How to do a clean install on envy 14 without the disk

Win 7 came preloaded

Thanks

 

well.


step 1: go here http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/432564-hp-laptop-out-box-guide-2-0-windows-7-a.html

step 2: follow that for some of the stuff (if you don't care about recovery discs you don't have to make them) but do the ABR stuff to get your windows activation backed up so you don't have to call microsoft and do a phone activation.

the phone activation is quick but still, kind of a pain just because you have to do it.


step 3: get a legitimate windows 7 iso through that link on there (or just get a windows 7 dvd somewhere)

step 4: backup swsetup to a usb hdd or jump drive or several cds for all the programs and drivers and the like.

step 5: install win 7 <insert version you got with your envy 14 here> and go through the motions.

step 6: do not install the original hp ati drivers (8.713) install the newer ones. the old ones have annoying black screen issues with switchable graphics when you install newer drivers on top of them.

step 7: should be done by now after installing all the drivers and programs and stuff you use. IF you can't get the bluetooth drivers installed install the hp wireless assistant and turn the radio on through that program (this is primarily a problem with older envy 14s like mine).

 

dont forget to get your photoshop key before starting.

 

oh yes.

that too. otherwise the photoshop key is gone forever.

 

Is that any application that is simple to use and quickly removes all the bloatware?

Thanks

 

Revo Uninstaller Free is a good choice.

Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems

Then use CCleaner to do a complete Registry mop-up right afterwards.

CCleaner - Download

 

Teflon,

I merged your threads. Both of these topics were covered at length in the Owner's lounge. Going forward, you should direct your questions there from now on.

 

Based on personal experience and what I've read, I would HIGHLY discourage against using the CCleaner registry cleaner. I've destroyed W7 installations by using this feature. Only use it if you know what each key does and you are sure you want to remove it.

From what I've read, there is no need to "clean" your registry, you wont notice any difference in performance.

 

Pc decrapifier is a great tool for removing bloat.

Also in recovery mode there is a minimal install option.

 

Hi,

I'm ready to do my first clean install; done recovery disk on a USB flash drive (just in case), got Windows 7 iso (ei.cfg edited/removed) on another USB, backed up Windows 7 activation (using ABR) on a portable HDD, backed up swsetup folder...

Is this to save having to find and download the latest drivers manually? I'm guessing the Drivers folder is the useful one here, but in my swsetup folder there's lots of stuff like Adobe Reader bits, Corel stuff which I don't think I need, loads of HP stuff (ToneControl? etc.) and MS stuff. Do you need everything in there? Also, do you just copy/replace the swsetup folder on the new OS install with this copy of the old swsetup folder? Is that all you need to do? ...or do you go through and run all the stuff you need?

Is this just a case of letting Windows 7 install, then downloading the latest ati drivers? Do you need to do anything to avaid installing the old ati drivers?

One final question: once you're at this stage, ready to install Windows 7, how long should it take? A couple of hours?

Thanks

 

step 4 is just: "save swsetup drivers folder in case you want the drivers.

Save a few other things in the rest of the swsetup folder/the entire folder since you NEED at least one thing from it even on a clean install.

Mainly HP Wireless Assistant is required if you wanna turn on the bluetooth radio (so you can install drivers for it) or turn off the radio (just disabling it in the device manager doesn't actually turn the radio off, it still will drain battery while wifi is turned on from the keyboard shortcut).


as for the ati stuf.

it's just a matter of installing the latest HP package, not the one that came in SWSetup.

then you can install whatever you want on top of it (so you keep switchable graphics).

 

also ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp48501-49000/sp48832.exe

there's HPWA version 4.0.7.0 (latest 4.0 version, the one the envy 14 needs).

most of the HP software is on the driver's forum in the "popular HP notebook software" thread. So really, you only need the drivers unless you wanna just download all new stuff.

 

Cool. Thanks.

 

Hmm...

I've done a clean install but I'm stuck with Windows 7 Professional at the moment. I originally had Windows 7 Home Premium, so the key I backed up using ABR doesn't do anything really.

I did the Iso Method from here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html#post5437866
I downloaded the x64 iso from the second mirror, ran the eicfg removal utility, and put the iso on a USB. When I install Windows 7 from that, there should be an option to pick the version I want to install (Home Premium), right?

I wasn't 100% I'd run the eicfg removal utility as administrator at first, so I tried it again and installed again, but there's still no option to pick the version. What did I do wrong?

 

Have you tried the "File" method? That worked for me. No need to use the eicfg removal utility in that case.

 

Yeah, I think it looks like the iso I've made isn't right here for some reason. I'm going to try the File method now. Ta.

Edit: The 3 File method worked fine.

 

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic, especially with your finger waving in the air, lol. So, where is the key and seriel# kept so that I may record it for a legal installation after a clean sweep and install? Mine came with paintshop photo and videostudio.

 

I'm not being sarcastic.

You have to use something to search your registry for the key.

I think some programs exist that do that but I don't know what.

anyway depending on your envy some of them come with photoshop stuff

some just come with corel stuff.

the corel stuff doesn't really have a cd key (from what I could tell) so *shrugs*

it looks like you have the corel stuff so just save what's in swsetup if you want to use it again.

 

Yes it is/has Corel stuff.

Thankyou, for the mighty fast reply.