Just got an AsusG73JH-BST from BB

Hello!

I have been going nuts on google to get info on my new pc. This site keeps coming up in almost every search I do. Seems like a good place to be so I decided to join.

I just got this laptop last night and have yet to pull it out of the box. That will be tonight's task and putting my friends office 2000 suite on it since its free. Anyhow, I bought this due to price, style, and size. My Dell Inspiron 9400/E1705 died over the weekend and it was gonna cost more to fix it than for me to get a new laptop with similar specs. I had planned to get a cheaper laptop in the 5-6 hundred dollar range to replace it. Well I saw this Asus and decided for the price I couldn't pass it up. Reviews everywhere seemed really good on it too.

I am not a gamer, I just like big screened laptops and use it for watching movies, tv, pics, surfing, and music mostly. I probably didn't need this thing for just those things but I really liked the back-lit keyboard as that's always been something I wanted in a laptop. I have a netbook for my more portable needs.

Anyhow, apart from getting the crapware off of it, I hear that I need to do some type of hard drive copy so that I can revert back to it if my system ever gets worked over. Is there a free way to do this? Any other things I should do on this thing that maybe I dont know about? I am a light weight when it comes to my pc knowledge, I just want this thing to last for really a long time to come.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated on making it better or improving it and keeping it running without problems. I already over spent my budget just buying this thing so I wont be able to buy upgrades if they are deemed a "must do" at least for a few months.

Here is the link to what I bought:

Asus - Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 17.3" Display / 6GB Memory / 640GB Hard Drive - Black - G73JH-BST7


And so you dont have to go there if you dont feel like it, here are the specs they list:

Windows 7 Home Premium preloaded

What's Included

* Asus Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 17.3" Display / 6GB Memory / 640GB Hard Drive
* 8-cell battery
* 150W AC adapter
* Software: Adobe Reader; PowerDVD 9 and Power2Go 6
* Owner's manual

Product Features

* Intel® Core™ i7-740QM processor
Features a 6MB L3 cache and 1.73GHz processor speed.
* Intel® Core™ i7 processor
Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't.
* 6GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
* 17.3" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
With 1600 x 900 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
* Built-in facial recognition
Protects sensitive information.
* ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 graphics
Feature 1GB GDDR5 memory for lush images. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
* Built-in 1.3MP webcam
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends.
* 8-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Smart Media and xD-Picture Card formats.
* 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
* WiMAX mobile broadband
Keeps you connected in most places. Requires separately purchased wireless service contract. Check with service provider for coverage area and availability in your area.
* Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
* Weighs 8.5 lbs. and measures just 2.2" thin
For portable power. Illuminated chiclet keyboard is easy to view even in dim light.
* Fair battery life
Of up to 2 hours and 27 minutes.
* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable computing platform.
* Best Buy pc app
Your one-stop shop for digital software, games and more! Learn more.
* Software package included
With Adobe Reader, PowerDVD 9 and Power2Go 6. Microsoft Office 2010 Starter also included (product key card required for activation; sold separately)



Thanks so much for any thoughts, advice, and help!!!

 

All you really need to do is do a clean install of Windows 7 right now. Here's the guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/468027-complete-walk-through-doing-clean-windows-7-install.html

You'll need to burn a W7 disc: http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

And you'll need to burn a Driver's disc: Asus G73 Drivers Disc

The W7 CD link details how to backup your activation. After that you should update to BIOS 209/211 ( G73JH Problems And Solutions There will show you how) which fixes a couple issues and if you ever wish to game you should update the vBIOS (Detailed in the guide I just linked to) and update to the latest catalyst as opposed to the stock video drivers on the driver CD. After that it's pretty much gravy, install the stuff you want and you're good to know. Hope it helped, enjoy.

 

If you want to buy a legit set of drivers and install discs, you can look here:

G73JH Windows 7 Recovery (Set of 2)

$30 for both driver and app cd, and Win 7 restore disc

 

Cool thanks guys I will check this stuff out!!!

So if I buy this package, all I really need to do is the bios update thing right? I haven't noticed any problems yet anywhere...but I guess the problems will find me if I don't do this then?

Thanks for the great info and for taking the time to reply! I went ahead and purchased from Asus the backup cd's that were referred to in the other response in here. Lame that they dont include them in the box!!!

Now as far as the part where you say to update the BIOS 209/211, I went into that thread you linked to and there are a bunch of items in that. Do I need to do them all or are you saying just to the BIOS update part? And I dont even know if I trust myself to do it cause I dont want to turn my new pc into a big flat piece of lifeless plastic! Also in that thread I dont see anything in bold that specifically says update BIOS. Is it the one that says II. GSOD?? Cause dang I dont know that I will be able to do that section successfully haha! I have no skills :cry:

 

Hey guys just got home and it says in my pc that my BIOS version/date is:

American Megatrends Inc. G73jh.211, 07/27/2010

Do I have the right one?

 

211 is latest, so you are good

 

Awesome to hear that!!! Thanks Chastity!!!

 

Its not always mandatory to reinstall windows. That seems like easily an hour's pain for something you can do in 20 minutes. This excellent guide by David
tells you exactly what software (preloaded by Asus) are useful and which ones
you should get rid of.

Asus Utility and Bloatware Guide

After this, your Laptop should perform just as well as a reinstall of windows.

There is also an excellent guide for new owners by Hakira:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...ur-g73-short-setup-guide.html?highlight=Guide

Good luck and happy Gaming! Welcome to the community.

P.S. In the (rare and sad) event that you do have problems with your machine, first take a look at
this thread from hellcry which outlines the more common issues and their likely solutions:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...492354-all-g73jh-problems-solutions-here.html

 

Thanks so much Hasib1522!! I'll go take a look at those threads right now!

Can I ask you what these catalyst drivers people keep mentioning are? Do I need them if I dont game?

I see many other things mentioned that people are doing but I can only remember one thing to ask at a time so I'll add it to this if I see or remember something else that i have no clue what it is ha!

Oh yeah what is vBios? I take it it's different than regular BIOS? Do I need to change mine or check to make sure I have the right version? Or is that for gaming folk only?

 

ATI Catalyst Video Drivers

 

So do I need to get these?


And vBios too or am I good?

 

If you're not going to do any heavy gaming, it's probably not really necessary for you to go through the vbios update or install the newer driver (catalyst). And, as someone else suggested, you don't necessarily need to do a clean install of Windows. Just uninstall the Asus programs you don't need or want in order to get a faster machine.

 

Yeah I dont game at all.

Ok awesome thanks so much rayabruce!!!