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    Does anyone use HP Instant OS? Other tips for Envy 13?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by leland, May 7, 2011.

  1. leland

    leland Notebook Guru

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    Just started using an Envy 13. Not my ideal machine by any means, but availability wins over other factors. I really do miss my thinkpad nub, though. However, the 1600x900 screen is gorgeous.

    I digress, though.

    Some questions:
    • Does anyone use the Instant OS? What's it good for? Can it be deleted?
    • About to delete the recovery partition to get back some SSD space - any reason not to?
    • The front edge is a bit sharp - any suggestions?
    • Shortcut key to switch between hybrid graphic modes or recommended video card driver (just d/l'ed the latest one from ATI - seems to run ok)?
    • Other tips?

    Thanks all!
     
    leland, May 7, 2011
    #1
  2. Star Forge

    Star Forge Quaggan's Creed Redux!

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    1. No one uses QuickWeb. In fact HP discontinued it on the later Envys due to its poor performance and annoying bootup sequences. Delete it.

    2. If you got a set or recovery media DVD burned already, then go ahead. Otherwise, I would say no as if anything happens to your OS, you got a method to recover the OS back to factory settings. If you made those recovery DVD's though, then go ahead.

    3. Can't really help you that since it was a common nuisance on the Envy 13 and 15 that everyone kind of gotten used to it.

    4. If you are not gaming on it (which the E13 is not that great at), then you stay on the HP drivers for switching to work. However, you can get the latest ATI drivers (11.4) by installed them ON TOP of the HP OEM drivers. That way, you can still have switchable graphics active and the latest drivers. However, if you ever need to reinstall the drivers from scratch, you MUST install the HP OEM ones FIRST before installing the latest drivers or you lose switchable graphics support.

    Hope that helps.
     
    Star Forge, May 7, 2011
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  3. leland

    leland Notebook Guru

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    Thanks, this helps a lot.

    1. Deleted.
    2. Deleted.
    3. It is what it is.
    4. Ok, I've done that and have the hybrid, although still having an issue w/ display. Odd part is that it has to be software driven since I can capture it. Ideas? This happened before and after driver update. HP sent back w/ same video card (punks).

    screwy hp envy 13 graphics.JPG
     
    leland, May 9, 2011
    #3
  4. leland

    leland Notebook Guru

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    Bump for Bueller on this one. Gracias.
     
    leland, May 12, 2011
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  5. leland

    leland Notebook Guru

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    Last bump for Bueller on this one. Gracias.

    If no reply will apologize in advance for starting a new thread because this bugs the heck out of me :)
     
    leland, May 21, 2011
    #5