? on Fresh install

Do I have to reformat the Hard drive on a p7805 to do a fresh install or can I just put in the upgrade disk and have it do it. I am trying to get ride of the thirdparty programs.

Thanks

 

Formatting the drive is the only way to perform a true fresh install. Hope that answers your question.

 

When I used the created restore disk on my 6860, the drivers/apps disc doesn't automatically install the bloatware that came factory stock. Just re-install the drivers and whichever programs you choose, and you're left with a very clean Vista install.

 

I'm pretty sure if you put in the OS disk to do a fresh-install of the OS, it makes you reformat the drive you want to use regardless.

So I think the answer is, either way, they're both the same.

Or I might be confusing "upgrade disk" with "OS recovery disk".. not sure what the OP meant.

 

Nah, if you choose "Leave the current filesystem intact" (this applies to W2K, XP, and Vista, perhaps other versions of Windows but I do not have first hand confirmation of this) it will create a Windows.old and put all of your old stuff in it (Windows, Documents and Settings, Program Files, etc)

PS- Hope there's not still any hard feelings about that fight we had awhile ago

 

Yes and then the user must remember to delete that gigantic folder.

 

Thanks all I will be using a vista Ultama upgrade disk if that make a differance.

 

I don't think we've ever fought, you sure it was me? Let's not get OT tho.

 

That does make a difference. If you have the upgrade disk it is just the extra stuff that comes with Ultimate. So if you wanted to do a clean install you would reinstall your "stock" OS and then run the upgrade disk, at least I'm pretty sure that's how it would work.

On a side note, how does one "get in a fight" on the internet? Maybe a better choice of words is "got in an argument"

 

No, that is incorrect. It is a full OS, it just requires something to upgrade from (actually I believe Vista can only be upgraded from XP or a lesser version of Vista, while XP was able to be upgraded from 95, 98, ME, and 2000). So you do a standard fresh install, but at one point during the installation process, it will ask you to insert an XP cd or a retail Vista DVD as verification. Everything else is standard.

Yes, that is a much better way to word it.

 

You can do a fresh install from any Vista "upgrade" disk, you can find out how here;

http://www.vistarewired.com/2007/02/28/perform-a-clean-install-with-a-vista-upgrade-disc

or here;

http://www.ehow.com/how_2241482_do-fresh-install-windows-vista.html

 

You learn something new everyday, so what is the point of an upgrade disk if it is the same as the actual OS?

 

It costs less and requires you to have a previous version of Windows.
Say I have XP, but I want to put Vista on my computer.
I can buy OEM, and have it tied to that computer. This will cost me say 200 dollars.
Or, I can buy retail, and buy it for 300 dollars, and move it to any future computers as well.
Or, I can buy retail upgrade for about 220 dollars, and save some cash (it's like I get a discount for already owning a Windows product), and I still have the ability to move this to other computers.

I remember when XP first came out friends buying copies of Windows 98 for 5 bucks on ebay and buying a retail upgrade. Saved em a couple bucks.

 

And THAT'S why I keep old W95/98 boot disks/CD's around, just so I can use the "upgrade" option. You don't even have to install the old OS, just insert the disk when requested for verification during the new OS install process from the upgrade disk.