Clean Vista install WITH NO ACTIVATION

[rtrdogs]

Sorry to ask this here but it seems like it goes with the WAU disc questions.

I followed the link to go to CompUSA to buy my WAU disc and got this confirmation Email:

Subject: CompUSA Order WB##### Software Download Instructions

Body: The following software download order (#WB#####) has been approved. Please retain a copy of this message for your records.

It goes on to give order details and stuff but no "software download instructions."

I didn't think it was a download and everyone here seems to be getting them in the mail, which is what I expected. I didn't have any download instructions within the Email but I wasn't sure if something had changed.

Anyone else get this? I figure the disc is coming in the mail. The order status still says Open. Anyway, thought I'd ask.

Thanks!

[nobscot6]

Sorry to ask this here but it seems like it goes with the WAU disc questions.

I followed the link to go to CompUSA to buy my WAU disc and got this confirmation Email:

Subject: CompUSA Order WB##### Software Download Instructions

Body: The following software download order (#WB#####) has been approved. Please retain a copy of this message for your records.

It goes on to give order details and stuff but no "software download instructions."

I didn't think it was a download and everyone here seems to be getting them in the mail, which is what I expected. I didn't have any download instructions within the Email but I wasn't sure if something had changed.

Anyone else get this? I figure the disc is coming in the mail. The order status still says Open. Anyway, thought I'd ask.
Thanks!

It ISN'T a download, it just says that when you buy the disk from CompUSA. It will be shipped to you, usually takes about a week to get it. The only way to get it quicker, is if you know someone that has the Anytime Upgrade Disk(32bit) uploaded on the internet

[Steeler7588]

You have "install drivers" as both steps 21 and 23. Does that mean to only install a few first, then others later? Or should we just do it at step #23?

Also, is the order that we install drivers important?

[orev]

You have "install drivers" as both steps 21 and 23. Does that mean to only install a few first, then others later? Or should we just do it at step #23?

Also, is the order that we install drivers important?

Good catch. Fixed.

[OutsideTheBun]

*edit* Nevermind, I figured it out. Thanks OREV for this awesome informational thread. I did a clean Vista install and Windows installed most of the drivers I needed without me having to do anything. VERY happy here, everything seems to be working OK.

[gpgofast]

I just reformatted my wife's Christmas gift, a Compaq C714NR that I got for $399 at BestBuy. The bloat on the machine was overwhelming. I followed the guide exactly and have to say, this was the EASIEST reformat of ANY new PC I've ever accomplished. Great guide and a great tool. I could not find the WAU folder on my machine. I used a retail Anytime Upgrade CD that I have. Worked perfectly. Being able to restore an OS without the software from the OEM is fantastic.

[Steeler7588]

Did this yesterday once my WAU and Office Ultimate disks came in. I was a little unsure about the drivers' installation, but that wasn't bad at all. Excellent guide.

[orev]

I'm glad the guide has been useful for everyone.

Also, thanks to everyone for the rep points!

[Steeler7588]

What controls the clicking noises associated with volume changes? Everything else is working fine except for the clicks.

I reinstalled QuickPlay and the Quick Launch Buttons from my SwSetup folder, and nothing changed. I tried to get the newest version of QLB off HP's site, but something's wrong with the link they have. I installed the Microsoft Intellitype software to get the volume display, could that be affecting the clicks?

[orev]

There is an option in the BIOS that enables the clicks, but some have reported that it doesn't help. Also make sure you install the Realtek audio driver. If that doesn't help, I'm not sure Maybe someone else knows. For me, I want them quiet, which is why I never figured it out.