The HP Laptop Out-Of-The-Box Guide 2.0 for Windows 7

I have a dv6-2150us with w7 home premier. I have removed all the bloatware - thanks for the list. I thought I was good to go - now I may have to do a clean install (or maybe upgrade to prof) in order to reduce the size of that huge C drive.

I have always done a clean install of new systems in the past, but I would prefer not to do so - I'm concerned that HP doesn't have all the needed drivers on their website - that happened with my desktop HP and it was very time consuming to get it back up and running.

I usually have a small C drive, a large D drive for data, and an E drive just for documents.

I tried reducing the c drive, but it only lets me reduce to 156GB - evidently there are some immovable files stuck on the end.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Kirra

 

Just backup the C:\SwSetup folder, it has every driver that came with your system

Then do a clean install, install drivers from the HP site, and then install anything that wasn't on HP's site from the SwSetup folder

 

Thanks, that's what I needed - I'm traveling right now, but when I get home, I'll do a clean install.

 

I'm a new Notebook user. Thanks for the great guide.

I would like to add my thoughts on a couple of things. After you get your notebook all set up like you want it where do you go from there to protect your files? Here is what I do:

I only use the Windows 7 install CD or the factory default DVD I made under extreme conditions. I lock these away in a safe place and forget they exist unless I really need them.

For backing up my whole system for emergency reinstall I use Macrium Reflect Free Edition. This program makes a Clone Image of your whole drive an puts it on DVD's so you can easily restore your system. (Like Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image) This program uses the best compression on the market so you can fit more data across fewer DVD's.

This program is Free and easy to use. http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

I Never Never use Windows 7 System Restore. Yes there are times when you need to create a restore point but windows system restore has one very bad flaw; it resides on the C drive where it can be easily corrupted by a virus.

I have seen times when after a virus hits system restore will not work. To solve this problem I use Comodo Time Machine. This app resides in and saves your restore points on a layer of your hard drive underneath your C drive or Windows drive. The restore points are safely locked away from virus's.

If you have a bad virus hit, that cripples your machine even to the point where Windows will not even boot, this software can have you back and running in 5 minutes time. It does it's magic right from the boot menu. There is no need to grab a DVD to do a complete OS install.

Also Free and easy to use. http://www.comodo.com/home/data-storage-encryption/data-recovery.php

Both the above programs work for 32bit and 64 bit versions of Windows and can be used with XP, Vista and Windows 7.

I have used both of these tools for about a year now and I find them indispensable for top notch PC protection. Perhaps they will help you too.

 

I see the convenience in ReflectFree... but most of the time, people are doing complete re-installs (at least when not pertaining to fresh installs after purchasing a new machine) when they have a problem.

So backing up your whole drive, wiping windows, re-installing and putting a clone of the drive will just give you a clone of the same problems would it not?

 

That's right.

I only make an image backup with Macrium reflect or create a restore point for Comodo Time Machine after the system has been virus tested and I am sure there are no problems.

But this way, when you do need to re-install from Macruim Reflect or restore through Comodo Time Machine you can do so with all of your applications, games, email etc already installed. No need to have to lose everything and reinstall all that over again.

Just be sure the system is clean before you back-up. I make a new restore point each week but if you know your system is good, you can do it daily and replace your old restore point. I would then make a new clone image once a month with Macrium Reflect. This way you always have a current clean backup to work with no matter which restore method you use.

 

I had to laugh at the order of 'bloated' software listed for removal. :laugh:

M$ at the top of the list, followed by Norton, Adobe and 17 of HP's own crap. Just think of all the lamo's that actually use this crap.

 

OP Update: Moved Guides to post #4, added undervolting guide

 

I followed this guide and freshly installed Win7. But with the previous OEM installation, there came a hidden System partition of 200MB. After fresh installation, the partition is still there but its visible now. Anyone faced similar problem and what you did?

 

I selected partition C: after this step, though it did a fresh install but dumped all previous files into "Windows.old". Also, the SwSetup folder is already in C: and didn't got moved to Windows.old.

Is it ok, I mean is it as good as install after format? or Should I re-install again, formatting the partition this time?

