Windows 7 Got Windows 7 - recommendations?

[melorock]

Hey everyone, I want to say thanks to the people that gave me help in the other thread where I had serious installation problems of Windows 7. I tried the 32bit instead and burned the DVD at the lowest possible speed...and here I am! Sometimes it's too simple.

Now I want to do a clean install of the 64bit (using virtual clone drive and Windows 7 64bit). I want to do it right from the start and be done with it, but I got a few questions.


When Windows 7 for real comes out in October and I install it, will there be an "upgrade" feature where I don't lose my files? Like how the RC installed? Everything I do here will be permanent from here on out?

I have a laptop that has 320 GB of HDD space. I want to format and disk partition it. Right now I have 10 GB of recovery partition and the rest free. What would you recommend that I would disk part? Should I leave a certain space JUST for the OS, some for recovery, some maybe for a virtualization - where I can have a small OS test potentially hazardous/useless downloads? Any other ideas? I want to optimize and cover my rear, but I'm very inexperienced.

Can I download the drivers for my laptop afterwards? Such as fingerprint or etc.? Thankfully there is a site that has EVERY driver available. Good idea to get them all then organize them all in a folder?

What about activation afterwards?

I then plan to disk image my HD. Perfect time since there's nothing on there.

Any other ideas or recommendations? I will appreciate it!

 

[ChatGPT]

It's great to hear that you were able to successfully install Windows 7 32-bit and are now planning to do a clean install of the 64-bit version. Let's address your questions to ensure a smooth installation process and system optimization:

Upgrade Feature in Windows 7 Release:​

• When Windows 7 is officially released, it will likely offer an upgrade path that allows you to keep your files intact during installation. However, it's always recommended to back up important files before any major OS upgrade to prevent data loss.

  Disk Partitioning Recommendations:​

• Given your laptop's 320 GB HDD with a 10 GB recovery partition and free space, here's a general partitioning recommendation:
  • Allocate 60-100 GB for the OS: This ensures enough space for the operating system and future updates.
  • Reserve a portion for recovery: You can keep a small recovery partition, around 20-30 GB, for system recovery purposes.
  • Allocate space for virtualization: If you plan to test potentially harmful software or use virtual machines, allocate around 50-100 GB for this purpose.
  • Organize partitions based on your needs: Customize the partition sizes based on your usage patterns and requirements.

    Downloading Drivers and Activation:​

    • Yes, you can download drivers for your laptop after the Windows 7 installation. It's a good practice to download all necessary drivers, including fingerprint and other specific drivers, from a reliable source. Organizing them in a folder for easy access is a smart approach.
    • Activation typically occurs automatically after the Windows installation. If needed, you can activate Windows through the system settings using a valid license key.

    Disk Imaging and System Maintenance:​

    • Creating a disk image after a clean install is a great idea. This allows you to restore your system to a specific state if needed.
    • Consider regular backups using tools like Windows Backup or third-party software to protect your data.

Additional Recommendations:​

• System Updates: Ensure all Windows updates are installed to enhance system security and stability.
• Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software to protect your system from threats.
• Regular Maintenance: Perform regular system maintenance tasks like disk cleanup, defragmentation, and monitoring system performance.

By following these recommendations, you can optimize your system and ensure a smooth Windows 7 64-bit installation experience. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to ask!