition? Like you said in the tutorial I should wait and see if the others work after the reinstall.

 

[gregrocker]

It depends on whether you want to keep the Recovery and Tools partition, or wipe the slate clean to have the full disk for just Win7. If you choose the latter be sure to make your Recovery Disks and save a Win7 backup image so you have a path back to where you are now.

If you want to keep Recovery and Tools then I'd keep System, otherwise delete all partitions and create new ones as you wish, or just click Next to let the installer create one partition and format for you.

 

[Tomtom111]

Should I use the downloaded iso on the website you linked burnt onto a disc, or should I use an official installation disc?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Should I use the downloaded iso on the website you linked burnt onto a disc, or should I use an official installation disc?

Official, given the choice.

It shouldn't matter, but that avoids most of the chance of a defective disk or bad burn.

 

[Tomtom111]

OK, thanks. I'll try the official one then the download if it doesn't work. I presume I'll still have to enter the product ID?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

OK, thanks. I'll try the official one then the download if it doesn't work. I presume I'll still have to enter the product ID?

No.

You will need to enter the Product Key if you intend to activate. You can go 30 days without activation.

 

[Tomtom111]

Well, I do want to have the full thing on my PC for longer than 30 days. Should I use the code on the label, or the one that came with the disc, as the current install was pre-insatlled.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If you are installing from a purchased official disk, use the Product Key that came with that disk.

 

[Tomtom111]

So I guess I'll use the code that came on the sticker if I use the downloaded iso. Thanks, I may be back with more questions if something goes wrong.

 

[mjf]

I haven't read the full thread. However, you may want to image each partition of the HP configuration using free Macrium Reflect. Then you are safe to return to the original HP configuration if required.

 

[Tomtom111]

I don't blame you for not reading it all. I've got recovery discs, which can restore all partitions but it will be like a new install, but I can just restore my files and I'll be fine. Thanks though.