Cleaning Notebook in and out

So a while back ago I posted a thread about restoring my notebook to factory settings. However, according to a few accounts doing so would delete the data on other partitions even if I only formatted my OS partition.

So I decided to go to that thread from which I could get a copy of the OS to make a fresh install.

That would be better because there wouldn't be any of the bloatware and crippling, RIGHT??

However, since I believe my copy to be factory installed OEM (seeing as how I got no media containing the OS and was able to use the machine right from the get-go), I have no clue as to how to go about installing the OS.

I also want to make sure I don't screw up, since this is my first time and I don't know what could happen if the OS or drivers or something doesn't install properly.

First off, since this is OEM copy, how would I particularly go about the reinstallation. I read about the ABR program from that thread but I don't understand how it exactly works.

Could someone explain to me what it does and how do I exactly use it (step-by-step, in the overall OS reinstallation process)?

Second, once I reinstall, will I be able to use the mouse and the keyboard and where would I go to get the rest of the drivers for the other peripherals like webcam, etc.??

I did recieve a CD with the drivers but I am unsure of whether it contains all the necessary drivers.

Third, which I option do I choose during installation so that I can keep my partitions and data on the other partitions and only reformat/reinstall on the OS partition C\)??

Finally, is there anything else I need to take care of once all this is done (install other software, download stuff, etc.)??

NOTE: My LT model is ASUS N71JQ (I believe this will help in you answering my questions).

One last thing I'd like to say is that since I named the thread "cleaning notebook in and out" I am going to be asking some other questions about cleaning dust and the physical innards of my computer. However, these questions seem more than enough for now so I am only leaving with this post for now.

I just want to ensure that a mod doesn't lock the thread once all the QUESTIONS IN THIS POST are answered.

 

bumping for reply.

 

Bumping for help.

 

First, back up your important docs, videos, photos, etc. Then read on.
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Keep it simple. You have two choices. First choice, go to the thread about the clean, legal install of Windows, do it, and use your Windows product key from Asus. It might be a little time consuming, but the steps are laid out well, so just follow them. (I like the ".iso method.") You should have a drivers disk from Asus (it came with your machine). You can use that to get started with the drivers after the install is complete, then go to the N71 drivers page on the Asus support site to update.

Here's the link to the clean install directions, just for convenience:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

When you do an install of Windows with a Windows DVD (rather than an Asus recovery set), you will have the chance to set up your partitions how you like. It would be very good for you to go to Microsoft's websites or get a Windows book to learn all of the details of installing Windows. This issue will come up again and again over the years, so learn now and feel confident.

[EDIT: Ok, after re-reading what I wrote, I realize that I should have made the recovery-disks option the first choice. Even if you want to do the clean install (which is better), you SHOULD have a full set of the factory recovery disks. This just makes most owners feel better, knowing that they can get the system to look and behave like it did when first purchased.]

Second choice, just use the DVD's you should have burned when you got your machine, the recovery disks. If you did not do that, go ahead and do it now, before you do anything else. That way, no matter what, you can restore back to the way it shipped. Once you are done with the recovery process, update your drivers from the Asus support site, and then go to the thread about removing bloatware.

(To burn the recovery disks, I believe you can go to the Asus folder on the Start menu and find the program there. If you have trouble with this, go to the N71 owners' lounge and ask for the specific directions for that step. Sorry, but because I did that the first day I got the machine, and then went ahead with the clean install, I can't tell you step by step how to burn the recovery disks. My machine needed about five blank DVD's for the process, and it takes a couple of hours total. So have plenty of disks and time!)

Whichever method you choose, once you have your machine the way you like it, and with all of your important programs installed, use the Windows backup and restore utility (in Control Panel) to create a system image. This sytem image is actually your entire C: drive, with all of the programs and settings just the way you like them, and with it, you can restore your system back to an optimal state very quickly.

That's it. Just read carefully, do a little searching on the Web for clarification if needed, and you are good to go.

And, once again, I suggest you get a good Windows 7 book that explains how to tweak and maintain your OS (and will also explain the backup and restore utility included with Windows, as mentioned above).

The questions you are asking are very important, and that is why they have been covered so well, so completely already on this forum.

I'm sure several of the N71 owners in that lounge can help with any specific issues, especially when it comes to opening the machine to blow out dust.

Once you have your system image safe on an external HDD, you can experiment all you want, confident that you can get things back to the way you like in about 40 minutes!