Replace compact version of Win 7 ?

[Walter R.]

I just bought a Compaq computer with Win 7 -64 bit Home/Premium,
pre-installed. Athlon II dual, 3 GB memory. I don't like being tethered to
Compaq software and hardware and would prefer to run the generic version of
Windows 7.

Can I just reformat the c: drive with the Compaq version of Win 7, and
install a store-bought version of Windows 7 - 64 bit?

Thank you

 

[C]

I just bought a Compaq computer with Win 7 -64 bit Home/Premium,
pre-installed. Athlon II dual, 3 GB memory. I don't like being tethered to
Compaq software and hardware and would prefer to run the generic version of
Windows 7.

Can I just reformat the c: drive with the Compaq version of Win 7, and
install a store-bought version of Windows 7 - 64 bit?

Thank you

Yes, but make sure you get the drivers from the Compaq site first. It
will probably void your warranty so you might want to consider getting a
new hard drive and install the generic version on that so if something
else goes wrong with the lap top, you can reinsert the old hard drive
before sending it in for repair.

C

 

[philo]

I just bought a Compaq computer with Win 7 -64 bit Home/Premium,
pre-installed. Athlon II dual, 3 GB memory. I don't like being tethered to
Compaq software and hardware and would prefer to run the generic version of
Windows 7.

Can I just reformat the c: drive with the Compaq version of Win 7, and
install a store-bought version of Windows 7 - 64 bit?

Thank you

If you don't like Compaq software, no problem...it can be uninstalled
through the control panel.

It will be a hell of a lot easier and cheaper to just uninstall what you
don't want. I do that all the time on the machines I work on.

But your second point ...
if you do not like Compaq hardware...then why did you buy a Compaq?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I just bought a Compaq computer with Win 7 -64 bit Home/Premium,
pre-installed. Athlon II dual, 3 GB memory. I don't like being tethered to
Compaq software and hardware and would prefer to run the generic version of
Windows 7.

Well, if you are going to use a Compaq computer, you are tethered to
Compaq hardware, unless you want to take the computer apart and
replace the components, piece by piece.

But you aren't tethered to Compaq software. You are essentially
running the same thing as a generic version of Windows 7, but with
additional Compaq software (and perhaps other brands of software)
installed. You could uninstall all those extra pieces (usually the
easiest course of action) or do as you propose below. I would
uninstall what you don't want, since it's easier and doesn't cost
anything.

Can I just reformat the c: drive with the Compaq version of Win 7, and
install a store-bought version of Windows 7 - 64 bit?

Yes, but there's no reason to first reformat with the Compaq version.
Just boot from the new CD and take the option to do a clean
installation. It will format for you.

 

[Walter R.]

Hi Ken. Thanks

You said "Just boot from the new CD and take the option to do a clean
installation".

Sounds good, I only wonder if the generic version of Windows will have all
the drivers for the hardware stuff in my compaq computer.

 

[Walter R.]

Actually, it was my mistake when I bought the Compaq computer. I did not
realize that it came with the Win 7 Home/Premium 64 bit version.
What I really needed was the Pro or Ultimate Version. Just plain dumb.

So, now I have to buy a Pro version and try to install it on my Compaq, if
it can be done. The Compaq hardware looks quite good - provided I can
install a generic Pro version on it.

 

[philo]

Actually, it was my mistake when I bought the Compaq computer. I did not
realize that it came with the Win 7 Home/Premium 64 bit version.
What I really needed was the Pro or Ultimate Version. Just plain dumb.

So, now I have to buy a Pro version and try to install it on my Compaq, if
it can be done. The Compaq hardware looks quite good - provided I can
install a generic Pro version on it.

I am sure it can be done with no problems...

I have been fooling with both Vista and Win7 for a while

and for any new H/W it's pretty likely all drivers will be avail.


OTOH: The Home version *might* be good enough for you ?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi Ken. Thanks

You said "Just boot from the new CD and take the option to do a clean
installation".

Sounds good, I only wonder if the generic version of Windows will have all
the drivers for the hardware stuff in my compaq computer.

Is it a desktop or a laptop? If it's a desktop, it's unlikely that
drivers will be a problem. But if it's a laptop, they could well be a
problem. Ask Compaq.

 

[kreed]

Hi Ken. Thanks

You said "Just boot from the new CD and take the option to do a clean
installation".

Sounds good, I only wonder if the generic version of Windows will have
all
the drivers for the hardware stuff in my compaq computer.

Is it a desktop or a laptop? If it's a desktop, it's unlikely that
drivers will be a problem. But if it's a laptop, they could well be a
problem. Ask Compaq.



Why not do an Anytime Update? Just enter the new serial number and W7 will
install the extra software without affecting your drivers
K