 

I did a fresh install using this guide, and mounting my .ISO to a DVD... and now windows will not install. I am getting the "Windows setup could not configure windows to run on your computers hardware" error... then it reboots, continues installation, then gives the "Windows could not be installed.. blah blah.. restart the computer to reinstall windows".

Infinite loop.

And of course, being the conceded geek that I am, I didn't backup my system before (HP Envy 15) because I didn't want to backup all the HP bloatware.

Going to try with a USB stick install. Im thinking it might have something to do with using the external DVD drive to install and it is confusing it somewhere in the install with the main drive. As my main HD is listed as D: during install, not C:.

 

Perhaps theres an issue with the envy's dual hdd bays?

 

if you have an i7, you have to use the esata/usb port as the other's are usb 3.0. Other than that I don't know what could be wrong.

 

I've actually fixed the install since that post guys, but thanks for the responses.

If anyone in the future has the same problem my fix was that I had to install the RAID controller (SATA?) driver from a usb stick, *during* my install of windows, for it to complete properly. You can install this during the partitioning phase of the install, before it has really started installing.

Worked like a charm for me.
Thanks for responses.
(was an i5 540m processor with a single HDD, not SSD)

 

Update to OP: just tweaked it a little

 

Will be using this guide tomorrow when my new Dv6tSE arrives. Debating whether I'll go clean install, or whether I'll get lazy and just un-install a bunch of stuff.

 

Thanks for posting this guide, I used it as a reference when my dm4t arrived.

To be honest, I didn't follow most of it, but it was still very informative. Sometimes I think tweaking too much of a computer creates new problems in lieu of the old.

Maybe this is just the newest batch of laptops, but I felt like the dm4t bloatware wasn't all that bad. Sure, there are a bunch of programs worth removing (MSN Toolbar anyone?), but if you just reflexively do a clean install (the first option given in the guide), you potentially miss out on some cool stuff. For example, I would have probably had to go download the fingerprint scanner driver again. I also discovered Hulu desktop because it came pre-installed. Usually I'm a little indignant about preinstalls but I love Hulu and somehow hadn't noticed this was available (you can download it off the website anytime). And yet, Rhapsody? BALEETED. I took it case-by-case... I think going through with a fine-tooth comb was more worthwhile for me.

The Programs menu in my computer looks a lot more bloated than it actually is. A lot of the "programs" are just hyperlinks that can be easily deleted. I understand some traces may be left behind when you remove bloatware, but in my case, the extra time/effort (and risk) to completely wipe those traces didn't seem worth the imperceptible benefit.

That said, I still thought it was a great guide and I'm glad you put it up! I just wanted to record these thoughts somewhere in case they help anyone down the line.

 

edit: Found Answer never mind...

 

edit: fixed

 

is it safe to delete the recovery partition after creating recovery disks? Idid a search on google that said the recovery partition becomes useless after the creation of these disks?

Edit: Also is it possible to create restore disks after aclean install, so that i can avoid the bloatware?

 

1. Yes you can delete the recovery partition

2. You can use Windows Backup (included in windows 7) to create a backup image of your clean install (search Backup and Restore in the start menu box and then click "Create a System Image" in the left pane

 

This E: HP Tools Partition... Im assuming I shouldn't touch that at all!?

 

im going to try a clean install for my dm4T laptop...im at HP's website looking at the available drivers for it

how do i know which ones are actually needed by my model? i dont want to install anymore then i need to

im lookin at the SwSetup folder and its hard to tell what version of driver they are...

for reference these are my specs:


HP Pavilion dm4t customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-430M Dual Core processor (2.26GHz, 3MB L2 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.53GHz
* • 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* • 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5450 switchable graphics
* • 14.0" diagonal High-Definition HP BrightView LED Display (1366 x 768) -For HP Mobile Broadband WWAN
* • SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* • HP TrueVision Webcam + Fingerprint Reader + Digital Microphone
* • Intel Wireless-N Card
* • Full-size island-style keyboard
* • High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
* • Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010

 

the hptools partition is used to store UEFI based boot tools (or something like that). i'm reading a lot of documents to know more about it before i completely wipe it out (c'mon hp, 1 primary partition just for 10mb of tools).
some links that should give you a start, if you want to learn more:
from hp uefi installer - read the description and prerequisites part. this is the softpaq #48394, and i think it's the newest version released.
pdf file from hp - this one is a bit confusing fot me right now, but i'll give it a better read later.

also, wikipedia and google, of course.

