Clean Vista install WITH NO ACTIVATION

If you have a disk, then you're all good to go. I think the guide mentions the fact that it is difficult to find that particular disk. You're lucky you have one.

 

Sorry if I was unclear, I don't have a Vista 64 w/SP1 disc or a convenient WAU folder on my hard drive. I don't know if a clean install can be properly executed without either one. As you said, the guide mentions the disc's availability is poor. Perhaps there's a workaround or an alternative method to obtain the disc...? I can fall back on ccleaner/revo/etc, but I'd like to install clean if I can.

 

Oh I would like to know that too...

 

Oh, gotcha'. If you purchased a HP laptop, it should have come with an OS reinstall disk. If not, call them up and request one.

 

Out of absolute curiosity, has anyone tried ordering "Windows Vista Alternate Media" using the Genuine Product Key on the bottom of there lappy?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia

I got the link from a card inside a retail Vista Home Premium box... sure it's CD's, but its still legit media to go with my legit key...

Note that I have NOT tried this myself... so "enter at own risk"

Just my $0.02

 

I followed the advice to call HP and obtain a Vista disc. After several frustrating transfers, I finally spoke with a helpful technical rep. The ordering procedure is not intuitive. It's basically the same process as downloading a driver, except clicking the driver link lets you order a disc instead. I selected "Vista Home Premium 64b SP1 + Supp 1 Recovery Kit". The kit is comprised of two separate discs, or so I was told: a Vista-only disc suitable for a clean install, and a separate disc containing all the bloatware. I may not have to follow the clean install guide after all, as the OEM disc supposedly doesn't require activation and is tailored to my particular model of notebook. TBD.

Cost + shipping = $16 and change, so it seemed like a good deal versus the cost of an anytime disc. Granted, I think the disc should have shipped with my notebook in the first place. When I receive the disc, I'll report back on the clean install.

 

I agree, it should have come with your computer. However, it's good to hear that you were able to obtain one. Since it's an OEM OS reinstall disk, you won't need to use this guide to back up your activation and whatnot, just pop the disk in and do your thing. And don't use the "bloatware" disk

 

I noticed there were a few post with people reporting the "HID DATA has stopped working" error when using a bluetooth device.

I found the following fix on this site... http://help.wugnet.com/vista/HID-data-stopped-working-bluetooth-mouse-errorftopic-136000-days0-orderasc-8.html

Apparently, the HP's Quick Launch feature is causing the problem & you need to disable it.

Hope this helps.

 

Please let me know if this works!

 

Yes, me too and I am sure many others also.

For some reason I have a hard time believing what HP told you about a "Vista-only disc suitable for a clean install". Although I am SURE you will get a bloatware filled disc

Originally Posted by muffled
I selected "Vista Home Premium 64b SP1 + Supp 1 Recovery Kit". The kit is comprised of two separate discs, or so I was told: a Vista-only disc suitable for a clean install, and a separate disc containing all the bloatware.

 

Orev,

Thanks for the guide. Worked flawlessly for me.

Dave

 

I emailed tech support about these disks and the response I got was that the discs are the same as the ones that I can create from my computer. The support person highly recommended that I create my own disks, and that if I were unable to do so, I should email and they'll send me one at no charge because it's under my warranty. I have no idea if the person is telling me the truth about the discs. Please share with us if you actually get a OEM version of Vista when your discs come!

 

Hi,

I just got my dv5t. I found this great site on google search. After reading this thread I am in the process of doing a clean vista installation on my new laptop. I have took all the precautions and backup my data. I have downlaoded the two files. Now I'm at the step where I run vLite. But when I go to run vLite it asked me to install the WIM filter and took me to the Microsoft download site. The file to download is like 1.3 GB and taking me like 5 hours to complete! Nowhere in Orve's direction mention this. I'm I doing something wrong. Is this necessary?

 

Does anybody know if the dv5t has the WAU folder. It doesn't look like hp put it in

 

Yeah hp computer don't have WAU files. My WAU program just links to the microsoft site. abotoway, what exactly did you download?

 

It's one of te "Dependencies" file that were needed in order for vLite to run and function properly. There are two files - the File System Filter Manager and the WIM Filter. The box for the File System Filter was disabled indicating I already have that feature installed. The box for The WIM filter has a link that said "WAIK download" which is link to the Microsoft download page. And this file is huge.

 

Hi

I have a dv5t and haven't done a clean install. I installed the Microsoft 5000 bluetooth mouse and am having the same issue with HID Data.

When researching, I found the same fix (to disable the quick launch file), but I'm scared to do it lol .. and anyway, just sounds like putting a bandaid on the problem.

The Microsoft bluetooth mice (lol) have been out for a while now, but the HID Data error seems to just be surfacing. It's gotta be something with the dv5 line, right?

