Clean Vista install WITH NO ACTIVATION

A search of that file didn't find it. Where should that be?

 

You should be able to buy them from HP.

 

Well, I meant it would be nice to recover the clean installed system with all the drivers and software to run it... wishful thinking I guess.

 

You could do that with HDD imaging software like Acronis true image or Norton ghost. Ofcourse you will have to pay for both of those software but are capable of doing just what you are looking for.

 

it worked on some asus notebook and several dell desktop which we reinstalled. actually, for the dell desktops, i used 6 times the same backup out of interest. it works flawless. the backups where identical

 

Make sure you are searching hidden and system files. It is somewhere inside of C:\windows

As already said by miner, you'd need to make your own discs. The term "Recovery Discs" specifically refers to the discs that you would make or get from an OEM that recovers your system to the factory state. This includes the bloatware, etc... What you are looking for is a system image. If you have Vista Ultimate, you can use the "Complete PC Backup" utility that can create this kind of image.

 

I did that & no token.dat.

 

I'm surprised it hasn't yet occurred to you to google for this, but here it is: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareLicensing

 

Alright, so everything went well except I am having some trouble turning aero back on. I'd imagine it's somewhere in the C:\SwSetup but where specifically do I need to look?

 

First you need to install the driver for your graphics card. If you can't find it in the SwSetup folder, you can download it from the manufacturer's website. After the install and consequent restart, go to Control Panel > Performance Information and Tools, then click "Update My Score".

 

Early in the guide it says you will need 2 DVD+R dvds for the recovery disks. can you make recovery disks with DVD-R as well? I have the HP HDX 16t with LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW

 

I also need confirmation on this. Granted, I'm using a dv5t instead, but I was able to successfully burn the recovery disks on 2 DVD-R's without any errors or hullabaloos. However, I have not tested them yet as I did not have the time or patience to see them work and then reformat again with a clean Vista install.

 

i read on the HP site that you can use either or. but now I have another qestion. If i plan on doing a clean install when i have vista home premium 64-bit, does that mean i need to use an anytime upgrade 64-bit disc? im doing some research and it looks like its almost impossbile to get a 64-bit disc. and does anyone know if the recent HDX's have the anytime upgrade disc on the hard drive? (I dont have mine yet, it should b here in a couple of days)

 

The Anytime Upgrade disks are discontinued by Microsoft since some time ago, so it is impossible right now to obtain them from HP or anywhere else, except perhaps eBay or other such sites. The current way of things right now with regards to reinstalling the OS is that the OEM will have a partition in the laptop designated for the recovery of the OS in case of a major problem. HP will never have a Vista installation disk of any kind on its laptops.

My recommended next course of action would be to go to eBay or other such sites and try to get the Anytime Upgrade disks there. Another course of action would be to get the retail Vista 64-bit disk from a friend. Good luck!

 

That really does suck. I cant find a 64-bit disc anywhere, ebay only has 32-bit that i can find. Hopefully i can remove this bloatware when i get my HDX.

 

In the old days the Recovery Disc creation program would only allow burning to DVD+R discs. It would detect the wrong kind of disc and then stop. They have probably removed this silly restriction (it was just a ploy to get people to buy +R discs). If the program allowed you to burn the discs, then they are probably fine.

 

orev, thanks so much for posting and maintaining this guide! I finally got around to doing a clean install on my HP dv4t-1000. Everything went exactly as described in the guide, no problems at all. I'm impressed.

Only a couple of suggestions:

- It is probably good practice to make sure the latest BIOS installed before doing the clean Vista install. The latest BIOS for my machine says that it enables support for Vista SP2 for example.

- It would be helpful to have some more info on how to proceed after the Vista install is done. Here's one site I found that seems to have some useful and up to date info: http://tweakhound.com/

- Some info on what the different HP-specific programs do would help people figure out which ones they want to install. I installed Quick Launch Buttons, QuickTouch, and QuickPlay since they seem to be needed to support the touch buttons along the top of the keyboard (and the Fn keys?). I also am probably going to install Active Support Library since it provides the battery and system info tools. I don't see a need for the rest of the HP stuff, although people with multiple wireless devices might find Wireless Assistant useful.

A lot of the above info may be in this thread, but since there doesn't seem to be a thread-specific search function on this board (or am I just blind?), the info is hard to find.

