[Guide] HP Notebook Formatting Guide

[Scirwode]

Author's Notes

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise on my behalf for taking so long in releasing this guide. I know there is no reason for me to do it and I won?t get paid for releasing it but I have broken a promise I made some time ago to others on this site. I have been besotted by problems that not only hinder me physically but also mentally as well. I know it is not much of an excuse so again I apologise for this.

The last six months have been a blur to me where I was just a shell of my former self, a person who has lost his sense of direction and dedication. Only now, am I slowly beginning to return to where I was before and my life has come to some semblance that resembles normality. Hopefully, by posting this guide, it is the beginning of a small spark that will help me finish a journey long delayed in my life.

Again, I apologise for the delay and hope that in time this guide will benefit you in the long run, just as it has benefitted me by putting me on the right path again.Version 1.0:b> First guide postedIntroductionb>

As of the year 2006, HP does not provide any OS CD's with every purchase of a new notebook. Instead, they provide a recovery partition that restores your notebook to a factory state if you wish to have a problem removed. Unfortunately, this will also restore all the unnecessary programs that will practically slow down your computer to a point where it becomes unusable. Now you must be wondering, what's so hard about it when you could just use your own copy of Windows and format the notebook with it?

This is not an issue when using a different Windows XP CD to format and install the OS on an AMD powered notebook. However, with an Intel powered notebook, installation using a Windows XP CD which is not certified by HP will be met with an error during the installation process. This is due to the Intel SATA AHCI Controller Driver as the driver does not exist in the Windows XP installation CD. Windows Vista, which is the latest operating system from Microsoft, has the driver in its database but considering that Windows Vista hasn't been released yet, this is a moot point.

HP does provide the necessary OS CD that does not bring up the driver errors and will ship it to you if requested. Unfortunately, this will incur additional charges of at least $10. Considering that it should already be included with your new purchase, this is hardly something that can be tolerated. This is very much a pity considering that HP is now the number 1 manufacturer in the world and their notebooks have a very aesthetic and pleasing design that is not too far behind Apple.

I am however going to try and change all that by providing this guide on how you could format your notebook by using your own copy of Windows and the necessary steps needed to ensure a successful reinstallation. I will also provide the necessary steps on how to reinstall HP QuickPlay onto its respective partition. For those of you who do not know, HP QuickPlay is a media front-end that allows you to play music, videos and DVD's without booting into Windows.

The guide will be based on the HP Pavilion dv5000t but will also work with the HP Pavilion dv2000t, dv6000t, dv8000t and dv9000t with only a few differences otherwise. The only Compaq notebook that is applicable with this guide is the Compaq Presario v3000t and only covers the reinstallation part, not HP QuickPlay. For AMD powered notebooks, the relevant points applicable with this guide are the HP QuickPlay partition and installation process. If you however find otherwise, please contact me so I can make the necessary changes to the guide.Methods Availableb>

Before we begin, you will need to ensure that you have everything you need to make your installation successful and back up all the necessary files. If you haven't done so, burn the Recovery Disks and place them in a safe place. <BACK UPb> your SWSETUP folder which includes all the necessary drivers for your notebook plus a few extras (such as wallpapers located in the Brandit folder).

There are 3 methods available to install the Intel SATA AHCI Controller Driver that is necessary for the installation of Windows to be successful. I will however only show you two as the third method is much harder to understand and would require a lot of experience and knowledge for it to be successful. Here is a list of what we need for both methods:First Methodb>

• Windows XP Installation CD
  
• USB External Floppy Drive
  
• Empty floppy disk
  
• Installation driver(SWSETUP folder and/or HP Online Downloads)i>Second Methodb>
  • Windows XP Installation CD
    
  • nLit(to integrate SATA driver into Windows installation CD)i>
    
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 2.(for nLite to run)i>
    
  • Empty CD-R
    
  • Installation driver(SWSETUP folder and/or HP Online Downloads)i>
  Necessary Drivers & Patchesb>
  Although there are many drivers and applications listed in the SWSETUP folder, only a few are essential to your installation. Here are most of the basic drivers needed for your notebook to run smoothly, which is according to my notebook, the HP Pavilion dv5000t:
  
  • Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audio Conexant High Definition Audio Drive Support Software for HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth Wireless Technology Intel Chipset Installation Utility for ICH7 System Default Settings HP QuickPlay DirectPlay Texas Instruments Media Card Driver Conexant HDAUDIO Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP Intel PRO Network Adapter Driver HP Quick Launch Buttons HP QuickPlay NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 and 7600 Graphics Driver Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers HP Wireless Assistant
    

  If you wish to use the online SoftPaq drivers, here are the most up-to-date drivers available for download, according to my notebook:

  • Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audio Conexant HDAUDIO Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP Conexant High Definition Audio Drive High-Speed Secure Digital (SD) Card Driver Intel PRO Network Adapter Driver HP Wireless Assistant HP Battery Check System Default Settings Intel SATA AHCI Controller Driver Intel Matrix Storage Manager Intel Chipset Installation Utility for ICH7 HP Quick Launch Buttons Support Software for HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth Wireless Technology NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 and 7600 Graphics Driver Fix for Issue with WMDRM Protected Content Texas Instruments Media Card Driver Help and Support Center *WinFlash Utility for HP Notebook System BIOS - Windows-Based Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers Diagnostics for Windows*The SP33713 flashes your notebook to support Merom processors. If you have a Core 2 Duo notebook, chances are you don't need it.i>
    To access the SoftPaq drivers, navigate to the HP main page, click on Software & Drivers Downloads and insert the product number of your notebook. If it is a custom-to-order notebook, insert CTO at the end of your entryExample: HP Pavilion dv5000t CTO.i>
    Listed here are a few drivers that will enhance you HP QuickPlay installation, including the necessary HP QuickPlay 2.3 updates and skin packs, which can be accessed through the HP QuickPlay Updates and Enhancements tab.
    
    • HP DVD Audio Pack 3015
      
    • HP QuickPlay 2.3 Update
      
    • HP QuickPlay Skinpack 2.1 To 2.3
      
    • HP QuickPlay Update 3514
      
    • HP QuickPlay Update Patch
      

  Although there will be variations concerning drivers on different notebook models such as display and media card drivers, most of it will generally be the same and/or placed in the same locations. Most of the SoftPaq definitions also generally apply to most of the notebooks covered in this guide.

  As for me, I use the online SoftPaq drivers as they are the latest and generally offer fixes to problems in some drivers. The only installation drivers that I use arQPWb> anHPQPDPb>.

  REMINDER: BACK UP SWSETUP Folderb>

  Please <BACK UPb> your SWSETUP folder located in the C:\ drive of your computer. It includes the HP QuickPlay installation folde(QPW)b> and the HP QuickPlay DirectPla(HPQPDP)b>. If you lose the SWSETUP folder, you will have a hard time recovering these two files as HP does not upload it online on their Support site and it is very hard to get it elsewhere.

  Let me relate to you from my experience what had happened when I accidently formatted my external hard disk, which unfortunately had the SWSETUP folder on it. When I realised what had happened, I quickly contacted HP to see if I could recover those files. However, HP did not have the same model with them at that time so they could not help me. I tried asking at the shops that have the same model on offer if I can get the files. Unfortunately, I needed to pay between RM10-20 to get the files burned onto a DVD, even when I said I could just copy it with my external hard disk.

  Thankfully, I managed to find a sympathetic shopkeeper who allowed me to copy the files for free. And even then he was worried because some of the files inside the SWSETUP folder are unique to each notebook. But as most of those files are bloatware, I reassured him that his fears are unnecessary.

  So again I remind you, please <BACK UPb> your SWSETUP folder, preferably on DVD and keep it somewhere safe so you don?t have to go through what I had to go throughInstalling Windows XP<First Method

  The first method involves using an external floppy drive for the SATA driver to be installed in Windows XP. Although in some ways this method is easier, don?t be fooled. HP has actually made it harder by limiting the number of external floppy drives that are supported for SATA installation. So far, I have learned that HP and Imation Floppy Drives are one the few that is fully compatible with this process.

  My external drive, which is a Mitsumi Floppy Drive though branded by IBM, would sometimes works but at other times fail during the installation process. However, for others who have external floppy drives and would like to see if this method is applicable for you, then please proceed. If it does, please inform me of the results such as the brand of your floppy drive used so I can add it into my guide for the benefit of everyone involved.

