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

v3loc1ty2.0 & all other contributors,
Thanks so much for the excellent info for a laptop newb like myself.

I've backed up the SWSetup folder to an external drive

Used the ABR program & have that on a thumb drive. (ran as admin)

Used the Microsoft USB/DVD download tool to make a
bootable USB. also ran the program to remove el.cfg (as admin)

So I **think** I'm prepared to do a clean install.

I have a question for anyone...
Using the iso that is on the USB stick (created with the Microsoft USB/DVD download tool) Do I need to enter the BIOS and make a USB port bootable, or do I just insert the USB after turning the computer on? I have extremely limited experience with the BIOS & was a little unclear on that part.

Thanks for the help,
Skid

 

You have to keep the USB plugged in before turning the pc on
To select it as a boot device u have two ways actually:
1. explicitly selecting it as first boot device from within BIOS
2. pressing "escape" key at startup and then selecting the boot device.

 

Excellent
Thanks for the help

Skid

 

Hi, does anyone know what's the difference between "Physical Sector Size"
and "Logical Sector Size"? as shown in Intel Rapid Storage Tech.
In my IRST it is showing both of these as "512 Bytes" whereas my C drive's cluster/allocation unit size is "4096 Bytes"!

This is confusing me as to what allocation unit size is appropriate for partitions, if the Physical/Logical Sector size is 512 B??
What is the relation between all these three.......

 

Quick question: Apparently the envy comes with a "Recovery partition"? If this is true, is it still necessary to make back up disks? isn't that what the partition is for...?

 

what would you do if something happens to the recovery partition? or what if you just wanted to reclaim that space on your drive? better to be safe then sorry.

 

I'm installing the drivers and wanted to know if I need/should install these two items.

HP System Diagnostics UEFI
HP BIOS Update UEFI

 

Maybe a dumb question, but is there any way to create new recovery discs after the clean install? Having done a clean install and having spent a lot of time setting up my system just the way I want it, second to last thing I want if I have a catastrophic meltdown at some point is to restore it to its factory state.

I'm also planning on cloning to an external hard drive (I've had 4 hard drives fail on my in the last 1.5 years, so I still would like at least one set of recovery dvds as a backup). Also, any suggesting as to the best cloning SW? I'm thinking of clonezilla or Acronis True Image.

 

I have a quick question. I just purchased an Envy 173D and thought that before I did anything...I would create a backup image of the entire drive using Acronis True Image Home. Once done, I can restore ALL partitions if need be.

Can I do this without corrupting the recovery partition? I want to make sure that I can still create my recovery DVD's, etc. Has anyone experienced any issues using Acronis or other backup software before even booting into Windows for the first time???

I would love some input...

Thank You

Bob

 

Currently there are no known problems with backing up your partitioned drive for that specific program. You could always try it though and let us know how it goes, lol.

 

No ill effects on the partition at all. For anyone else contemplating this...I suggest it highly All is good...

 

I have an OEM Windows 7 disc (64-bit Home Premium) as a result of building a desktop PC. Can I use this disc and the activation backup process?

 

Hi, first of all, thanks for the great guide, really helpful.

So, I got my new HP Envy 14 (Radiance ) and I did a whole set of Recovery discs, saved the SwSetup and all and made a clean Windows 7 Home Premium install. I also used the program ABR to save my key and certificate.

And now I have all my clean OS and all and it's great only for one big thing. When I came to restore my key and certificate for Windows 7, it said that it did not contain the certificate .

So, the only thing I can think of right now, is backup my whole system as it is, restore the old one, do the key thing again, then change it back to the clean version of my computer, but it's painfully long. Is there any other way I can do this?

 

Well, turns out it worked just fine. Thing is, I downloaded the ABR for Vista, not Windows 7. All's well that ends well!

 

Okay, when I backup my original activation, it can work with any Windows 7 build or service pack DVD?

 

No! if you backup your activation of Home Premium, it will not work with Ultimate or Professional. However you can use it on 32-bit as well as 64-bit.
If you plan to switch to a higher edition of Windows 7, then you can use your certificate "only" backed up using ABR and use it with an appropriate OEM-Key, for the edition you intend to install.
(you can grab many from "mydigitallife" forums).

Edit: If you mean any windows "build" and service pack" only.... then yes... it will work... as long as u stay to the same edition of win7

 

Has anyone slipstreamed (integrated) SP1 into the Windows 7 disc they create following the 1st post instructions with no issues?

