Windows Vista Disk.. simplest way to get one? other things

Ok what is the simplest way to get a disk that will allow me to install a fresh copy of Vista without HPs crapware? I checked the sticky on this page but the information is a bit outdated. They said you could download it but all the links were dead.

Also, on a side note, if I just format my computer completely, including the HP restore partition, will I be able to find all the necessary drivers I will need online from HP?

 

Contact MS and they will load you up with one for like 5$. I think its an anytime upgrade disc. And yes you can find all the drivers online from HP.

 

You can't order the Anytime Upgrade Disk from MS anymore. Check here for info: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=4058972&postcount=1643

 

People keep linking that, that site scares me

I don't know who owns it or operates it, and I don't feel comfortable giving my credit card to them.

Is there another way?

Also, the guide tells you how to save your activation... personally I don't see why I would do that? Why would I not just enter my CD key and reactivate?

 

You will not be able to access all the files in the HP restore partition so don't count on getting your drivers there. Most or all of the drivers are located on your C: drive in the C:\SWSETUP folder. That is the folder you want to save before formatting your drive.

 

If I Can just get the drivers online I will probably just format that folder with the rest of the drive.

And what do you mean I Can not access the restore partition? They are using MY harddrive space and denying me access?

 

Digital River is legit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_River

 

Why am I forced to pay extra money for the OS I already paid for. How can HP get away with this scam? Why am I not being provided a Vista disk? This is utter bullcrap

 

Show me, in your contract, in law, or in any other documentation, that states that a company must provide an operating system disc with the sale of a computer.

 

It's not really a scam... most computer manufacturers don't include the actual OS install disc(s)... it's simpler for the end-user to just recover from partition/disc instead of installing the OS and then finding drivers separately...

The recovery partition is just one large archive file... so you won't be able to access the drivers embedded in the archive prior to reformatting... it's not denying you access... it's just in a file that most programs won't be able to read (accept HP System Restore)

 

Either purchase Vista yourself or contact HP for a disc. Using the built-in HP recovery will put you back with the bloat, but there are so many utilities, guides, etc. on how to delete the bloat and improve the system. The tools are provided, now you must utilize them.

 

I did not say it was illegal, I said it was a scam. When I bought my Dells back in the day I was given Windows XP disks, not bloatware infested junk that takes up MY hard drive space in the process. It is a scam. Not all scams are illegal.

Now I found a bunch of windows anytime upgrade disks on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Windows-Vista-A...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Is that what I want?

 

I was going to let it go, but since you insist:

A scam is a deliberate attempt to mislead. You assumed that your laptop would come with a physical copy of the operating system. No time in your course of purchase does HP imply, even with the remotest assertion, that you would be provided with one.

I hate it when people throw around words like "scam", "fraud", or the worst offender "bait and switch". Those words carry a great amount of weight, so learn their definitions before you use them.

 

IT is a scam.

Instead of a fresh OS I get one loaded with Slipbox? *** is Slipbox... why is it on my PC. I did not ask for it.

And yet there it is.

If the image was just a fresh version of Vista it would be ok.. but it is not. It is a bunch of free advertising at my expense. And that sir, is a scam.

 

Can someone check the link I provided above? Is that the disk I need?

Also, can I just format and partition all the stuff and just install windows? Is there any reason to keep the recovery partition, or back it up? And if I do chose to keep it will using the Windows Anytime UPdate disk delete the partition or can I choose to keep it? Also should I keep the backup driver folder? SWsetup? I can just go to HPs site and download the drivers I want/need from there right?

 

Comon... you make it sound like HP owes you something... HP is entitled to install whatever they deem to be convenient or beneficial for the user... most will find it useless, but there are some that find it to be useful... the software is not forcing you to pay in order to operate the machine... if you don't like it uninstall it...

 

I am not here to argue about HP/Dells ect.. scams installing worthless bloat on my expensive laptop.