Thanks again!

 

I did install this and discovered that after a clean install the System Info tool no longer shows the factory info such as the system ID and warranty start date. In hindsight, I'd say that most people probably don't need to install Active Support Library.

Here's a simple 3rd party tool that shows the detailed battery info:
http://khason.net/blog/battery-tracker-power-management-and-battery-tracing-tool/

 

I'm waiting for my DV7T to be delivered and the first thing I'm going to do is a clean install of Vista.

Is there any updated info I need to know about, in particular, I want to make sure I back up all of the drivers... are they still located in the SWSETUP folder? Any other HP specific hints/tricks/tips?

Thanks

 

I have not heard of any differences with newer systems. Generally all installs with an OS (like Vista) will be the same. They might change things around when Windows 7 comes out.

 

Warning:
If you installed the HP QuickPlay software, then do NOT disable the Windows Error Reporting service. Without that service, you will get an error from qpservice.exe every time you shutdown or restart the computer. The TweakHound site that I mentioned earlier says that it is safe to disable that service, but apparently that is not the case with QuickPlay.

See this thread for more info:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=392000

 

Shoot... has anyone been able to locate an OEM Vista 64-bit install disc? I can't find one anywhere (other than paying full price... but I already bought the key). Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

 

If you can't find this file, try doing a google search for "OEMCertAutoInstaller.exe". It is a simple script/prog that can insert any of 31 diff tokens.dat into your install- simple to use. Or download it HERE. I guarantee it works!!!

Also, a retail Vista disk can be used as an ANYTIME UpGrade disk these days. Since SP1 is out esp. just boot w/ the retail disk and choose "Upgrade, not Custom". Don't install a serial during install. Then after completion, use the ABR tool to insert your oem serial and certificate into your install and it's activated and you're good to go.

 

I have a question regarding the windows 7 upgrade preorder deal. First off I own a dv9700, if I buy the windows 7 upgrade disc can I do a clean install using windows 7? Will the windows 7 upgrade disc even work for the type of license I have with this notebook? What about if I were to completely format my HD and put the windows 7 RC1 on my notebook, can I then simply activate the RC1 with the windows 7 upgrade disc when I get it? Hopefully these questions make sense, I am quite confused about how this program works right now.
Thanks for your help,
Dan

 

There;s no way to know how the W7 upgrade will work. This thread is only about installing Vista.

 

I get a message that PERL58.DLL is missing. Do I need to install PERL ?
Thanks

 

You are probably referring to ABR. Please download the file again and try to run it. Make sure you have disabled anti-virus before running it, as that might interfere with the program when it runs.

 

I downloaded 1.3 beta. disabled Anti-virus.
THere is a PERL incompatibility. From where did you download your PERL and which version is it?
======= UPDATE ========

The problem in my case was that Oracle had its own set up of PERL. So I uninstalled Oracle. I had already installed version 5.6 of PERL (from Active state archive). The default path where this gets installed is C:\PERL. The backup program looks for this path.

Anyway, the program took a backup of my activation.

Finally, I installed VISTA PROFESSIONAL with the DELL Reinstallation DVD, and the surprise was that it was already activated!!

Thanks anyways.

 

1.3 beta? There is no such version. The highest release is 1.0. Can you tell me where you downloaded that version?

 

Orev, I wish I could see the look on your face

 

Not sure what you're getting at, but, um, OK.

 

@orev: you mentioned
3. Save all the software in C:\SWSetup.

I have two laptops, HP has this folder but my SONY VAIO FW doesnt has C:\SWSetup folder. Do you know what is the alternate in SONY?

Thanks

 

That is expected. Each OEM puts the folder in a different location, or they might not make the folder at all. You'll get a better answer about where the folder is on Sony laptops in the Sony forum.

 

Will be trying this with 64bit version as soon as I get a vista install disc and not just the hp recovery disc.

 

I did clean install. All worked perfect. I installed Windows Vista 64 SP2 Home Premium. Has anyone tried to get HP Logo "HP Invent" on the system page?

 

I recently bought my HP DV5 from my cousin and although it doesnt have lot of stuff running and installed, I want to reset it to factory settings basically. I would like to have it as If I would have bought at this moment.
There isnt files I need to backup, what is the quick way to basically format this laptop to have a fresh start?
I read the guide and its a little complicated for me, In my case I thought it would be easier.
Any help appreciated.

