Sony F Series i7 Windows Clean Install

I'm wondering what order do the drivers and applications have to be in to do a Windows 7 clean install for the i7 F series?

 

I'm workin on the same thing. Already did the clean install. I think I need to copy the restore partition over because the software is not all available on the support site ie windvd. I can't get my intel sata ACHI controller to install either. Need to do some research on it this morning. The basic instal went very well other than those 2 items, was real fast.

 

Before attempting a clean install, if I wanted to see what drivers were already pre-installed, would I be able to access a list of these items? Where would I find this?

 

Why do you need the softwares? That's the point of the clean install... getting rid of the softwares.

 

Look at the installation procedure for the i-series CW... the installation order should be pretty much the same.

 

I do not have an F but in the interest of posterity, can you update your first post with your findings?

 

I did two clean installs from an OEM Windows 7 Pro DVD.

I had network access from just windows, so was able to go to sony.com and under "service and support" -> '"drivers/software" and enter your model # and download any Sony Software and drivers you need.

Note, I probably lost any other included software like whatever was came with the computer to play blu-ray and so forth, so, beware of that before you go off formatting the whole drive or something.

 

I completed the clean install and everything is good. Got the windvd by copying the recovery patition with acronis tru image. So now all I have is the stuff I want. I did install vaio care in order to use the partition but I kind of like it. Just don't use the registry tool on it. I got rid of tons of junkware. Once I get everything just the way I want it I will clone it to my x25m g2.

 

I needed the blue ray software and its not available for download. There are 45 applications factory installed I installed 8 that are standard things like burning utilities, vaio control center for control of keyboard, Power management-their battery saving utility is excellent. Everyone

******** DO NOT USE THE REGISTRY TOOL IN VAIO CARE!*********

Unless you want problems. I used it when I first got the computer and had to undo everything it did. The screen problems are caused by the vaio color setting file-don't install that. Since I did the clean install my screen is normal-better than normal.

 

How do you do a clean install if you don't have a Windows 7 DVD and only have it as pre-installed? Can someone please explain?

 

Look at the installation procedure for the CW. I have posted a way to make you a fresh Windows 7 DVD to perform a clean install with.

 

I bought the dvd when I bought the computer. You can use the upgrade version and then use the windows coe on the bottom of your laptop. It will say it is invalid and give you the option to call microsoft, when you call they will ask you how many computers have used this disk say 1 then follow the directions repeating a bunch of numbers then it will validate it. Make sure you choose custom install and format the drive in the beginning. This will give you a totally clean install.

 

I also had a spare hard drive so I kept my virgin factory one for back up in case I failed. I have to say the clean install is the way to go. Everything runs smoother, you can actually adjust the screen to look normal and it stays that way, the resource usage goes down by about a third. The screen almost made me get rid of this laptop because I couldn't get a satisfactory adjustment. There are still adjustments to make like setting everything to large icons. Leave the screen text size to 100% and adjust all the apps to large text then stuff isn't fuzzy. At least you can get the colors to all be right in the nvidia control panel.

 

hey, does anyone know if the F series come with a full installed version of windows 7,, or is there a trial version or one with some deactivated feautures?? thanks

 

It's full windows 7 - whichever version you select - home premium, professional, ultimate.

 

And on the "ready to ship" models it's Windows 7 Home Premium.

 

Where is this mysterious cw i7 driver's list? Did a search on the cw owner's lounge and came up with nada.

My f11 is a best buy model that did not come with a cd.

*edit* nevermind, I found it.