Clean build Win 7 on laptop with factory install?

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My H-P DTR laptop came with 64 bit Win 7 Home Premium. I have access to a Win 7 install disk. I do not want to re-install because of the pain of removing gobs of unwanted software that H-P shoves on you if rebuild from partition on HD. My question is if the key on the Microsoft hologram sticker will work with a standard 64 bit Win 7 install disk. Has anyone tried this?

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The key might work, and is worth a try. You can get a plain vanilla Win 7 HP ISO file, then burn it to disk and try to install using your original key. If it will not activate you can contact MS by phone to get an activation key. They are generally very accommodating.

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Bob,

Look into the PC DeCrapifier to remove all that junk. I’ve used it and it does a pretty good job. HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Just be careful because PC Decrapifier will show ALL APPS in addition to the junk installed and allow their removal. Some of these might be things you could use, or need. The first time I used it several years ago, it showed just the junk. The last time I used it, it seemed much more aggressive and appeared to show some things that I really would not want removed.

That’s why the “plain vanilla” Win 7 could be just the ticket.

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It will work with the key from the sticker. You will then have a clean copy of Windows without all the bloated, useless junk that HP includes… but you will also be missing many hardware drivers, or will be using the ones that come with Windows. These are often less capable than the latest driver from the hardware maker.
You will need to go to the HP support site for your exact model of computer and download the drivers from there. Install them in the order –
Chipset
Audio
Video
Everything else

Then check in device manager to make sure nothing is missing.

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