  Before we insert the Windows XP CD, we must first install the SATA driver onto an empty floppy disk. There are 2 ways of doing it, either using the SATA drivX:\SWSETUP\HDD\F6flpy32.exexe or using the SoftPaq dSP3247878, which launches the installation process. Once this is done, we can then insert the Windows XP CD and reboot the computer.

  Make sure the floppy disk is not yet inserted when your notebook is rebooting as there is a high probability that the disk could be corrupted. Once the notebook has rebooted and you have press ENTER to boot the CD in your drive, get reapress F6F6 when it asks you if you wish to install a third party SCSI/RAID driver. Doing so would allow you to install the SATA driver.

  Upon accessing all the necessary files, it will ask you to insert your floppy disk and press s. Do so now and press ENTER and a menu should show up with 4 drivers available on the disk. The driver that you need to select is Intel® 82801GBM SATA AHCI Controller (Mobile ICH7M)M). Select it and press ENTER. An installation process would appear and when it is finished, you will return to the first menu. Continue your installation and you should reach the Windows XP installation splash page with no problems.

  Proceed tPartitions for Windows & HP QuickPlayay for the next step in your reinstallation proceSecond Methodod

  The second method requires a bit more effort on your part for your Windows installation to be successful. But it is also much more foolproof in a sense that if you do it properly, you will have a problem free installation. This method requires you to slipstream the SATA driver into your Windows XP installation CD by using nLite.

  NLite is a wonderful program that allows you to enhance your Windows installation by allowing you to add drivers, patches and software. It also allows you to remove programs that you have no wish to install such as Windows Messenger. If you wish to learn more, here is an excellent guide provided by rado354 who also lists out software that can be integrated into your Windows XP installation CD.

  I, however, will only concentrate on the process to integrate the SATA driver into your Windows XP installation CD. I would recommend for those who are using nLite for the first time to just integrate the SATA driver first before trying anything else. Make sure you have nLite installed along with Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0.

  Let us begin the proceStep-by-step Analogygy

  Before we begin, make sure that you have everything you need for the process to go smoothly. Copy the contents of your Windows XP CD to a folder on your desktop. You may rename it if you wish to but I prefer to follow the CD drive name given by the Windows XP CD. In this guide, I?m using my Windows XP Home Service Pack 1 as the test CD for this process.

  

  • Launch nLite and you will be greeted with the nLite splash page. Select your language and click Next.
    

  

  

  

  • You will be greeted with a menu that asks for the location of your Windows XP installation folder. Locate the folder and once you have selected it, click Next.
    

  

  • You will encounter a preset page which stores your previous nLite sessions. If you do not wish to load any presets or if this is your first time with nLite, ignore this menu and click Next.
    

  

  

  • You will arrive at the Task Selection menu, which lists the many tasks that you may wish to conduct on your Windows XP installation CD. For this part, we will seleIntegrate Driversvers<Create Bootable ISO ISO. Once this is done, click Next.
    

  

  

  • In the Drivers menu, click on Insert and browse for the SATA driver, which is locatediastor.inf.inf file. You may use either your floppy disk drive if you have created a SATA disk or select the fileX:SWSETUP\HDD\iastor.inf.inf.
    

  

  

  • In the Storage Device Textmode Driver, selIntel® 82801GBM SATA AHCI Controller (Mobile ICH7M)H7M). Once you have done so, select OK and click Next.
    

  

  

  • It will ask if you wish to start the process in the next menu. Click Yes and wait for the driver to be slipstreamed into your Windows XP installation. Once it is done, click Next.
    

  

  • Upon reaching the Bootable ISO menu, label the ISO and click on the Make ISO option. It will then proceed with making a Bootable ISO that can be burned onto a CD.
    

  

  • An ISO file should be created once the process is done. If so, you may now close nLite and proceed with the next step.
    

  You may now burn the newly created Windows XP installation onto a CD. Use any CD burning software that you are familiar with but for this guide, I will show you how to burn the ISO onto a CD using Nero 6.

  • Launch Nero 6, select the Recorder drop down menu and click on Burn Image
    
  • Select the ISO that you have just created and click Open.
    