I am here to talk about a solution. Please someone answer my above questions. Is that link provided the disk I need? And my other questions as well , see above.

 

Sir, you are becoming belligerent with your posting. I have helped you to my fullest extent, but I would hope that you can recognize how you have set yourself up in this thread. IMHO, people will no longer want to help you due to your treatment of the issue. This is worth saying because I feel the NBR community is a great resource and should not be used as a personal rant board, we have read your opinion, and we needed to move past it. Ebay is ebay...

 

I'll second that!

 

Yes that is the disc you need.

I just sold mine a few days ago for $26.

I downloaded Vista 64 from digitalriver near the start of the year. The only disc ill ever need

 

You CANNOT get all the drivers online. You MUST save a copy of the swsetup folder. If you don't you will be sorry.

And for the record, you are DEAD wrong about HP scamming you. Lithus pointed out that fact but you ignored it. In fact, they (HP) did you a favor with all the bloatware. That's why you paid the price you did for the computer as oppossed to a higher price. The bloat is a subsidy.

Also you should make recovery discs. Yes, the ones with the all the bloat. Why? In the event that you need to send it in for repair, you may need to reload the bloated OS or HP may claim a warranty violation. May sure they burned correctly. Afterwards you can delete the recovery partition.

Also, if you buy the discs off eBay you will need to use ABR (activation backup and recovery). You will find the info for it and instructions contained in the sticky thread in this section.

Using the product code on the bottom of your computer may lead to activation problems that require you to call Microsoft.

Lastly, if you want to change the Vista version, you can buy an OEM disc from newegg. They are usually 50% the price of retail and come with a license to install on your machine.

Welcome to NBR forums. Play nice here. This place is the greatest resource for notebook info on the web. There are many here to help. Just don't bite the hand that feeds you.

 

Just an FYI everyone - the OP IMO doesn't know what he is doing. He has posted a bunch of nonsense threads in the last few days. Everything from complaining about not being able to increase the resolution on his screen even though he only paid for the standard DV5t screen (and also being rude to people who were trying to help him). He's complained about volume control, bloatware, HP scamming people, etc...

Most of his questions have already been answered but it seems to me this kid likes to confront with people and instigate trouble.

Just an FYI

 

Here! Here! Well Said! why don't they understand?

 

Is activation backup and recovery really necessary? I have a legal code and I don't mind using the internet to re-activate or giving MS A quick call. I just don't see the need to do backup this activate when I have a legal license. But perhaps I am missing somthing.


As for installing the OS I want to install... how does this void the warranty? It is my computer... I can put whatever OS I want on it. The OS is not going to cause a hardware problem. But again perhaps I am missing something.

And lastly, what drivers am I not able to get from HP that I need that SWSetup file? Everything I have seen on HPs site, the Quicklaunch key drivers(the faq says that do not have these but they do) so which ones am I missing.

I am sorry if I am coming across as mean or something. English is not my first language. I am only trying to figure out what I need to do here.

For the record that gilderoy guy was very rude. He laughed at my resolution in his attempt to "help me" and then told me the cruddy volume controls on my laptop were because it is not really a "gaming" machine. He litterally told me that it is ok for my quickluanch buttons to not work correctly becaue the DV5T is not "Really a gaming machine" That kind of obtuse response I could live without.


Everyone else has been very helpful and I thank you for all the answers, I appreciate it.

My one last thing to say is, 10 years ago when I bought a PC with XP on it, it came with bloatware form Dell (AOL, Earthlink ect...) and yet I had a CD there to format and install a clean version of XP, provided to me by dell. The fact they are not doing this anymore, is to me, a scam. The fact they force me to reinstall all their bloat, is to me, a scam. It may not be in any contract, but it is still ridiciulous a company is trying to control my laptop.