 

Not sure if this was discussed before, but i recently ordered an Envy 15 and was planning on doing a clean install. However, i opted to get the recovery disks and win7 disks, and was wondering if i have to still make a recovery partition or do anything with the recovery disks, or can i just use the win7 cd to do a clean install. thanks

 

the envy15 has a recovery partition preinstalled. even if you ordered the recovery discs, i would advise you still make a set of recovery discs from the recovery partition. after that, have at it with your clean install from the win7 discs and hit up the envy drivers thread to get back some functionality that will be lost from a clean install, here -> http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-drivers-software-forum/426181-drivers-hp-envy-15-intel.html

 

ok thanks for the response. but i was just wondering, what is the difference between the recovery CD's I am getting from HP and making my own recovery cd's? also, do you know approximately how many blank CD's i'll need to make those recovery CD's?

 

There should be no difference. It took me 3 or 4 DVDs to create my recovery discs.

 

from hp:

but I don't think that's your case. I mean, your recovery disc set may be specifically suited for your envy

 

^ wow. 4-6 hours. that's insane. i never bothered to look it up at hp.com, so i added a qualifier to my statement: "should" i guess the difference would be, when you ask for more crap from hp, they give it to you.

 

wow thanks Mathx for the reply. I'll have to check if the disks im getting are suited for the envy, if not, looks like i'm going to have to make my own disks.

 

So I made my recovery discs. But do I backup the whole C:\SwSetup folder or just the driver folder out of that?

 

i just got a mini 210 with GPS module. I would like to follow this guide, but before doing so, I checked HP web site, and I couldn't find the download link for the HP Navigator GPS program. Anybody know where I can download it?

Apparently, it is not inside c:/swsetup also.

thanks

 

So after burning the windows 7 iso, I simply pop it in the drive and restart? If someone could answer this in like 5 minutes, that would be awesome.

 

Thanks for all the helpful info in this post. I was able to reinstall windows, use ABRbeta to restore key, and reload drivers on my DV6t-3000.

One question if anyone knows. The notebook came with MS Office Starter 2010. I cannot find that software in the SwSetup folder. Anyone else find it or is it buried in the Windows Live setup?

Regards

 

wrong thread

 

Can I use my USB Stick as a recovery disc? Its 8gigs xporter. If I do create a recovery USB will I later be able to add my files that I had before on it, or is it strictly for recovery use only?

 

to 4saken: you can use a utility called HP USB Recovery Flash Disk Utility, search hp drivers page for it. I think you'll need a 16gb flash drive, more info here. (about 3 posts after the "solution"). Also, looks like U3 drives don't work with hp recovery.
I don't know about your second question, but IMO it would be better to just use it for recovery.

 

Thank you for this brilliant thread.

I'd like to know how to partition my hard disk (500 GB) without corrupting the contained data.

I'd like to make 2 partitions ( 1 for the present win7 - to be about 40 GB - and rest of the space for the other partition)

Actually, I'll leave my recovery partition as I am not trusted in the durability of Recovery DvDs if i made them.

Thnx in Advance.

 

to thanatomania:
first, tell what partitions do you have now,
and the size of them.
I don't think you'll be able to shrink the windows 7 partition to 40 gb, so you will need to think about less space to the other partition.
also, i'm doing a research about hp recovery partition and if there's a way to backup it to an iso image. i'll post in this forum when i finish it. you can also make more copies of the recovery dvds if you wish (there are many ways to do that, posted in this thread.

cheers.

 

Local Disk [C:] 452 GB
RECOVERY [D:] 13.2 GB
HP_TOOLS [E:] 99 MB

 

i got my Envy 15 today, and so far ive made the recovery disks and backed up my SwSetup file. I opted for the recovery CDs and Win7 Cd, but the only CDs they send me were 2 recovery CDs and an Application and Driver CD. Are the 2 recovery CDs the ones i use to reinstall windows? The text on the CDs say to follow on screen instructions, but when i put them in the optical drive, but nothing comes up. Help please!!