 

Orev or any other smart person out there,

I am planning to do a clean install. I got the Orev software & got the copy of my key. I will remove the hidden partition & then create multiple partition for Vista, my other software & all stuff.

All I am looking for is Vista CD. One of my friend has OEM Vista from newegg. She said it's known as OEM since she bought it from newegg with other stuff. Do you think I can use that for clean install? I have a feeling I can but just want to double check.

Thanks
Prashant

 

If you have free space on the main partition, shrink it. Gain 30-50 Gb of free space. Install a new Vista with your DVD on that partition only. On every boot, you will be able to choose what partition to load - Vista will show boot menu. You can edit boot menu with "EasyBCD 1.7.2.exe" .

Thus you will check your ability to install Vista and you will check if you have all the drivers, Quick Play and the stuff. I did so with Vista SP2 x64.

 

To restore to factory settings, you will need the recovery disks that came with the system. If you do not have them, you might be able to burn them from the current computer, assuming your cousin did not mess with the recovery system. There is a utility from HP on the computer that allows you to burn the recovery discs - look for it on the Start menu somewhere. Try that out and see if you can find it.

If not, the only other way is a clean install. My guide is a bit long and might require some reading, but that is because it walks you through each step. They are all very easy and as you can see in the thread, many people have done it with few problems.

The OEM disc is identical to the retail Vista disc. There's nothing on it that's been changed, especially if it came from Newegg. If it was from Dell or someone else, it may have been changed slightly, but a store-bought OEM disc would not have been changed. Just make sure to use your license and not the OEM license that came with the disc.

 

Thanks Orev. I will try that tonight & will post update

Prashant

 

Does anyone know of anywhere to purchase an unlicensed version of Vista Home Premium, to use it with the license code of my current copy?

Thanks,
-Krome

 

Hello, great post!

I used "your way" to change the language on a ACER Aspire 5930, which I bought in Spain and was running Vista Home Premium SP1 in Spanish. After a while, I wanted to change the language to Dutch.

So I "saved" the existing, official registration/activation from the Spanish installation, performed a clean install in Dutch from a "Media only" Vista disc, and put back the earlier saved Activation on the same machine as it was before. Not really sure if it is complete legal, I would say it is, but I am not a Lawyer to.

So, I still use the same version of Vista as before, only in a different language, but on the same machine. If I had the choice when I bought it, it would have been in Dutch al along.

Thanks again for the detailed information,

Satbeginner.

 

I got it solved. There is a tool "vistaloader 4.0" .

 

When installing vista, is there an option to check 32 bit or 64 bit?

 

No, they use different DVD/media. You'll need a 64bit disc to install the 64bit OS and vice versa.

 

Okay so what are the working links to the files I need for a 64 bit system?

Also, will the programs(especially audio encoders) I run on a 32 bit system run on a 64 bit as well?

 

All you need are drivers which need to be specific for 64bit. Most 32bit software work fine(in some cases you might need to upgrade to the newer version of the software). The problem ones are the those which require driver support and only 32bit drivers exist. Search the web, you will likely find info on the audio encoder software you are using and if it works with 64bit.

 

Can I use DVD-R discs instead of DVD+R? Where are the working links to download the files needed to make a bootable DVD? How do I actually burn a recovery disc? Also, why wasn't a link for the abr zip file included?

 

1. +/- doesnt matter as long as the disc isnt a RW.

2. The files needed to make a bootable DVD? I dont understand what you are looking for? The restore DVD's have the necessary stuff to put your system back to factory state, you dont need to download anything else.

3. HP includes software to burn the disc. It should be listed in your start menu. The software allow the end user to make one copy only. Be sure to keep the restore DVD's safe.

4. The abr links are provided in the bottom of the first post.

 

For number 2, I was referring to the anytime upgrade disc for the clean install. Sorry for asking a bunch of questions lol. I'm getting an hp soon and I usually get quite nervous before doing stuff like this.

http://www.hp.com/canada/promotions/windows7-upgrade/en/knowbefore.html

I plan on doing a clean install and installing the 64-bit version. If the laptop I buy is factory installed with the 32-bit home premium version, will I be able to upgrade to 64-bit windows 7 or will I be screwed?