Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)

[tsivist]

Hi all,

I just purchased a used T420 (model 4236-O91). This model originally came with 64-bit Windows 7, but currently has the 32-bit version installed for some reason. Since the machine has 8gb of RAM, I need the 64-bit version. The computer has a COA sticker with Product Key, and I do have a Windows 7 installation disc (but not any discs for this specific machine, i.e. the computer did not come with any discs of any kind).

Do you recommend that I do a clean install of Windows 7 on the machine, or should I restore from factory settings? And if I do a clean install, so should I follow these instructions, or are there better instructions out there?

This is the first time I've ever owned a Thinkpad, so I want to make sure I don't do anything dumb here. Thanks in advance for your help!

[ZaZ]

It's a bit of a personal preference. Some like all the ThinkVantage Tools while others don't want the clutter. I do a clean install, then make an image of the drive, which I can put back and update at a later date if needed.

[tsivist]

Thanks! Just two quick follow-up questions:

1. So the only advantage to restoring the machine to factory settings is that I'd get all the ThinkVantage Tools?
2. And restoring to factory settings would also switch the OS from its current 32-bit OS to its original 64-bit version?

Thanks again!

[ajkula66]

Yes and yes.

[pianowizard]

Restore to factory settings and burn a set of recovery discs. Then, wipe out the hidden partitions including the recovery partition, clean install Windows, and install only programs that you want. This way, you not only save space on the HDD but also maximize system performance. My X31 initially had all factory-installed software, and even with 1.5GB RAM it was painfully slow. So, I did a clean install, and it became so much snappier that I downgraded the RAM to 512MB and yet it's still faster than before.

But be sure to have the recovery discs, which will increase this laptop's resale value.

[tsivist]

Thanks for the advice, all!

Unfortunately, it turns out that I couldn't restore the factory settings -- my guess is that the current HDD is different than the one it shipped with. So, I guess I'm stuck doing a clean install. But thanks for all the help! I'll be sure to image the drive, and also to only install the programs I need. Cheers!