Did any of you try disabling the quicklaunch file?

Again, this isn't a clean install problem..
- I'm just going to try the fix... I'll let y'all know if it works


*update* - yes.. it took away the annoying hid data error.. but it made the touch controls not work (volume worked only) I updated some drivers on hp.com ..that didn't work either

 

I disabled the Quicklaunch in msconfig, but then the QL buttons don't work. I'd rather put up with the prompt that the HID data had occured.


Dave

 

i read the guide and am still pretty confused. i have a retail vista disc that included a vista ultimate key. will this work if i use that retail disc and use the key that is on the bottom of the laptop?

 

Hi, just use ABR to backup your activation with everything installed if it was OEM. If you clean install, use ABR to restore your activation. I am not sure if this will work with retail so other members could answer that.

 

hey can anybody provide me with a link of where i can get installation media for clean install

 

Still no fix for the "HID has stopped working" error message when using bluetooth mouse?

 

You were spot on, and my first HP tech support experience has left me disappointed. In stark contrast to the information previously provided, I was informed that all three CDs, one of which cleverly includes the bloatware AND the critical hardware drivers, must be used together. In other words, you can recover everything or nothing. Sorry to let everyone down, but HP led me astray. On the plus side, I got a refund for the discs. I hope cc/revo gets me at least halfway close to a clean install...

 

Alright, today got an e-mail informing me that I have the ability to download a lot of Microsoft software for free through school. I happened to find a Vista Business 64-bit DVD available to download. Now my question is do you think that it will include all of the other Vista versions? Seeing that I have Ultimate, thus allowing me to do a clean install. Anyone know of anyways to check and find out?

 

Last I checked, the DVDs had all versions of Vista included, the only thing differentiating them is your key. The key will unlock the version you paid for, regardless of what's on the disc.

You have Ultimate, so your key will unlock Ultimate only.

 

hey where is the best and cheapest place to get a windows copy that will work with this gude

 

The prices are the same, no matter which store you go to. (Brick and mortar that is.)

However, NewEgg offers exceptional price discounts on OEM versions of Windows (whether it's XP or Vista.)

The cheapest Vista is Basic, but it's so stripped that it's pointless. $100.00

The next cheapest (for home use) is Home Premium, which has all of the general features, plus a few gadgets for eye candy. $150.00+

The most expensive of the home versions is Vista Ultimate (basically the best of both worlds between business and home.) $250-400.00+

BTW...all versions of Vista will work with this guide. Also, if you already have VIsta preinstalled, you can use the key you already have on hand to make this work.

I'm not sure why I typed all of that out though...considering you only need it if you're getting rid of bloat ware on your Vista equipped PC/Laptop. Since you're buying it brand new, it comes without the bloatware, so this guide is useless to you.

 

yeah i am trying to get rid of the bloatware in my new dv4t. so can i just buy a home basic and then use it to install home premium by putting the key on the bottom? i have a retail vista ultimate also, would that work wit hthe key on the bottom?

 

All of the discs have all of the versions. The only difference is whether or not you want 32 bit, or 64. (32 you can get at retail. 64 I believe has to be purchased over the web. I've never seen the 64 bit version for Vista in retail.)

But, yes. If you have the key on the bottom of your computer, you would be able to activate the Premium installation on the disc.

If you have Vista Ultimate on DVD, the key will work with the disc, but again, it will only unlock Premium, not Ultimate. (however, the Ultimate should've come with a key all it's own. You shouldn't need to use the one on the PC.)

But, yes. The Ultimate disc you have, plus the key you have, will install Windows Home Premium. This guide will help you do that.

There's no point in spending another $100.00+ when you already have everything you need to accomplish the task.

 

that's what i thought too but the ultimate disc is retail though. will that work. i don't want to use the key that came with it because i am using that key on my desktop. i am just thinking of using that to install home premium on the laptop. so my real question is will the retail version will work with oem key?

 

It appears that there are knowledgeable people on both sides of the answer to that question, some say yes, some say no.

Since you appear to already have the retail Vista Ultimate Disc, why not just give it a try. You have nothing to lose but a bit of time and can once and for all give a definitive answer to your own question and would help many others who are asking that same question.

Using the S/N on the bottom of the PC can't cause any damage or prevent you from using the Vista Ultimate Disc on your desktop with the purchased S/N. It will simply either work or not.

 

I have a retail "upgrade' Home Premium disc and have done a clean install using the abr tool and have also used the disc to install Business(OEM) on another computer. Its the key which controls the version(Basic, HomeP, Business, Ultimate, upgrade or complete install etc). The disc itself contains all versions of vista.

Of course, there are exceptions, some OEM discs might have been customized and some of the downloadable versions might also not have all versions(in order to save on file size).

But, since you have retail ultimate disc you shouldnt have any problems installing whatever version that is tied to the license keys which shipped with your HP.

