The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    New HP owner here --- Should I reinstall?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by Toaster, May 16, 2006.

  1. Toaster

    Toaster Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Just got my ZD8215US last night :hp: complete with external dual tv tuner box... I'm pretty excited.

    ANYWAY: Just wondering beore I start installing the numerous apps I'll be using on the machine --- should I do a fresh clean install of Windows first? To get rid of all the HP trial-ware **** thats pre-installed? Or should I un-install all the junk and leave the install?
     
    Toaster, May 16, 2006
    #1
  2. _radditz_

    _radditz_ Fallen to the Sith...

    Reputations:
    120
    Messages:
    1,584
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    The short answer is yes. A complete re-install of the OS and all your apps will give you a noticeable speed increase.

    My personal adive, browse the web for software youve never tried and try them before you wipe your hard drive clean. That way they leave no junk. For example, Windowsblinds is awsome but it can really mess up your computer to the point of a complete reinstal - which if that happens then your ok because you were going to do that anyway.

    So give things like Windowsblinds, Google Sidebar and other software like anti-spyware stuff a go. You might find something you like and want to keep.
     
    _radditz_, May 16, 2006
    #2
  3. Tim

    Tim Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    2,752
    Messages:
    3,141
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    106
    I would also recomend that you completely reinstall windows.
    Tim
     
    Tim, May 16, 2006
    #3
  4. Toaster

    Toaster Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    When I reinstall, can I use the product key on the label under the laptop? Or do I have to contact HP for a proper key?

    I think my laptop came with RESTORE cd's, not re-installation cd's (ie: no specific windows install disc, just a boot it and get back to factory defaults type disc).

    I do have Windows install cd available to me :p but I thought I'd ask (the obvious usually escapes me :eek: )
     
    Toaster, Jun 4, 2006
    #4
  5. overclock

    overclock Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    That would be the key to use. Then you have to activate it so I would be sure and ghost your fresh install of Windoze AFTER activation and BEFORE installing any additional programs. That way if something goes awry (as something with Widoze usually does) then you don't have to explain to M$ why you are activating again. I've activated my current copy of XP Pro for my desktop so much that I almost have to pass a lie detector and an interview with Bill Gate$ before I can activate it. I need to do a Ghost.
     
    overclock, Jun 5, 2006
    #5
  6. Totalfixation

    Totalfixation Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    115
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    you dont have to activate if your using a recovery cd.
     
    Totalfixation, Jun 5, 2006
    #6