  • A Burn Compilation menu will appear. If you wish to adjust anything, you may do so but if not just click Burn. It will burn the ISO onto the CD and when it is done, your new Windows XP installation CD, complete with the necessary SATA driver is complete.
    

  You may now restart your notebook and use your newly created installation disk to install Windows XP. Proceed with the normal process in starting up the Windows XP installation process. With this method, there is no need for you to press F6 to install a third party SCSI/RAID driver. You should now be on the Windows XP installation splash page and are ready to proceed with the next Partitions for Windows & HP QuickPlayPlay

  Proceed with the normal steps in installing Windows XP by pressing ENTER and agreeing to the terms by pressing F8. After arriving at the Create Partitions menu, you should notice 3 partitions on your main hard drive. The first is the C:\ partition which is your Windows installation while the second is the HP QuickPlay partition. The third should be the HP_RECOVERY partition, which numbers around a few GB?s or so.

  If you wish, you may leave the HP_RECOVERY partition as it is but it has no further use considering that all it does is just take up needed space on your hard drive. You may also leave the HP QuickPlay partition if you?re afraid of making any mistakes. If you do leave the HP QuickPlay partition alone, there is no need to install the HPQPDP process later in this guide.

  However, since the purpose of this guide is to format and reinstall Windows XP, I prefer removing all three partitions, leaving me with an empty hard drive devoid of anything that is HP relNow this is where you must pay careful attention as the success of the HP QuickPlay installation depends on it.s on it. You must now create a partition by pressing c and listing the amount of space you wish to allocate for your Windows installation.

  This part of the guide is a bit tedious. You must ensure that you ha1028 MB>1028 MB of unpartitioned space for HP QuickPlay DirectPlay. Any less and you will be met with an error if you try to install DirectPlay once your Windows installation is finished.

  To do this, you must adjust your windows partition so that it 1028 MB>1028 MB of unpartitioned space. For example, my notebook has a 100GB hard drive which translates to about 95394 MB in theory. To leave 1028 MB of unpartitioned space, 94366 must be entered to ensure the correct amount is left behind. Once this is done, you may proceed with the normal Windows instInstalling HP QuickPlay & DirectPlayrectPlay

  Once, you have finished installing Windows, it is advisable to install HP QuickPlay before setting up all the other necessary drivers. Here, I must renot touch the QuickPlay or DVD button above your keyboardkeyboard until you have successfully installed HP QuickPlay and DirectPlay.

  You may start by installing H(QPW)(QPW) from your SWSETUP folder. Once that is done, launch the(HPQPDP)(HPQPDP). The system should restart a number of times if it deems necessary. Once done, you may now press the QuickPlay button to see if there are any problems or not. I would also advise to shut down your notebook and launch the QuickPlay application to see if the installation is succNote concerning Windows Vista:s Vista: I have found that there is a possibilityHPQPDPb>HPQPDP on Windows Vista. What I have learHPQPDPb>HPQPDP cannot convert the unformatted partition due to Windows Vista?s newer boot options. The solution to this problem is to format the partition by Storage\Disk ManagementManagement using the Computer Management application in Administrative Tools anX:\b>X:\ drive. The installation should then encounter no problems. I have not tested this method so if there is someone who would kindly do so and tell me the results, I would be grInstalling Microsoft & Conexant Audio Driversio Drivers

  The next part, which involves iConexant High Definition Audio Driveudio Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audio,ion Audio, requires a little finesse for it to be installed on your notebook. Here are the necessary steps to install the audio drivers on your notebook:

  • First run the Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audiotion AudioX:\SWSETUP\1UAA\Disk1\setup.exe;setup.exe or using the SSP32646SP32646.
    
  • Once that is done, launch the Device Manager by right clicking on the My Computer icon, select Properties in the drop down menu and select the Hardware tab. You may also launch Device Manager by clicking on the System icon in the Control Panel and navigating to the Hardware tab.
    

  

  • Navigate down the Device Manager window until you see an exclamation mark beside a?PCI Device??PCI Device?.
    

  

  

  • Double click on the device and click on Reinstall Driver. A new window should appear asking you if you wish to connect to Window>?No, Not This Time?No, Not This Time? option and click Next.
    

  i>?Install from a list or specific location (Advancedfic location (Advanced)? in the next menu and click Next.