 

Is there an updated list of Bloatware that is safe to remove ? I saw the one on post #2, http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/432564-hp-laptop-out-box-guide-2-0-windows-7-a.html#post5496474 but that was 2009. I was looking for a more updated one, as I would like to follow that guide for my soon to arrive dv7t.

Thanks all !

 

Might be helpful to know that you can use Uninstall Tool Portable to remove bloat's. It scans for leftover too, but no install and size is 2.8mb
If anyone wants a copy, you can Skype me.

 

Hi, i recently got a Hp dm1 notebook and am trying to create my recovery disc. I was wondering if i could create the recovery file on an external drive. The reason i wanted to do this is because the dm1 has no cd drive and i don't have an external optical drive. I have a 16Gb flash but the recovery requires 17gb of free space. Is there a way i could decrease the recovery size or somehow create the recovery file on my external, some reason the program doesnt my external drive.
Thanks.

 

All
As a future 6360b user, please forgive me simple question.

First thing i'm gonna do after buying is to do the clean install.
Should i first follow the guide:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/432564-hp-laptop-out-box-guide-2-0-windows-7-a.html

is that usable for business laptops also ?
Secondly - my laptop will come with win7 proff on board - how can i get the key to use it with clean install after removing "out of factory" installation?

thanks in advance !

 

placek - the key is on the COA sticker on your computer. If you don't have one, you'll have to purchase a license from Microsoft.

Unless you're self-employed or work for a company with a very loose IT policy, reinstalling the OS on a business system is not a good idea. A lot of companies will terminate employees that mess with their assets and intellectual property.

 

Nice guide.

 

To anyone who is willing to solve this riddle...
I own a HP dv6t Select Edition purchased last summer.
I recently did a clean install to Windows 7 Ultimate x64, along with updated drivers. But here's the problem:

There is a process called svchost.exe *32 running on Task Manager. This is located in the Services as Power Manager.
The file itself is located under C:\Windows, not C:\Windows\System32.
Once this process appears, it takes up 25% of CPU and keeps the fans running like crazy.
The only way to stop this is to end the process. I even tried deleting the file and registry entry found under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\PowerManager, but the process returns after a certain amount of time. Perhaps the file comes back after putting the computer to sleep and resume, or restart.

The process was also found before I did the clean install. I'm under the impression that it is a legitimate process, but I do not think it should be eating up significant amount of CPU indefinitely.
It is very likely I may have messed up the install process. But I do not think I skipped any important drivers that need to be installed. I went to the HP Drivers & Support site and NBR [Drivers] site for HP dv6t se for download.
If anyone knows about this particular issue after doing a clean install, please help me! Thank you in advance.

 

This sound like malware to me, friend. It's common to have malware masquerading as a svchost processes. What was the file name that was running that process?

 

It could be a malware. But I remember seeing the process even before the clean install.
Process name is "svchost.exe *32"
Service name is "Power Manager"

The file name is also svchost.exe, located in C:\Windows. Not C:\Windows\System32.
Thank you.

 

"Power Manager" sounds like it could be another unnecessary utility from HP. Look in Control Panel > Programs and Features. If you find anything that looks or sounds like a power management utility, remove it. None of the HP software is of much value. Even the HP Wireless Assistant is unnecessary bloatware. You can pretty much eliminate everything in Programs and Features that has the name HP in it and your system will work better.

 

I'm sorry but like I said, I did a clean install, not reinstallation of HP factory-default. I did not install any of HP crapware, if that is what you're asking. I may not be as advanced as other users, but I know a way around computers.
Please help me with something substantial to work with.

Question to ask: Does anyone have "svchost.exe *32" running under Processes that is related to service, Power Manager?
This problem may only apply to HP dv6t Select Edition with Switchable Graphics. (AMD & Intel)

Thank you again.

 

Sorry bud, HP crapware is available for download from their web site and lots of people install it after doing a clean install. Also, some people call restoring from HP media a clean install. Had I known you did not have any of it installed, I would not have suggested that. If you had done so, my suggestion would have been substantial. I was not trying to be condescending or offend you by offering those suggestions. It's impossible to accurately determine someone's technical skills from reading one or two posts.

But, I did a quick Google search for "power manager malware" and found this for you. LINK LINK LINK It seems my original impression was correct.

