Want clean install on new HDD

Here is my situation:

I will be getting a 500GB internal hard drive to replace my Fujitsu MHW2160BJ G2 ATA which is a 160GB, 5400rpm HDD that came with my Dell Inspiron 1520. It has reached its capacity and I decided to upgrade it to a larger one.

So what I would like to do is not clone my entire 160GB hard drive to the new 500GB. I would like to do a "new" install of Windows 7 onto the 500GB. I'm not sure how to do this without a disc for W7. I obtained W7 through the online upgrade the day it came out, and never got a disc for it. I do however still have the setup files for W7. So how do I go about freshly installing W7 on my new 500GB hard drive?

 

Look at the stickies for a link to download Windows.

 

Those methods are a bit unclear to me though.

 

So you didn't create recovery DVDs? Or system image?
Did you not think a day like this will be coming !?

 

The OP doesn't want to put an image of his current system on the new HDD but do a CLEAN INSTALL.

To the OP:
If you got the upgrade of Windows 7 online back then, there must have been a key with it (because I doubt it would work on a Vista key).

If you still have the key, then it's a simple matter to download Windows 7 legitimately online, install the edition you want and then input your key.

Alternatively, you could install Vista edition you originally got and do a online Windows 7 upgrade like before (if you have previous details when you obtained the upgrade in the first place, it's possible you can do it again).

 

Step 1. Download
x86: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65732/X15-65732.iso
x64: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso

Step 2. Burn to DVD
Step 3. Install

 

I have the key still from back then.

So all I need to do is download. Burn. Install.

Sounds simple enough. So once I install the new HDD I should insert the DVD and it'll boot it up no problems?

Is there a specific way in which to burn windows 7 to the DVD? What exactly do you burn?

 

Also, if I purchased the 32-bit program, does that mean I can only download the 32 bit W7 only? I have 3GB of RAM, so I'm not sure if the 64 bit would even be efficient?

 

You can install either x86 (32bit) or x64 Win 7 with your key... just make sure you install the edition that your key was assigned to.
By 'edition' I mean: Win 7 Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate.
x64 Win7 will work just fine with 3GB, so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Yes, all you need to do is: download, burn and install.
Yes, the Win 7 will boot up without problems (you might be prompted by the laptop to press any key so you can boot from the dvd).

There is no specific method by which to burn Win 7 to the DVD really.
The image file of Win 7 is all you need, and then you use your burning program to burn it to the DVD.
Simple.

 

When you say image file of W7, is that just the .iso file that i download then burn that to the DVD?

 

Take the downloaded ISO file, then use a program to burn the ISO file to a DVD disc. The ISO file when done will be a boot-able DVD you can execute your desired fresh install with.
If not sure what to use, download BurnCDCC, simple & easy to use, does not even require to be installed.

 

Okay, got it. That makes sense. Does any recommend a particular burning program to use besides BurnCDCC?

 

Also, when do I choose which edition? The W7 I purchased was the Home Premium.

 

Windows 7 has a built in DVD burning function. The disk will automatically recognize your key as a Home Premium key. Everything's automated. Just burn and run. Can't be easier.

 

Got it. And in terms of updating my drivers what is the best way to do that with a fresh install on a new hard drive? just go to the manufacturer's website and update? And is there anything else I should be prepared to update/deal with after the installation?

 

The Dell website will have all your drivers for your laptop. Plus Windows 7 will load some of them automatically anyway.
Download the drivers before you begin and burn to a CD or place on a thumb drive.
You'll also need the .exe files for your anti-virus, install the AV, update the AV, then check Windows Updates for new patches/updates. Then loada your other software as desired.

 

Can I just download the newest driver for my laptop and that should be all i need correct? In terms of drivers. And I'll just grab the .exe files for microsfot essentials. Then i should be good?

 

Make sure you grab drivers as they apply to your OS. (i.e. 32 bit or 64 bit). Also ensure they are listed for Win 7 (or Vista ones will work also).
After that should be good - Load the OS, load the drivers, load the AV, check windows update. Verify all drivers working (Device manager), then load your other applications and software. Make sure you have any license keys etc from your old system before you re-load your new one (for the applications if applicable - for instance MS Office).

Also the linked article here may assist: http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/howto_install_windows_7_right_way

 

Make sure to download the wifi drivers (or network card drivers) so you can get access to the internet.
Once you do that, you will ensure yourself Internet access and from there you can easily find and install all of the latest drivers by going to the devices manufacturers websites (I wouldn't bother with Dell myself since virtually any manuf. of laptops stops producing new drivers after about 6 months to a year - depending really).