• ?Search for the best driver in these location[/i]t driver in these locations? and tick the ?Include this location in the search??Conexant High Definition Audio Drivent High Definition AX:\SWSETUP\AUDIO X:\SWSETUP\AUDIO or bSP33443 the SoftPaq driver SP33443, cancelling it when it has finished extractingX:\SWSETUP\SP33443b>X:\SWSETUP\SP33443. If you try to install the audio driver by launching the setup you will be met with an error.
  

• Once you have click Next, a menu should appear where it will ask to install the relevant Conexant drivers. Click OK for the process to continue and complete. Your audio drivers shFinishing Upnow.
  

Finishing Up

You should now install all the relevant drivers for your notebook such as the Quick Launch Buttons and Bluetooth. Once this is done, your Device Manager should be devoid of any errors and you have finally completed the HP Reinstallation Guide. Congratulations!

Final Words

I have reviewed this guide numerous times to ensure the quality of the release. If there are any problems or if you wish to post feedback, please do so that other may benefit from the insight you have shared. I would like to apologise if I have made any mistakes in my guide or offended you in some way.

Thank you for taking your time to read this guide and I wish you a pleasant day.

Scirwode

[Mazrikz]

Excellent!

[MediaSoldier]

Fantastic guide to those who don't have a clue! ;) Great post Scirwode. Also can't wait to see your buying guide since im looking for a new notebook :)

[morgs]

This is the most comprehensive guide I've seen on the net. 5*, Should be stickied!

Grats.

[Scirwode]

Excellent!

Thank you!

Fantastic guide to those who don't have a clue! ;) Great post Scirwode. Also can't wait to see your buying guide since im looking for a new notebook :)

I'm working on the notebook buying guide as we speak. It will combine what is available from Cnet.com, laptopvideo2go.com, notebookforum.com, notebookreview.com and my own experience with notebooks as a whole. Hopefully, it won't take as long as the formatting guide so here's to a quick release!

This is the most comprehensive guide I've seen on the net. 5*, Should be stickied!

Grats.

I didn't want to release anything substandard that most people do on the internet. The guides that are sometimes available on the internet leave a lot to be desired so I didn't want mine to be like that. So I made sure this guide is on par to what professionals would release on a company FAQ page. As for it being stickied, I guess I have to contact a mod to do so but I'm unsure of that. What do you think?

Also, spread the word around that this guide has been released so HP/Compaq notebook owners may rejoice!

Scirwode

[shooter468]

Excellent guide thanks alot :)

To do this, you must adjust your windows partition so that it would leave 1028 MB of unpartitioned space. For example, my notebook has a 100GB hard drive which translates to about 95394 MB in theory. To leave 1028 MB of unpartitioned space, 94366 must be entered to ensure the correct amount is left behind. Once this is done, you may proceed with the normal Windows installation.

just wanted to ask how you calculated that your 100GB harddrive translated into MB

i have a 120GB hardrive who much MB does that translate to?

[Quick Shot]

wow

dude.

awesome guide

you should go work for experts exchange ;)

[Scirwode]

just wanted to ask how you calculated that your 100GB harddrive translated into MB

i have a 120GB hardrive who much MB does that translate to?

You should have a calculator ready for this :laugh: . Take for example my 100GB harddrive which translates to about 95394. Minus 95394 with 1028 and you will be left with 94366. So the amount I should enter to leave 1028MB of unpartitioned space is 94366. It's that simple ;) .

Scirwode

[gejohn]

Yeah ,I think so ...

[bluewind.]

Thank you so much. I bought the hp pavilion dv6000t moslty because of your help and advice on Neowin. I have been trying to find an easy to follow guide ever since to reformat and now here it is. Thank you again Scirwode!

[Scirwode]

Thank you so much. I bought the hp pavilion dv6000t moslty because of your help and advice on Neowin. I have been trying to find an easy to follow guide ever since to reformat and now here it is. Thank you again Scirwode!

You're welcome ;) . Also, should I contact a Mod and ask if this be stickied, considering the number of people who own a HP/Compaq notebook. Another idea is to post it on the first page so that all others will know about it. What are your thoughts on this? I would like to hear everyone's view on this before going any further.

