Just recieved my vostro 1500. REFORMAT?

Can someone run through what i have to do to reformat it? I want to keep the recovery partition just in case. But i want to reformat with a clean install of windows vista ultimate

Ive reformatted many pcs before, but can someone just tell me what i need to do to reformat this laptop? and have all drivers etc?

I got the following cds with the laptop:

- For reinstalling dell vostro computer software
- For resintalling dell webcam software

and vista business, as well as the other tiscali trials, works etc.

What do i need to do for a clean install? no bloatware etc?

 

I read that you need to install HDD drivers for Vista before installation begins (during that "Do you need special drivers" screen when starting up from disc) for proper AHCI-harddrive communication. But other than that, I don't think there is anything special to do. Just do a clean install on the largest partition (if you don't have any special partitioning from the factory) and download the drivers that you would need for your hardware. You may want to have the network drivers on a flash drive in case Vista doesn't recognize your network card/wireless.

Search the forums, though. There has been a very good guide posted for doing a clean install, you'd just skip the part about getting rid of the recovery partition.

 

Can u link me to that thread please?

Also. Can i remove media direct? im not really hungry for space but if its worth keeping ill keep it. Does reformatting remove it anyway?

One more thing. How do i install the hdd drivers? where are they located? :S

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=157838

is it that?

Im confused. Does this reformat with media direct left on the system then?

Also.. it has no mention of hard disk drivers? im confused

 

ok i THINK i get it now lol.

But still:

- How to completely delete recovery partition?

 

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