 

However this isn't the standard DVD. I am able to download the Vista Buisness 64-bit DVD onto my computer from a website through school. Is there anyway to check and see if it has the other versions after I download it?

 

The only way I can think off...is to burn the image to a DVD and start the installation process and go through the steps where it asks for the key(dont provide the key at that time) and the next window should provide which versions are included in the image. this process is pretty early in the installation process, so you should able to cancel the install without affecting the HDD(maybe keep a backup of your important data just in case).

 

thanks. yeah i have a dv4t with home premium. so the guide works for you with the vista home premium disc? yeah i have the ultimate upgrade retail disc also

 

Yep. The guide will work. One of those discs you have will work with it. If for some reason one won't, the other will.

 

Yes you can check it. If its an iso image, then mount it onto a virtual drive, then run it from within your current OS. If you cant mount it, then burn it onto a DVD and run the DVD from within your current OS. When you run the setup.exe, it will bring Vista installation window. Click install now. Then it will take you thru different step. Also, when you come upon the legal agreement, it will also say next to the Vista version if the SP1 is included or not on the disk. Just dont farther the choose your partition screen. I have personally done it several times to check if the disc contained all versions or if SP1 was included or not. Good Luck!!!

 

first post here, thanks OREV so much for putting up the guide

and after reading through most of the pages, i'm now trying to get the vista dvd to do a clean install on my new HP. and from what i searched so far, it seems like getting the cheapest vista disc - home basic "upgrade" for like $50 is the way to go (retail cost around $100)... if i have to buy one.. the backup disc from windows marketplace (cost around 15) seems only valid for people who bought using the digital locker/download thing...

do people agree with this..?

i seriously think that the vista license is really a half license, meaning no standalone reinstall allow so its cheaper on HP laptop.. didn't thought about this before i buy.

 

If that's the only way you can get the DVD, then I guess you'll have to do it. Unless you can ask around and borrow it from someone. Once you buy the DVD that way, you'll have 2 licenses.

HP doesn't prevent you from re-installing, they just don't make it easy. It's mostly because packing the disc costs more, and most people will never use it, or worse, will try to use it, mess up the system, then call HP for help, costing HP more money in support.

Edit: you also might try ebay for the "anytime upgrade" dvd.

 

Hi everyone, can ABR method work with a retail vista disc? Im planning to have a 64bit ultimate OS installation. Thanks

 

It can only back up activation of your system was installed by a large OEM, like Dell, HP, etc... It does not matter what kind of disc you use to reinstall Vista, only that you back-up the activation from the OEM install.

 

Hello all, first time poster.

I have on order a DV5T... just got off the phone with technical support and they created a case for me to have a Vista recovery disk sent to me. I am going to be taking out the hard drive that comes in it, and installing a Samsung SSD.

Is the disk they are going to send me going to work to reinstall windows? I am reading on here and have not seen anybody talk specifically about using a new hard drive and doing a fresh install.

I would hate to have to buy ANOTHER copy of Vista just to reinstall it after I purchased it from them.... What is HP thinking!?!?

 

Yes the Recovery Disks will reinstall windows and all the HP bloatware that is on the HDD that comes with the notebook. You cannot do a clean install with Recovery Disks.

You can also burn your own Recovery Disks when you receive your notebook. I would tend to do that and use those disks instead of the disks they are sending. You know the software installed on your new notebook is working and the Recovery Disks you make are made from that software.

After replacing the HDD with your new SSD boot the notebook with Recovery Disk 1 in the Optical Drive. Follow the instructions on screen and go to the advanced options where you will format your new drive and install the software contained on the remaining disks.

 

Quick update.... Got two disks coming from HP.. They say one disk has Vista, (updated) drivers, and system software such as battery monitor. The guy was really nice and said the second disk contains all the bloatware and that I could just toss it in the garbage. Cost was $22.00 with second day shipping.

For those of you getting tossed to different people, call tech support and they will set you up.

Also ordered my Samsung SSD drive for when it comes in. Should be interesting to see the performance gains from it.

 

You are at least the second person in this thread who was told that same story about the Recovery Disks by HP Support. I hope you get what you were told but I doubt it. Please post back about your experience after receiving your disks and using them.

Following is "Muffled's" experience:

What he was told and What he Received

 

Wheere can i find the WAU folder? looking in my whole computer but can't find it!!

 

HP computers do not contain a WAU (Windows Anytime Update) folder.

 

that explains it

 

Oh man I hope that is not the case... Had I known this before I bought I would have either not ordered a HP, or gotten the bare minimum operating system and bought my own.

I wonder if the "downloadable" disks you can find online would work.

 

I am not aware of any legal "downloadable" disks online. Illegal "downloadable" disks cannot be discussed here.