Scirwode

[bluewind.]

I would certainly like to see this stickied. It is the most thorough guide I've ever seen and I know quite a few people who own an HP notebook.

[wrack]

Great work dude. I am sure for those who doesn't have as many resorources will find this very very useful.

Just so you know I did a similar thing by slipstreming the SATA drivers manually since I didn't know about nLite. Mind you I spent 14 hours in research and testing the CDs I burnt after I got it right but it was worth it.

Copied the whole I386 directory to a folder.

I basically created an OEM driver folder and added txtsetup.sif file with OEM installation enabled.

Then I found the drivers from the the SWSetup folder and got the PCI driver ID and couple of more info and added it to WINNT.SIF file manually.

Once that was done I burned the CD again and wolla it works.

[bluewind.]

Probably a dumb question but if there is a quickplay partition before then why don't we create a new separate one for it when reformatting if we decide to delete all 3 partitions? I know we need to leave 1028 MB of space when creating the new partition- but does the quickplay just use this space automatically without creating a separate partition for it like there was initially?

[bluewind.]

Wouldn't it be easier to just delete the backup partition and leave the quickplay partition and create the new xp installation over the old one so you have 2 partitions- one new and one old (quickplay)?

Nevermind: I see you already addressed this in the guide. Please disregard my questions.

Edited January 27, 2007 by bluewind_89

[Scirwode]

Great work dude. I am sure for those who doesn't have as many resorources will find this very very useful.

Just so you know I did a similar thing by slipstreming the SATA drivers manually since I didn't know about nLite. Mind you I spent 14 hours in research and testing the CDs I burnt after I got it right but it was worth it.

Copied the whole I386 directory to a folder.

I basically created an OEM driver folder and added txtsetup.sif file with OEM installation enabled.

Then I found the drivers from the the SWSetup folder and got the PCI driver ID and couple of more info and added it to WINNT.SIF file manually.

Once that was done I burned the CD again and wolla it works.

That was the third method that I decided was too difficult for others to understand. I could do it and maybe with a little effort others could but it was too risky to be included. There is also a fourth method to reinstall the SATA driver but it is radical and so far the success rate for that method has been pretty low. So I have presented to you the best possible ways to do it.

Congratulations on being able to slipstream the drivers yourself! I had a hard time doing it so I know how you feel :pinch: .

Scirwode

[wrack]

Thanks.

The amount of time I spent was huge but once it was working I was able to format all 3 HP laptops I have just like a normal desktop and reinstall the OS so the satisfaction was great.

I do understand that the method I used is very picky and extremely hard for normal users so kudos to your efforts on making this fantastic guide.

Cheers :)

[MEMO.INC]

Very good guide, too bad a couple of moths late :p. When I bought my dv9030 (XPMCE) I wanted to do a clean install, I searched trough various websites and I found a way to "integrate" the OEM stuff and drivers in a XPMCE CD and use the key that is in the bottom of the laptop.

Since I'm going vista very soon my next mission is figure how to obtain the SWSETUP folder from any HP with vista preinstalled. The best option is get a 2GB flash and see if bestbuy has any HP-vista laptop

[mujjuman]

thanks SO Much for this guide man. great job!

hey def let me know when you finish the notebok buying guide!

[Scirwode]

Thanks.

The amount of time I spent was huge but once it was working I was able to format all 3 HP laptops I have just like a normal desktop and reinstall the OS so the satisfaction was great.

I do understand that the method I used is very picky and extremely hard for normal users so kudos to your efforts on making this fantastic guide.

Cheers :)

I know how you feel. I think HP needs their heads screwed properly if they want to keep ahead of the competition. Because it is something like this that can make them lose customers.

Very good guide, too bad a couple of moths late :p. When I bought my dv9030 (XPMCE) I wanted to do a clean install, I searched trough various websites and I found a way to "integrate" the OEM stuff and drivers in a XPMCE CD and use the key that is in the bottom of the laptop.

