1. You should always back up.
2. Always make a System Image and a System Repair Disc
a) System Repair Disc requires a CD/DVD or Flash Drive (I recommend at least 8 GB
or higher for breathing room and better performance in addition to being able to
make copies of it just in case you lose your Pocket aka Flash).
b) System Image is strongly recommended to be backed up to something more stable
such as an EXHDD (external hard drive) or otherwise obtain another FLASH (not a
CD/DVD (no sufficient space) with at least 16 GB or higher - which I recommend a
64 GB (hold your horses here as why 64 GB before you jump the gun).
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When you restart Windows - do not select reinstallation (if you have 1 TB or higher you can do this and still have your files and the files there will become ".old" which will enable you to preserve your database without any loss); instead - click on CUSTOMIZED - ADVANCED - then ignoring what is there (because you want your files right?) then proceed as normal. (If you mess up, you can always go back and delete that specific partition that was created and still have your original Win 7 OS.)
However, if you already proceeded without having done this - your best option would be contacting HP at www.hp.com - going to your OS (32 bit / x86 platform or 64 bit); make, model at their download services. HP may already have the SP 2 of Win 7 out to download instead of the original version (sans the SP 2); go ahead and download it for it will save you hoards of time of having to "catch up" on Windows Update just to get to SP 2.
If you had just obtained this product, which probably most likely still under warranty; you very well may have the high chances of having it all restored at no cost to you. If I were you with the Tech, I would push the buttons in obtaining the CD ROM for the Win 7 (whatever the version applies) in SP 2 for free for all the trouble you've had to endure if you asked nicely, they might mail it to you and this way; you can be able to reinstall it plus if you ever crash - you always have that disk (or disc) in handy.[/ul]
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NOW going back to the 64 GB flash - - WHY?
If it is all possible to have everything stored into that flash (before SP 2) System Repair and System Image; DO IT!
After the SP 2 (Service Pack 2) has been installed; you have the privilege of doing the same thing again - creating System Repair and System Image but before you do:
[ul]
1. Take Ownership of the file folders by:
a) right clicking on Properties
b) click on ADVANCED
c) in each and every one of them, make sure Trusted Installer, System, Creator is
removed and add your name plus additional
i) You can create additional priviledges such as Administrator in Computer Manage-
ment:
Locate Users and Groups
Open and click on Users
Find Administrator
Right click Properties
Give it a Name other that "Administrator" - in next tab make sure it is in the same
group as you are in and if you want the Administrator to have additional
priliveges; you can.
Then set Password - make it difficult, uncheck account disabled, password never
expires, once clicking apply, go back and right click properties and check to
make sure that "User changes password on logon" is unchecked (sometimes
this pops up).
You can add additional people if not already members in there; reviewing what
privileges they have. But keep Administrators to the minmum for safety's sake!
2. Right Click in Properties after having taken ownership of the old original files:
a) Click on "Hidden"
b) Rename Files to "old" - System Repair Old for example
b) Click on "ADVANCED"
NOTE: Write down the encryption you wish to use temporarily
[i][b] Doing this prevents the SP 2 from overwriting the original files which you do not want this to happen [/i][/b]
Now proceed in creating a new Repair and Image of SP 2; once this has been done.
Decrypt and unhide the OLD files but leave the name "OLD" on there so you would know which file was which. Store your Flash in a safe place for you can only make one copy. The reason for the 64 GB is because it offers more room and you can also move your file folders in there if necessary (please, by all means, leave at least 13 GB space to breathe) such as documents, photos, music - but it is generally a good idea to store those separately in another flash. If your OS is not a huge OS, a 32 GB may be well sufficient. Consult with a HP Tech to find out which would be best.
In my humble opinion - one would never know if there would ever be a SP 3, for even Win XP goes all the way up to .... go figure how many SP's that version has! Better to play it safe than sorry.