This may be coming from something you had installed before and reinstalled after your clean Windows installation. It could also be a "drive by" download from a malicious web site you visited before and after. I have found that a number of the "free" tools available on the internet have malware bundled with them, and some virus scanners are not as effective as others.

If you have not tried Microsoft Security Essentials, it is free and works well. You can get it here. LINK If that is what you were already using when you got the infection, you can get Norton Antivirus here. LINK A 1 year subscription is $11.00.

I hope you find this substantial. Only trying to help. Good luck to you.

 

Now, I have a question for you, guitarstud.

Again, I am not trying to be offensive. Are you having any other issues with the Intel HD 3000 and AMD with switchable graphics? If so, could you highlight them for me, please. There are some issues cropping up with this hardware combination among computers built by a variety of OEMs.

One of the issues being reported is Windows 7 Aero will stop working and may or may not start functioning after a reboot. In my research, I've noticed that some HP Envy owners are reporting this issue. If you have experienced this, have you found a solution?

 

Thank you for your input. I'm sorry I may have gone overboard with my expression of frustration. I hope you can understand that my anger is toward my laptop, not anyone else. I apologize for such display of immature communication skills. I know that you're only trying to help.

I have tried Microsoft Security Essentials to scan for issues and the software would detect svchost.exe *32 as a Trojan virus and attempt to remove it. But unfortunately, svchost.exe *32 would return after resuming from sleep, hibernation, or restart. I even tried quarantining svchost.exe *32, but I was unsuccessful at removing the source of problem, as it returned after a restart.

I plan on trying other virus/malware scanners to remove the problem, but I'm not very hopeful. Again, I clearly remember seeing the same process running without intensive CPU hogging before the clean install. This leads me to believe a possibility of a leak, or malfunctioning drivers.

Thank you again for your help. I really appreciate your input.

 

I'm not having any particular issues with switchable graphics. I installed the latest ATI driver supported by HP dv6t se, found on both [Drivers] NBR post and official HP drivers and support website.

Switchable graphics function normally. I'm able to switch back and forth manually and automatically (I've set it to manual).

For Windows 7 Aero, it does not appear to be a problem for me. It functions normally after a reboot.

I also noticed that svchost.exe *32 (Power Manager) runs under a reasonably normal level of resources (0 CPU; approx. 1356 K Memory), but after a certain amount of time, it begins hogging 25 CPU with no particular increase in memory usage.

I hope that answers your question.

 

Apology accepted. Fixing problems like this can be frustrating and sometimes that tinges our communications. I can relate.

I think we have already confirmed this to be malware by its name, service and behavior being an exact fit for your scenario. Microsoft Security Essentials further confirmed your system's infection. This particular piece of trash--Win32.Jeefo.A, aka "Power Manager"--is very persistent. First thing to do is to turn off Windows System Restore to delete all restore points, as this bugger is simply reinstalling itself. A very aggressive approach is required to eliminate this type of persistent infection. This is a very common trait with a wide variety of malware. Leave it turned off temporarily and read on below.

In case you (or anyone else that is looking to this thread for help) did not notice, BitDefender has a library of free malware removal tools. You can download the tool for killing Win32.Jeefo.A from BitDefender here: LINK. I would also recommend grabbing Malwarebytes Anti-Malware ( free edition) to scan following using the BitDefender removal tool. I recommend a follow-up scan using Spybot S&D. I enable the Resident feature, but not Tea Time on Spybot S&D. Run all of these utilities after turning off System Restore. As a last step, run CCleaner's Cleaner tool and Registry tool. After cleaning up, reboot Windows and only after rebooting should you re-enable System Restore. (Turning off System Restore will give that little devil no place to hide itself.)

And, thanks for responding about the switchable graphics. It was helpful in my troubleshooting.

 

Thank you for your reply. It has been a while and I apologize for the delay.
Fortunately, I was able to solve the issue by installing a previous version of ATI Graphics driver from HP support site. I do not know exactly what was causing svchost.exe *32 to hog 25% of CPU every time, but I assume that the most current graphics driver could have been the source of issue.

After installing the old compatible graphics driver, svchost.exe *32 appears only for a short amount of time after boot/resume from sleep, then it would disappear.

It appears like this issue was misdiagnosed by both Microsoft and HP. Not to point fingers at anyone, but they were both sure that it was a virus, as indicated by preliminary scan results.

