New DV8T.... any problems to expect with a fresh OEM install?

Just purchased... haven't received yet.... rather than try and clean up the existing system... I plan on installing a fresh windows 7 OEM.

Are there any problems to expect that those who have preceded me could help with?

1. Do you recommend installing windows and then updating all current drivers from HP's site or get the latest available?
I've always enjoyed running drivers without bugs more than try to eek out a little more performance and put up with bugs. This computer is going to be far faster than anything I need anyway..... so I prefer stable bugless drivers please!

I currently own a ZV6000 and I learned not to trust Microsofts drivers or even some of the manufacturers drivers for that matter as the one from the HP site are the only ones proven to be bugless... is that still the case with the dv8t?

2. Previously with XP I have done a total reinstall and found much better performance than trying to clean the existing bloatware.
I've read some folks can't tell the difference.

I"m feverishly reading as much as I can to offset any mistakes I'll regret.

3. Should I try and use my existing OEM serial number than came with my computer or is that considered used already?..... just thought if I could use it, I could save the OEM serial that comes with my new purchase of windows 7 OEM so I can install later on another computer.
I"ve technically paid for two licenses.... just don't know how that will all work and I really don't want to fuss with all the bloatware, easier for me to spend the cash.

I just want to get the system totally installed and up and running with no device manager errors and all working.. then I can worry about tweaking further.

Can someone throw me a bone here?

 

guess not.....

 

Well for the most part there are a few threads on here that you should read.

The HP Laptop Out-Of-The-Box Guide 2.0 for Windows 7 Thread Link to thread

Latest drivers: HP dv6 Quad / dv7 Quad / dv8 / HDX16 / HDX18 (INTEL) Link to thread

*OFFICIAL: HP dv8 Owners Lounge* Link to thread -- This also covers the DV8T

Those threads or threads linked within those are the main sources that I have used to get my DV8T running. I installed a fresh copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and got it up and running. It took me a few installs to get it set up the way i wanted it though.
I still have a few bugs to figure out with the HP mediasmart MVP software crashing but I use other software for that so it doesn't bug me that much.

Hope this helps.
JN

 

You currently have 2 different OEM keys in your computer. One is the generic one installed at the factory, it does not work with regular install discs.

Second one is in the bottom of your latop, your personal key. It is currently unused, never activated and it will work with your install disc. You don't need to use OEM key have bought with the disc, save it for another computer in future.

The simple install way is to use the key under your laptop with the CD you have bought. Install, enter key and continue as normal.

The other way is to use ABR tool (from the Vista sticky in HP forum) to backup activation, then restore it after install. That uses method the generic OEM key instead. This can also be done manually but there's no reason, since software does it for you.

Oh yea, before you do anything else make the original restore discs If nothing else, they are very useful when you sell the laptop few years later.

 

Thanks guys... I"ve read the threads but many pertain the the 1000 CTO series of the dV8t... not sure what bugs still exist with the 1100 CTO.

The info you gave me about installing the disk was perfect. I thought it ashamed to have to toss the expense of my first purchase just because I didn't want all the bloatware.

I"m hoping the 1100 CTO fixed issues with the 1000 CTO.
I guess we'll see.