 

Ok, now you are just making stuff up. I have never laughed at you nor did I tell you that the volume controls were cruddy. Your character is just disgraceful if you are going to lie and distort my words like this. I also did not say that the quicklaunch buttons do not work correctly because the DV5T is not a gaming machine. Where are you coming up with this stuff?

The DV5T isn't a gaming machine. There are laptops made specifically for that that have analog volume controls so software doesn't interfere with gameplay. Yes you can play games with the DV5T but you'll have some issues to deal with. My recomendation to you to get a different laptop was because you seem to have way to many issues with the DV5T ever since you've received it (in 3 days!). I've seen atleast 6 threads you started addressing issues you've had and in just about every one of them you've used similar rude comments even though you know people don't like being spoken to in that way.

 

I have never tried to be rude.

But you did say it is ok for my volume controls to not work because the DV5T is not a "Gaming machine"

Or saying I should return it after I had 2 problems with it, which is pretty inflammatory. I Came here to get help with the problems, not just give up.

 

Anyone able to answer my questions though? Arguments aside.

1) Is activation backup and recovery really necessary? I have a legal code and I don't mind using the internet to re-activate or giving MS A quick call. I just don't see the need to do backup this activate when I have a legal license. But perhaps I am missing somthing.


2) As for installing the OS I want to install... how does this void the warranty? It is my computer... I can put whatever OS I want on it. The OS is not going to cause a hardware problem. But again perhaps I am missing something.

3) And lastly, what drivers am I not able to get from HP that I need that SWSetup file? Everything I have seen on HPs site, the Quicklaunch key drivers(the faq says that do not have these but they do) so which ones am I missing.

 

It's not necessary to backup the activation... it's just one less hassle to contact MS if you do have problems...

It doesn't void the warranty of your machine... but if you do run into problems, HP has an excuse to not support your machine (i.e. You install a fresh copy of Vista, you run into problems, HP might tell you "we only support the operating system that was originally installed in the machine")

To save yourself some headache... just backup the SWSetup directory just in case they really don't have drivers for it on the site... put in on a flash drive... when you updated all your drivers/software off the site, delete the old stuff off the flash...

 

You even said it... 10 YEARS AGO (for the record... XP came out in Oct. 2001). A lot has changed since then... what was provided then doesn't translate into what is/should provided now... printed manuals back then now come on a PDF, recovery CD/DVDs are now provided as a partition on the HD, etc, etc...

If you really don't like what HP is doing... go write a letter to HP... voice your concern with them... ranting here isn't going to really help ease your displeasure with HP's so called "scam"....

 

In my and the site's experience, practically everyone who has done a clean install realizes that a driver or three is not published on HP's site. They had to do an OS restore to get back the swsetup folder then do a fresh install. I forget which drivers they are offhand and they are not the same for every unit. But that is the reason why all the pros on here tell you to backup the swsetup folder whenever anyone asks or mentions doing a clean install.

As Orev says in the stickied thread, "if you don't back it up, you're not as clever as you think you are."

As for warranty violation, cpu2k answered it properly. But from experiences on this site, HP has voided warranties of some who have done clean installs because that is not how they shipped it to you. They're not liable for what they didn't do. That's why it's recommend to make a set of restore disks. It's take about an hour or so. Maybe two. I forget, it's been a while. But be sure to do it. It's cheap insurance in the long run.

Lastly about ABR. It's not necessary but takes a second and avoids any and all pitfalls when performed properly. Using the code on the bottom of your notebook has lead some to having trouble with Microsoft. ABR is there, it's free, and it works. It shouldn't even be questioned. It is one of the greatest endeavors pursued and a real asset to the community for those doing clean installs.

 

I already wrote up a BBB complaint about this terrible business practice.

Personally I Can not believe you all defend this dreadful practice. If a guy walks up to you in a Mall and sprays perfume in your face in an attempt to sell it, that is assault. Forcing malware, adware, bloatware on to my PC is a form of digital assault. More people should complain about this practice.