Thank you again for all your help.

 

Not sure if I should have crossed this in the thread, but what if I wanted to make the C partition into 2 drives, maybe each around 250 GB, and keep the D recovery partition? Is that a problem? Would the use of recovery discs be affected?

 

Hello guys,

any links/tips/instructions for customizing/optimizing a new 8560P LG736EA (I7-2620M, HD+ 1600x900, 4 GB RAM, Ati Radeon 6470M, 128 GB SSD, win7 pro64) ?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Dan.

 

I just got a dv7 6000 series (LM726AV), BIOS is updated to F1.A
I did a clean install of Windows onto a new SSD. Loaded the drivers that Windows Update did not, and everything is working fine, however I do not have the Catalyst Control Center.

I attempted to re-run the ATI Radeon Drivers from the HP website, and they fail once I get to the point that I click INSTALL. The install just stops without any further indication. I then went and downloaded the 1.7 version from the AMD/ATI website, tried to install and the same thing happened.

It stops at the same point when I try and run only the CCC which can be downloaded seperately from the AMD/ATI website.

Has anyone else seen this issue? The PC looks fine, I just don't know what video system it is using, and can't switch it.

NOTE: Windows Update installed the Radeon Drivers. I tried to uninstall them and reinstall, but that doesn't work. Windows Update gets to the thing first, and I still cannot run the HP sp53025.exe or the downloaded 1.7 drivers from AMD/ATI

 

I am looking at doing a full reinstall on a DM1z with Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

I have downloaded the standard drivers:
Wifi, LAN, BT, Sound, Card Reader, Graphics, TouchPad.

I want to reinstall some of the HP Software that can help the computer. I have chosen the following so far:
HP Power Manager
HP Support Assistant
HP Wireless Assistant
3D Drive Guard
HP Quick Launch?
HP Software Framework?
(Those with ? are not fully decided on yet. What do they do?)

I also want the function to asjust brightness, sound etc.. on the function keys. Which drivers/software would be needed for that?

I definately want the Splashtop option.
What and where do I need to download to retain that full functionality?

 

It's probably an issue with the old driver not uninstalling properly. AMD/ATI drivers are notorious for having this problem. Simply uninstalling is not enough and installing new on top of old is a recipe for problems with AMD. It may also, indeed, be a problem with the integrated graphics being in use rather than AMD, which could prevent the installation from happening. The AMD discreet graphics driver needs to be installed before the Intel IGP.

Uninstall the drivers for the Intel IGP in Control Panel and reboot. Then follow the steps below.

1. Go into Windows Contol Panel and uninstall all AMD/ATI software
2. Download and run Phyxion.net - Driver Sweeper - check the box for AMD/ATI software, clean and reboot
3. Download and run CCleaner - use the registry tool to delete all the invalid keys (which will include obsolete AMD/ATI references)
4. Install the 11.7 Catalyst Package or 11.8 Catalyst Preview

​

Download from the links above. If you already downloaded AMD Catalyst packages, don't reuse what you downloaded. Delete them and download drivers fresh from the sources provided.

After the AMD drivers install successfully, reinstall the IGP drivers. I'd recommend going with the Intel series 6 HD graphics family driver that you can download directly from Intel.

If this does not cure your problem, poke around on this forum's threads for the Alienware M17x R3, as it has a similar switchable graphics system and there have been some challenges for some folks installing video drivers.

 

Quick Launch is what does those things for you.

For what it is worth, on the M18x screen brightness controls do not function after Catalyst 11.6. On 11.7 and 11.8 Preview the controls are present, but changing them does nothing. Your mileage may vary, but if you run into the same thing on your HP you might find comfort in knowing it is the driver and not your system that is malfunctioning.

 

Mr. Fox,

Thanks for your detailed and very well laid out reply. I appreciate it a lot. However, I actually solved my issue before I got your reply, so I will list what I did here in case others find themselves in the same boat.

I went crazy trying everything, including installing the Windows Install Cleaning Utility to remove the ATI drivers, and nothing worked. Everytime I uninstalled the 6770 from the device manager, windows reinstalled it's driver upon reboot, and then I could not install my downloaded driver.