 

the recovery discs will reinstall windows the same way hp sent the computer to you. you put the first disc in an external optical drive and reboot the laptop. if the laptop does not boot from the external optical drive, you will need to adjust the boot order in the bios.

 

i was writing a big text and suddenly firefox crashed ... so here goes the short version.

you'll have to delete de hptools partition in order to be able to create a new partition. to do this: start menu -> right click 'computer' -> 'manage'
on the left side panel, go to disk management.
you'll see 4 partitions: system, c: (windows), D: (recovery) and E: (hptools).
right click hptools -> properties -> 'general' tab. write down the info about the partition: file system type, size in bytes, partition name. close this window and go back to disk management.
right click hptools partition -> 'delete volume'. CAUTION, THIS CAN'T BE UNDONE. DO THIS ONLY IF YOU'RE 100% SURE YOU WANT TO DELETE THE PARTITION. DON'T DO THIS DRUNK!. you'll get a popup asking if you are sure, click yes.
this next step will deal with your windows partition, please be cautious.
right click c: -> shrink volume. it'll take a while to compute the reduction size.
you'll see that you cannot shrink it to 40gb, so you have to choose a size that is allowed in the window that opens. [advisement and e.g.: don't shrink it to full capacity. example: partition C has 400gb and windows tells that you can shrink it to 150gb, choose to shrink to 160gb or a little more.
let it work and shrink. after the job finishes you'll see 2 'black spaces', one from the deleted hptools and other is the space freed from c:. restart the computer.
go to disk manager again. now you'll see that the free spaces didn't merge, so you will have 100mb wasted from the hptools partition unless you delete the recovery partition. if you do that, all free space will merge.
right click the big free space -> new primary partition, by default it will select the biggest size available, select ntfs for the file system and click ok.
restart the computer again.
done.

example from my own computer, I freed 75gb from c: to install linux.:


in this example there are 5 partitions shown, this is the scheme:
system - primary
c: - primary
recovery - primary (why, HP, why...)
the 2 linux partitions: one for linux and one for swap, the 2 form an extended partition.

end. yes, this is the short version.
cheers.

 

delete this please

 

I did a clean install using a retail Win7 home premium x64 disc that I had on a Pavilion DV6-2106ea. I started getting frequent lock-ups of my laptop. I didn't use the laptop very much at all before I did the clean install so I can't say whether the problem was there to begin with. After talking to a HP tech rep, he told me that the HP version of windows is tweaked to allow it to work with their hardware. That said I couldn't do a restore with the legit HP discs for screen freezes and lock ups. It's been sent for repair but has anyone had any trouble with "non-hp" versions of windows 7?

 

If you were having problems even doing the restore then it is highly probable that it is a hardware issue. I have never heard of an issue like this arising solely from doing a clean install.

 

Yeah, this is what I thought too, but you have to jump through their hoops before you are allowed to send it back to them.

Here is the problem if you are interested:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...-freezing-locking-up-pavilion-dv6-2106ea.html

 

Hello I am new here

I am getting my first ever Laptop "HP Pavilion dv6t Select Edition" next week and want to make sure I do this right.

Just to confirm a few things!

Instead of making the recovery DVD's I am instead going to make a "Image backup" using "ShadowProtect 4.0"

I already have a "Windows 7 Home 64 Bit OEM DVD from Newegg.com"

I just downloaded the app to backup my original activation! And will perform the backup and put it on a CD or another hard drive.

I also backed up the "SwSetup" folder!

Now I am ready to do a format and clean install using the OEM DVD from Newegg.com.


Sound ok so far?

Now here is where I need a little more info.

During the setup of Windows 7 should I skip the part where it asked you to enter your Windows 7 key?

And if the above is true then once I am on the desktop I guess that means I use the app to restore my original activation? Correct?

And then after that start installing all the Windows updates and Drivers and then all my software including any needed software from HP?


So in following this guide does that mean you never need to type in the Windows 7 Key thats printed on the bottom of the Laptop?


Does that sound about right?

 

i have a quick question. i'm swapping out my hd in my envy 14 with a seagate momentus, and I'm going to reinstall windows on it. My question is that I have a windows ultimate uprgrade dvd i got from school for very cheap, can I use that code to upgrade windows through anytime upgrade or do I have to do a completely fresh install?