So, you just bought a new HP laptop? Congratulations and here starts your journey of optimization.

1. CREATE HP RECOVERY DISCS, Do not do anything else in this guide without doing this. Creating these discs will allow you to restore your computer to a factory state at any time if you mess up. To create these discs, click the start orb, and type in recovery. Click the program called recovery disc creation, and follow the prompts. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU COULD RENDER YOUR SYSTEM INOPERABLE IF YOU MESS UP AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIX IT WITH A SIMPLE RESTORE. Also, back up your SwSetup folder (C:\SwSetup) to a DVD for original software and drivers (THIS IS REQUIRED if you have a fingerprint sensor/other special device that needs HP software - due to licensing problems, these programs will not be available on the HP site for download). If you do not backup SwSetup, and you need a driver from it, you will need to use the recovery discs to restore to factory to obtain these drivers/software.

1.1. Do you have a Windows 7 disc? If you need a Windows 7 disc, you can download one legally (see this thread for more info: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=428068 ) If you have obtained a disc proceed to step 2, If not, then go straight to step 3

2. If you have access to a Windows 7 disc (The original disc from step 1.1, NOT recovery discs from step 1) use this app to backup your original activation:

download: http://directedge.us/files/abr/ABRbeta.exe
source (scroll down to the beta version): http://directedge.us/content/abr-activatio...kup-and-restore (thanks orev and justinkw1)

-make sure you keep the program and the backup file it makes on a flash drive or cd so that you can restore it once you reinstall
This will back up your original OEM cert and key, which will allow you to reactivate without the mess usually necessary to activate with the key on the bottom of the laptop.

Pop in the DVD/USB drive and install Windows 7

Once the Win7 has booted up after the reinstall, use the program above to restore your OEM activation.

Once you have done this, Proceed to step 4, as you do not need to uninstall any bloatware

3. If you dont have access to a Windows 7 disc, proceed with uninstalling HP bloatware:

See Post #2 for bloatware info

4. Now, since you have no anti-virus software (either because of a clean install, or uninstalling Norton) install your antivirus software of choice. Click here for a listing of reviews and ratings of anti-virus software.

Also, you can check out the Security and Anti-Virus Software subforum in the Windows OS and Software forum

5. With your computer cleaned and protected, its time for some real optimization:
First off, install any updates for windows.
Then follow this guide by Les (flamenko) to optimize your notebook.
And/ or this guide by jpzsports to optimize your notebook.
NOTE: Make sure you read thoroughly into these threads to get the best results. I would not recommend skimming the guide and then attempting to optimize. Following the procedures in these guides incorrectly could result in damage to your computer.

6. Install the latest drivers for your computer components (THIS IS A REQUIRED STEP IF YOU DID A CLEAN INSTALL). You can find these at http://support.hp.com, or you can use the various driver threads in this forum. You should especially get new drivers for your graphics card:
NVIDIA cards: http://www.nvidia.com/drivers, http://laptopvideo2go.com
AMD/ATI cards, use Mobility Modder with drivers from AMD’s website: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx, http://www.driverheaven.net/modtool.php

7. Now, with your computer running smoothly, install your software. If you need software, check out this thread: dbam987's Ever-Growing Free Windows Software List

8. Read up on keeping your notebook running well. Check out these guides:
Useful Guides in Post #4
Maintainance and Service Guide Links in Post #3

Once again, congratulations on getting a new notebook, and enjoy!

I will add more steps as I get the time.


If you have any suggestions for the guide, post them in the comments section on the notebook guide page on my website: http://codesagar.com/content/guides/hpnotebooknew1.html

Also, join the NBR HP Team