Since I'm going vista very soon my next mission is figure how to obtain the SWSETUP folder from any HP with vista preinstalled. The best option is get a 2GB flash and see if bestbuy has any HP-vista laptop

Oh well, at least you manage to figure it out :p . There are however many people out there who are still struggling with this issue so this more for them then :laugh: . However, I would be very interested to learn from the results of obtaining the SWSETUP folder so it would be appreciated if you give an update.

thanks SO Much for this guide man. great job!

hey def let me know when you finish the notebok buying guide!

I'm working on it though it has been put in the back burner for the moment as I'm trying to sell off three of my computers and get either a Mac Mini or an Acer Desknote for my father. Hopefully, when that is done, I might get the guide and a review out ;) .

Scirwode

[mujjuman]

ok thats cool :)

[pmygarcia]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

I just bought a DV5237cl and was been pressured by my father (who don't like/know very much english) to install a native language version of Windows. Your guide came to me just a month or so after my need! Good timming!

Now, I just have two questions:

First, I did not messed up with the quickplay partition. Must I install anything related or is it redy to use since I did nothing to the partition?

Second, I strugled a bit to get rid of all exclamation marks in the device manager, trying each folder until geting it right. It was not so hard, but there is still one item marked and I've tried all folders inside swsetup directory... The worst part is that I don't have a clue what this item is because it is named "unknown device".

[Scirwode]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

I just bought a DV5237cl and was been pressured by my father (who don't like/know very much english) to install a native language version of Windows. Your guide came to me just a month or so after my need! Good timming!

Now, I just have two questions:

First, I did not messed up with the quickplay partition. Must I install anything related or is it redy to use since I did nothing to the partition?

Second, I strugled a bit to get rid of all exclamation marks in the device manager, trying each folder until geting it right. It was not so hard, but there is still one item marked and I've tried all folders inside swsetup directory... The worst part is that I don't have a clue what this item is because it is named "unknown device".

I just noticed you posted at Notebook Forums first before posting here. I was going to reply to your post there when I realised that was something familiar about your username :laugh: . I accept your thanks and I'm glad this guide was useful to you. As to your questions:

• If you have left the original QuickPlay partition untouched, then there is no reason to install HPQPDP, only QuickPlay is needed. You can however install updates such as the HP QuickPlay 2.3 update.
  
• I can't help you that much there as each notebook is different, configuration wise. You may have a different media card reader or hardware installed on your computer. You can try Windows Update and see if there are any updates for you. Also, check the HP Support website and see if you have missed any driver updates for your notebook. You can also try and test every hardware on your notebook and see if everything works as it should.
  

The notebook buying guide is still a bit delayed as I have to purchase the Mac Mini for my father and prepare it for its use. Rest assured that I will try to get it up as soon as I can.

Scirwode

[wrack]

I just wanted to add few things on Vista. I have formatted my laptop and installed Vista Business and working like a charm.

All I had to do was backup the SWSETUP which came with XP to a DVD. Also get the latest INF Update utility from Intel site for Vista and copy it along with SWSETUP folder.

First thing after Vista installation is to install the INF Update utility. After that just most of the drivers are installed and those which are not can be installed from SWSETUP disk. Just let the found new hardware wizard search for the drivers automatically on the disk.

Hopefully this will give some indication of things becoming easy for Vista installers as it does have a Native Sata driver unlike XP.

[pmygarcia]

I just noticed you posted at Notebook Forums first before posting here. I was going to reply to your post there when I realised that was something familiar about your username :laugh: . I accept your thanks and I'm glad this guide was useful to you. As to your questions:

• If you have left the original QuickPlay partition untouched, then there is no reason to install HPQPDP, only QuickPlay is needed. You can however install updates such as the HP QuickPlay 2.3 update.
  
• I can't help you that much there as each notebook is different, configuration wise. You may have a different media card reader or hardware installed on your computer. You can try Windows Update and see if there are any updates for you. Also, check the HP Support website and see if you have missed any driver updates for your notebook. You can also try and test every hardware on your notebook and see if everything works as it should.
  

The notebook buying guide is still a bit delayed as I have to purchase the Mac Mini for my father and prepare it for its use. Rest assured that I will try to get it up as soon as I can.

Scirwode

Ok, forgetting those problems right now, I have another question:

Although sound is working, I have no control over volume. I did the HQP install as you indicated. Any clues?