Can I modify factory installation cd?

[mike199022]

Can I modify the factory installation cd to remove all the unwanted software and install the updates to it to avoid having to do all this when I reinstall the OP?

I've used nLite for XP and I know this could be done with RT Se7en Lite... however as the recovery cds are in 4 discs how would I be able to do this?

[visruth]

Hi Mike,


There used to be Minimized Image Recovery which removes all partitions, reformats the entire hard drive, reinstalls the original Windows 7 operating system and hardware drivers.

Minimized Image Recovery does not reinstall the trial applications and games.

I am not sure this option would be there when you do recovery from external recovery media.

See this:
http://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c01867418


Regards

Visruth

[mike199022]

I was hoping I could pick and choose what software I wanted, is there anyway I could get a fresh copy of windows 7 from maybe the recovery cds I have or somewhere else and download slipstream all the drivers onto the installation and burn the disc?

[visruth]

Recovery media is not available for download from anywhere.

But you can clean install Windows 7, see Paul Tikkanen's suggestion here:
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/want-windows-7-back/m-p/5926128

Additional drivers you may have to download from your HP support page.

[mike199022]

thank you!

the windows activation key on the bottom of the laptop on the sticker has faded(some parts) how would i get that retreived?

[visruth]

No way I know of getting it than from COA sticker itself.

You could read this:
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/153626-product-key-number-windows-7-find-see.html

[mike199022]

Thank you,

If I was to read the number from that sticker, would I be able to use that number to activate a fresh clean copy of windows 7?

plus, i've already done my 4 back up discs(only allowed one set) is there anyway I could create another pair? like maybe doing a copy of the recovery partition or something?

and also does it matter if I get the N version of the download or just the SP1 COEM version?

[visruth]

Yes you would be able to use it to activate clean install of Windows 7.

No you cannot create Recovery media again in any manner.

Try the version that is suitable. I'll go with SP1 COEM first.

[mike199022]

thank you, i've downloaded all the drivers I can see, but RT seven lite need .inf files but the intel chipset installation utility has loads of .inf files. I've extracted all the .exe driver files to get the .inf's.

Even the  Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver doesn't have any .inf in it, how do i go about sorting this?

plus what drivers do i need?

[visruth]

What is the full model name, product number of your laptop?

Did you install Windows 7 exact version, that came with laptop from factory?

Did you download drivers from your HP support page?