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.

    Urgent - Clean Format Guide with windows 7

    Discussion in 'HP' started by ronferri, Jul 29, 2012.

  1. ronferri

    ronferri Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    369
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Hello Guys,

    There was a through guide on this forum that once helped me do a clean format and reinstall windows 7 on my HP-Dv6096. I don't remember if the thread was HP-specific but it guided us on how to create a bootable image of Windows 7 and it mentioned something about an EFI tool that added a file to the image. It also mentioned how to backup the activation code from Microsoft, using another tool (ABR?), and activate the clean copy of windows using the same key.

    I really need the link back to that thread. Anyone?

    Many thanks
    Ron
     
    ronferri, Jul 29, 2012
    #1
  2. StaticMatt

    StaticMatt Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    StaticMatt, Jul 30, 2012
    #2
  3. ronferri

    ronferri Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    369
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Thanks.

    There used to be a more thorough Clean Format guide with instructions on using the Ei.CFG removal tool and other details.

    I have one question, once i got the Win7 image loaded on my 4GB USB, is it enough to plug it at boot up for the format process to start?

    I am using the DV6096.
     
    ronferri, Jul 30, 2012
    #3
  4. peidekun

    peidekun Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    60
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    You really don't need to mess with ei.cfg unless you are intent to make a windows CD/USB with multi version or change the version of the dvd(yes, the dvds are only different between 32 bit and 64 bit, within the same bit version, only the ei.cfg file is different). The ei.cfg has nothing to do with bootability, which I think is your concern? I suggest also referring to the following website, which has download links for the common version of Windows 7.
    How to Install Windows 7 Without the Disc | PCWorld

    As long as you have the correct version of Windows 7 image (same version that came with your computer), use the OEM key found under your computer or look it up using magic jelly bean for activation.
    KeyFinder | Magical Jelly Bean

    If you make the USB drive with the Windows 7 DVD
    /USB download tool, it is bootable. You have to either change the boot sequence in BIOS (which I am not a big fan of) or just hit ECS at boot to choose the select boot device option and select the USB drive. If ECS doesn't bring up that menu, it will be F9(not sure on this, look into the service manual). Sometimes, BIOS doesn't like USB 3.0 port, just be sure to use a USB 2.0 port to be on the safe side.

    EDIT: Here is how usually do it:
    1. Make USB, leave it plugged in.
    2. Reboot computer, enter boot device screen at reboot.
    3. Choose to boot from USB drive.
    4. Format harddrive during Windows installation.
     
    peidekun, Jul 31, 2012
    #4
  5. ronferri

    ronferri Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    369
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    41
    thank you! +1
     
    ronferri, Aug 1, 2012
    #5
  6. ronferri

    ronferri Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    369
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Where is the Edit button? I can't find it.
     
    ronferri, Aug 2, 2012
    #6
  7. ronferri

    ronferri Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    369
    Likes Received:
    49
    Trophy Points:
    41
    One last question, After finishing with the clean windows install, and installing the Intel 3000 drivers from the Hp.com drivers section, how do i proceed installing the drivers for my AMD 6700M while keeping the manual switching functionality between the 2 cards?

    laptopvideo2go ? or the stock mobility drivers on amd.com?
     
    ronferri, Aug 2, 2012
    #7
  8. peidekun

    peidekun Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    60
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I am not sure on this matter. Do they not have an AMD graphics driver on the HP website?
     
    peidekun, Aug 3, 2012
    #8