How to install Windows 7 on my Hp a6302f Desktop?

[ratonjd]

Hello everyone. I'm glad that i found this forum. Here is my issue:

I want to make a clean Install of Windows 7 on my preloaded Vista desktop Hp a6302f. How can I install a new clean Windows 7? How should I format the computer? any new drivers or things I have to do before upgrading, or just insert the Windows 7 instalation disk and follow instructions on the screen? I want to use my own Windows 7 disc and not one ordered from HP. 

Any suggestions? Thanks a lot.

John.

[c0rnel · Accepted solution]

Hi, and welcome.

To make a clean install of Windows 7 what you do is simply back up your current files to a disc or flash drive or hard drive to make sure you save your documents,etc because all data will be erased and also create your original Recovery discs in case you need to go back to Vista in the future.

Then you simpl put in the disc, restart the pc hit ESC or just wait and make sure it boots from the cd/dvd drive and follow the steps and choose Custom install/clean install, format your disc to erase them or click delete on all drives and then format, then go next and let it do it's thing.

Keep in mind if you need some drivers for Windows 7 such as wireless devices or printer you may be able to use the drivers supplies for vista byhp at the link below for your pc and choose either 32bit or 64bit version depending which Windows 7 version you install and that should work.

Or simply plug in your pc physically to the modem/router because Windows 7 should install just about most ethernet drivers on install and you should be able to connect to the internet and do Windows Updates and go from there to get further drivers.

Hope this helps.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=3644917&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us

[ratonjd]

Hi c0rnel. Wow, I didn't know it was so easy to install!

I want to install Windows 7 Ultimate, I guess I must install the 32 bit version right? or how can I find out which version is more compatible with my system? Thanks a lot again!!

[c0rnel]

The best way to tell is to looks at which version you currently have installed. If you have Windows VIsta 32bit installed right now then i recommend you install Windows 7 Home premium or Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit version as that will work fine with your driver/software.

Now if your pc has 4GB of ram or more I recommend Windows 7 home premium x64 or Windows 7 Ultimate x64bit since it seems to run faster and it can see/use more ram when needed compared to 32bit operating system.

However, 64bit may be a problem with older driver/software otherwise it runs fine.

[ratonjd]

Wonderful! thank you so much for your help!

Take care!

[c0rnel]

U 2. No problem.

[PC_Tester]

If you install Windows 7 you will need to install this patch

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976972

You will need to click on the link below and choose between 32

and 64-bit

Show hotfixes for all platforms and languages (2)

[ratonjd]

Hello c0rnel. I wanted to ask you a quick question since I'm confused. I already got my copy of Windows 7 Ultimate but when I click to install is asking me where to install Windows.. the problem is that I have 2 partitions:

Disk0 Partition 1: HP ( System)

Disk Partition 2 : FACTORY IMAGE ( Primary)

Should I delete partition 2? what is installed on partition 2? the current Windows Vista or just HP configuration.?

Thanks a lot for the advise.

[CherylG]

"Put in the disc, restart the pc hit ESC or just wait and make sure it boots from the cd/dvd drive and follow the steps and choose Custom install/clean install, format your disc to erase them or click delete on all drives and then format, then go next and let it do it's thing."

[ratonjd]

That's where i'm confused. Should I delete the D: partition during the Windows 7 installation or  before the install using disk management? or it doesn't matter. There's also a menu to delete the partition under Recovery Manager, Advanced, then click " remove recovery partition" which option is the less risky? thanks a lot.