New G73JH Owner: Compiled list of questions for the experienced notebook user

Hello everyone,

Just got my G73JH delivered to me in Chile by a family member. I must say I am quite happy with the design, and how quick it runs the only game I've played on it so far (WoW).

I ask these questions that may or may not have been asked already, but when using the search function it is very hard to go through the 300+ page threads to find the question and the posts that answer these questions. So I decided to compile several questions here that I have.

1. My G73JH did NOT come with a recovery disk. Therefore I question whether removing the bloatware manually through the "uninstal progam" function in windows has the same effect as just doing a clean install?

2. My drive has like 5 partitions. Annoying as all hell. Is the only way of having only 2 partitions (1 for each harddrive) by reformatting and doing a clean install?

3. In the event of a clean Windows 7 install. Are *ALL* the drivers I would need included in that drivers CD? Also which Windows 7 image file should I use? I notice theres a "Windows 7 x64" and "Windows 7 x86". I noticed theres a "Program Files x86" folder on my HD, is it safe to assume I'm using the Windows 7 x86? (And wth does x86 mean?"

4. I got the A1 model with bluray. Pissed about it not coming preloaded with Bluray player, but I managed to do a search on this and found out you can download it on the Asus drivers site. However, it gets stuck when downloading the new "AACS" update to play new titles. Has anyone found a workaround?

5. How do you check what Hz your RAM is (1000hz or 1333hz). I tried looking at my computer properties and it just specifies 8 MB RAM, nothing more.

6. Is AVAST still the best free antivirus to use? Does this aso protect against spyware/malware? Or am I also going to have to install malwarebytes and adaware assuming those are sill the best programs out there for this?

7.Does the AI DVD system backup back up EVERYTHING on the hard drive like games, documents and other stuff I installed after I got the laptop? Is this even worth it?

8. Is there any other 3rd party programs recommended to go with this laptop?

9. Please provide your input on how to maintain this laptop up to speed and things to do in order to maintain this laptop up to speed. Such as special ways to organize games/programs/documents etc.


Thank you and I appreciate your time

 

I also recall a few posts mentioning a fix to an issue dealing with the realtek driver and Steam/crackling noises.

I did a quick search but I couldn't find the exact post, if someone could post it, I am sure it would be very helpful.

From the top of my head you need to uninstall the current realtek driver, go to the asus website, download the one from there and install. Then restart the computer - you only restart after the installing of the drivers. I think I might be missing a step...

 

Don't have this laptop yet, but I can answer some of your questions, based on answers in that 3 part thread and past experience:

2) Windows comes with a disk management utility that you can use to work with the partitions.

4) Run the player as an admin, I know at least one user has reported the update takes seconds if you do this.

5) Get CPU-Z. Check under the memory tab, it will list half the speed. 533 is 1066, 666 is 1333.

6) Many users have different opinions about this. I personally use MSE + Spybot. The two create a great combo that protect against spyware, viruses, and malware, without slowing my system down.

8) Some of the 3rd party programs that have been mentioned are mainly used for benchmarking and system monitoring purposes. I would definitely recommend HW32info and AMD GPU clock tool, great for checking temps and other stuff.

Hope this helps.

Edit: @tailendforwards, he never mentioned a sound driver or crackling problem, so I'm not sure why you're mentioning that.

 

1. I believe you are supposed to make your own recovery disks once you get the laptop.

3. The drivers should be included in the drivers cd. If any are missing, I believe you can simply download from Asus' website. Use x64. x86 is 32 bit you DON'T want that especially on a G73JH running i7s quad cores lol you will seriously be bottlenecking ur system. Remember anytime u need to install something go all the way with x64. I am not sure why u have a program files folder x86 on ur laptop since I don't own one but i am pretty sure your laptop should have 64 bit os installed not 32 bit. If it is 32 bit reinstall a 64 bit os lol.

 

Thanks for the replies so far.

I definitely have a "Program Files" as well as a "Program Files (x86)" folder as well.

 

Oh the reason you have a x86 folder is because you ARE runing 64 bit (x64) OS.
Any program that your computer recognizes is 32bit will be placed in that folder instead of your normal programs folder. The normal programs folder has all the 64bit apps while the other folder has all the 32bit apps.

 

I heard there are ISO's for windows 7 available from Microsoft for download, but maybe only to their MSDN subscribers. I just did a reinstall this week, but I was fortunate enough to get a system that included the disc.