So, I somehow stumbled on a solution that worked as follows:

a) Browse to the ATI directory created by running the install package.
b) Look for a folder called Apps
c) There will be a slew of subfolders off of 'Apps'. Browse each one, one at a time, starting with CCC or CCC2.
d) In each folder there will be a file with an 'msi' extension. Right click each one and select INSTALL. You will watch every one of these suckers install right before your eyes!
e) If you are presented with a choice of a 32 or 64 subdirectory, choose the one that matches your OS.
f) This is a real hard slam way to install this stuff, but when you're done, and you reboot, you will be all set.

Make sure you do every directory and every subdirectory.

 

oblio98 - I'm so glad you got it sorted. These kinds of issues can sometimes be maddening to resolved. I have used your workaround before and it does work. There were a number of Alienware M17x R2 owners that posted that method. The best approach to updating video drivers, including NVIDIA but most especially AMD/ATI is to totally wipe out everything as I posted. AMD Catalyst Install Manager does a poor job of uninstalling and CCC often fails to install or run when updating to a new Catalyst package if there are any traces of the old version. Have a great weekend.

 

Mr. Fox,

Once again, the problem has returned.
svchost.exe *32 is back to haunt me.
It's been about a month since the problem ended but now it's back and I don't know how to fix it.
I tried reinstalling ATI graphics drivers to older versions with no success.
It would be appreciated if you could look into this issue one more time.
Thank you.

 

On last response to this all, for those who stumble into this problem. I finally got my replacement SSD from Newegg, so I did the whole thing over again. This time, I did not activate my WiFi until AFTER I loaded the Video Drivers. This prevented Windows Update from installing the AMD drivers it thought I needed. Doing it this way, it worked perfectly. So, to wrap this up:

IF YOU DO A CLEAN INSTALL for a dv7 with dual graphics, DO NOT GO ONLINE until you load the graphics drivers (you previously downloaded in preparation of the clean install)

This way, Windows cannot automatically install drivers, which will screw you up going forward. Install the AMD drivers first, and the Intel graphics drivers will automatically install on their own.

 

Hi everyone, I don't know if people are still checking this thread, but some help would be much appreciated!

First off great guide- I did a clean install, following all the steps (and using some outside information). I've never done anything like this before and it went very smoothly.

Now I have my squeaky clean Envy 14 with absolutely nothing on it- I also have the recovery disks and backed-up swsetup. This is where my problems started...

I didn't know which drivers to install from the swsetup! I realise that this guide was generic and applies to multiple hp laptops, but there are certain things which I want back (eg beats audio software etc) that I don't know how to obtain. The swsetup isnt very clear and it's hard to know which folders correspond to which components.

So far, I spent about two hours getting the wireless up and running. Then had to sift around a bit more to find the ati drivers. Now there are a few things that I know are still missing, such as audio drivers/software and perhaps things that I need that I am not even aware of...

Is there a guide for reinstalling all necessary drivers? I feel like I got to a certain part in your guide and then simply got lost...

Just to reiterate, your guide was excellent and I hope this doesnt come across as if I am complaining, I just feel slightly lost!

 

Benito3000 - rather than trying to sort out the stuff in your SWSETUP folder (which does not have clearly labeled sub-folders), it would probably be easier and faster to just go to the HP Support web site and download/install new drivers from there.

 

guys what's the worst case scenario when doing this clean installation?

 

Worst case = a few hours in the company of the hp recovery discs you made before starting

 

Followed this with no problems, now running clean install 7 home premium sp1 with blackviper tweaks
Tip: I downloaded all current drivers from hp site to usb and have not needed to touch swsetup; restored only the following drivers for full functionality seen in device manager:

• IDT audio
• Intel chipset installation
• USB 3.0 host
• AMD graphics
• Synaptics touchpad
• Atheros LAN
• Intel PROset

Oddly, I could not get AMD to install until after I had run windows update a few times, other posts contradict this.

 

Hello,

I've just recently got my HP EliteBook 8560P.

I'm trying to follow this guide but I'm stuck on step one : 1. CREATE HP RECOVERY DISCS

I can't find "CREATE HP RECOVERY DISCS" anywhere on my system plus my HP Assist crashes all the time upon Windows startup.

What I do have is "Set up backup" from Windows Action Centre, however that gives me the HP_RECOVER & HP_TOOLS drive which are in 15.86 & 4.99 GB each respectively - I'm sure that's not what I'm suppose to back up.

Your help would be greatly appreciated as I want to get tweaking the system (even though I've began implementing BlackViper's list and my own registry changes).

Thanks