Just ordered my dv9500t (questions!)

Ok fellas, thanks a lot for all the advise and coments to my questions. Last Friday I finally placed my order for the HP dv9500t using the 20% off coupon, it came to what I believe to be great value for money!

HP Pavilion dv9500t customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition Ultra HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
511MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
HP Imprint (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
200GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (100GB x 2)
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support!!
High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

All the above for = US$1,538.39

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Now, this is my first Notebook, my first HP pc, and the first time I buy a PC online, so not really sure what to expect in the box when I open it (hopefully a working notebook! Lol).

I have read a lot of the amount of rubbish software which comes preinstalled, so I do want to make a new clean install following OREV's guide ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228).

I have no experience on Vista before this, as my current PC (desktop) is Windows XP. I am not PC challenged, but neither a computer wiz, I believe I can follow Overs instructions, but obviously have a few questions:

1. Should the Vista DVD Upgrade Anytime come for free from HP in the box, cos I didnt order for one, maybe I missed that option? Can any dv9500t owner confirm if HP sends this included for free?

2. Since I have no experience in Vista, I have no idea how to make a recovery disk on it (its probably very easy), or if I need any additional software to do this.

3. I paid extra $19 to receive a System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) would this cover my previous question?

or I still need to do a recovery disk myself? ...in which case back to question 2

The description of this item in the HP site indicates:

4. Do I need to obtain and install drivers again once the clean install is finished? ...do I need to get this "only" from HP? Is there any reliable site you guys use to get this updated drivers? Specially for the 8600M GS? Video drivers tend to update more regularly than other devices, so probably the verion in the original install arent updated?

 

1. refer to #3.
2. refer to #3
3. That is the disk you will need to reinstall everything. It should not have any spyware/adware/crapware at all on it. It's basically a OEM Vista disk.
4. Yes you will need to install drivers but that is, I think, the fun part. Most likely you need to update your chipset software (Intel Chipset Software) and install the latest network, video, and sound drivers for your laptop. Check HP's support page for more info on your model and the latest drivers/software.

Mike.

 

1. i didnt get one when i ordered my 2500 but ive read they are very cheap.

2. go to start then use that new start search thing search "recovery" you will see a program called recovery manager click it go advanced in the bottum left corner, then check off create recovery disks and hit next.

3. those disks you purchased are recovery disks i only told you how to make them in case you wanted to make them anyway to have 2 sets.

4. i think you will need to reinstall all the drivers here is the website for your pc the dv9500 on hp's website these are all the drivers

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2093&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3369393&lang=en

hope that helps