And thanks to everyone else for answering my questions

 

LOL. I had that happen to me once in Macy's. It was sort of an accident. I got her number though. Never followed through. That scent bothered me and she said she wore it. Wasn't going to risk it.

But that's not the same as what's up with bloatware. Technically, Vista is full of bloatware. They include things I'll never ever use. Some of which I can strip out and some I can't.

But the HP bloat can all be unistalled. And a lot of people do so rather than clean install. But not everything. Some people like some of the included software and use it. So they aren't forcing anything upon anyone. I personally like a clean install. It would be nice to opt out of bloatware at time of configuration. But since many people actually use some of the bloatware and don't consider what they use bloat, I am happy to accommodate their needs so long as I can be free to either uninstall or clean install.

That's why we really don't get up in arms about it. We have choices and likely always will.

 

I agree with your above statement, but only a fool would buy something they knew very little about and then complain about it!
I doubt anyone here likes boatware, but if you knew it was coming with your purchase you don't have a leg to stand on and if you didn't know, well that's you fault as well seeing you should of at least made a effort to to find out just exactly what you were receiving for your outlay.

 

10 years ago, most laptops come with a bag/case, and they cost upwards of $4000. Now most of them don't come with bag/case, let's go complaint.

 

Your scenario comparision is just ludicris.

If a person walk up to you and sprays anything in your face, it can be considered assault. If you buy a product from a manufacturer and it includes software that you don't like, well that's completely a different scenario. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

I don't see how any of HP's software is malware or adware. Bloatware yes, but the other 2 you mention are security issues and NONE of the software that HP installs are that. They might have security defects in them as seen in previous media control software but they certainly aren't intentional security breaches. Seriously, how old are you?

 

I accept the bloat. What I don't accept is them denying me the ability to fix it by not giving me a disk or a way to clean install Vista.

The bloat is a given, the lack of disk, and the using of my HD space as their play thing to put an image of their bloat filled vista.. is ridiculous.

 

By buying a BMW, they force me to have air condition installed in a car, I hate air condition, they don't provide me tools to easily remove the the air condition, there is no way I can find a BMW without air condition. So, they are forcing it down my throat.

The A/C slows down the performance of the car, in terms of weight and workload. This is Auto Assault?
Same with the 17" wheels , they are heavier, more gas consumption, more expensive tires. Let's go complaint?

The summary is, don't buy it if you don't like it. Go get your refund and build your own laptop.

 

Hardware =/= software

 

You didn't have to buy it, that's my point, you bought it like that, cop it sweet!

 

I've been saying that all along and yet this fellow keeps complaining...

 

IMO he just wants us to know he has a new laptop!

 

That's how it's gonna be... live and learn... accept it and move on... HP is not obligated to provide you with an easy solution to remove the bloatware when they probably have obligations to put on their machines in the first place... It's like Apple iTunes with their DRM-enabled music... you can only play music downloaded from iTunes Store on YOUR iPod only... you can't use it on another iPod or any other device... so you're going to go to the BBB and complain that Apple is denying you the ability play the music YOU PAID FOR on another device? Comon... Apple forces people to use their bloated iTunes and crippled iPods... that's how it is... you buy it... you have accept the pros and cons...

HP has an obligation to please their shareholders... and if installing bloatware is one way of generating revenue, they'll continue to do what they're doing now... if HP business practices don't coincide with your views... just give the product back and go with another company... you have a choice... don't make it sound like you don't...

 

Wow MP3 players are that controlled now? You cant upload your own MP3s now?

Really?

 

he is talking about itune.\
welcome to 2008

 

Why did you buy HP's product ? Did HP kidnap your family and force you to buy their product ? No ? They can do whatever they want with their product, if you dont like it, just dont buy it. Thats simple...
HP never say "We will give you fresh Vista installation DVD", they only say "Genuine Windows Vista home/ultimate/etc" and they give you that.

 

. . . and this thread has served its purpose. Closed.