Vaio F23, clean install, what, how, ???

Just got my Vaio F23 and already I've swapped the ram from 4 gb single to 8gb. But yet to come, I've got a samsung 256 SSD that wants to replace the std. hard drive. But I've never done anything like this before, so I turn to you in this matter.

The first thing that concerns me is that since I'm swapping disks, will I be able to use the WIN7 that came with the machine from factory, or do I need to set sail and become a pirate?

Second thing is, how do I begin? How do I do this? Burn a recovery CD(s) and install these on new disk? I want a clean install (removing bloatware).

Talked to sony live support, trying to get something clever from them, but they gave me the standard shilly-dally about not supporting an internal disk swap.

 

First make your recovery disks.
Then with ABR Beta With Windows 7 Support you can backup your license and activation of your "old" disk: http://directedge.us/content/abr-beta-with-windows-7-support
Now insert your new SSD and you can try to make a clean install using recovery disks as described in this guide for an older F-model: Vaio_F Series Windows 7 64-bit Clean Install Guide Using OEM Recovery Discs
If that does not work, you can do a full clean install using a Windows 7 disc http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html
(if you don't have one) and your license and activation backup of ABR Beta.
Some help can be found in this old guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/460685-win-7-fresh-install-guide-vaio-f-series.html
So no piracy needed, just keeping what you already have :smile:

 

Awesome, thanks Gandalf!
Is it a good idea to use usbstick for recovery over cds? It's optional.

 

Not sure, but to be on the safe site if possible I would make both.
Cd's or DVD's for (hopefully) the long run and USB for the faster install times.
I had on my F11 only the CD/DVD option as far as I can remember.

 

I'll do that. Better safe than sorry.
Btw, I'm having difficulties finding any programs on that directedge site with the ABR software (can only read that one and only page...).
Is it just me, or..?

 

Damn, that page worked a few weeks ago when I used this program on my son's new laptop
Currently at work, but when I get home I will see if I still have that program installed somewhere.

 

Ah, so it wasn't me losing my mind. That's somewhat good.
Hopefully the program is out somewhere on the internet, but if it's a lost project, it would be much appreciated if you'd share that file you got there.

Thanks alot for all the help I've gotten from you. I'm feeling more secure about what I'm trying to do now.

 

Looks like I can use "7Tokens Manager" for the same job. So I think I'd use that one since the ABR site is somewhat down. But it should be the same, just that 7tokens are newer.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/th...Tokens-Manager-The-Activation-Backup-Solution

 

Cool, page bookmarked

 

Noooo! I've removed everything I could when recovering, and now it's installing all of the bloatware again! That can't be real?

Update: It's installing that mcaffe , and now BING toolbar. It's like watching someone murdering my whole family.
I didn't get any options to choose what to bring with me or take out.
Hell!

 

Sorry for the bad luck, but you have to stop the recovery proces some time as described in Joe Blacks guide:

You just have to find out when to interrupt the process on your F23. If it is still possible, otherwise I'm afraid you have no option but a real clean install