New Vista PC

I am setting up a new Hp a6407c PC with Vista Home Premium SP1. I looked at MA's post for setting up a new computer (reinstall OS from disc). Vista was pre-installed - the only CD I got was for the HP monitor. Any suggestions for proper set up?

 

My advice before embarking on any mods is to create a set of recovery CDs. This gives you the option to reinstall your OS in the event of an HDD failure, or corruption.

The creation of recovery disks can take a bit of time (30 minutes or longer), but is well worth it. I can't tell you how many customers I meet who have failed hard drives and never made recovery disks, so have no way to reinstall the OS on a new hard drive.

I also recommend you use a sharpie to clearly label your newly created recovery disks as "VISTA OS" and also write the 'product key' from the vista os license certificate (a greenish sticker usually found on the back or side of the tower or bottom of a laptop).

Here are instructions for launching the recovery cd creator on your model PC:

http://www.wikihow.com/Create-Recovery-Discs-for-Windows-Vista-in-HP-Recovery-Manager

 

Great advice AtG. I'll make recovery disks first thing.

 

Second, get rid of any program trials that you don't ever expect to buy and use. PCDecrapifier is good for this. Then head on over to the malware forums and read and implement the sticky on how to protect oneself and then go online.

 

I am downloading PCDecrapifier, and I will run that next.
Merci