The HP Laptop Out-Of-The-Box Guide 2.0 for Windows 7

[deeastman]

If you do a fresh install do you lose the recovery partition? If you do is it restored when you use the recovery disc's?

You do NOT lose the recovery partition unless you make a deliberate effort to completely format the HD using the advanced menu during an install. As a matter of fact any data on your C: drive will still be there even if you do a clean install unless you delete the data or format the partition before you do the install (from personal experience).

Restoring your PC with the recovery discs DOES restore the recovery partition.

Also is there a major (or any) performance difference between a fresh install and just uninstalling the unnecessary apps?

Not as much difference as many would lead you to believe. While you would be pleased with a squeaky clean install, it is not necessarily the right approach for everyone, especially if you are not too technically inclined and don't want to make decisions as to what software to reinstall. You would also be pleased with an upgrade vs. a clean install should you make that choice.

[mattmjb0188]

Awesome Guide, this deserves a sticky

[thebranded]

cheers v3loc1ty2.0 and deeastman, was going to do a full install of 7 Pro, but might just stick to a upgrade.

The restore partition as long as it does not take to much room is great to have (for me especially!)

now just have to wait for HP to decide to send me my Envy....

[v3loc1ty2.0]

Thanks. Glad to help. And a HUGE thanks to you for getting this altogether and making sure it's right!!!

There are also numerous items in the start menu (and in program files and program files (86x) ) that are not on the add/remove list but are clearly garbage (eg NetZeroPreloader, Juno preloaders, quicken free trial etc..) Would more information on these type of items be helpful?

Yeah sure, thanks

I have also noticed that after uninstallation, Microsoft Works has left over a folder that contains a file called "aw.dll ". Usually I like to double check but it was 5 am so I deleted anyway. So far no problems!! I can only assume some other programs have done the same thing (eg I found a "MYHPgames" icon even though I removed that too)

ETA: On my original list.. I swear I got rid of it, but it still lists HP Total Care Advisor, which shouldn't be there because it wasn't on the list on my PC (replaced with just "HP Advisor")

I'll add a part to the guide that says to delete any folders that are still present from uninstalled software after a restart

I also removed the double listing for HP advisor

Rhapsody is also still present.. just not on the add/remove. can the Rhapsody and Rhapsody-related files just be deleted?

If its not in add/remove then you should be able to just delete

[Serg]

May I suggest Revo Uninstaller as a good tool?
It deletes everything, including registry and all traces of the program.
I use it, and it sure cleans everything left.

[v3loc1ty2.0]

May I suggest Revo Uninstaller as a good tool?
It deletes everything, including registry and all traces of the program.
I use it, and it sure cleans everything left.

looks good, ill check it out and add it

[dannyres]

HP Advisor has one thing that is really useful - the battery check application. It is worth installing every now and then just to make sure your battery is still ok.

[v3loc1ty2.0]

Just updated post #3 with Service Guide Links

[v3loc1ty2.0]

HP Advisor has one thing that is really useful - the battery check application. It is worth installing every now and then just to make sure your battery is still ok.

I think you can use BatteryCare instead of this, plus it provides more battery saving functions and tells the wear on the battery

[dannyres]

I think you can use BatteryCare instead of this, plus it provides more battery saving functions and tells the wear on the battery

If you have a faulty battery HP Advisor gives you a warranty ID # that allows you to call HP and get it replaced. No other tool can do that..