Can I use my old HP pavillion case to build a new desk top?

[44surf]

I want to try and build my own PC. Can I use my old 2008 HP Pavillion case? My system crashed...the motherboard is bad according to the repair tech. He said not to sink another penny into it. I am interested in learning how to build my own system and was hoping I could use the case. Any ideas out there?

 

[44surf]

is the hp recovery portion embedded into the MBR of the drive if so, maybe you could wipe the MBR using Fdisk?

It's a new MB...so that should not be the problem. Hopefully.

 

[COLGeek]

BTW, be sure to delete all old partitions when you get to that part (you'll see what I mean) and then create one big new shiny partition. WOO HOO!!!

 

[COLGeek]

It's a new MB...so that should not be the problem. Hopefully.

2 different things here Grasshopper (MB and MBR).....Not really part of the discussion.

 

[44surf]

OK...The Win 7 "Install now" window is up. There are also two statements. What to know before installing windows and Repair your computer. Any thoughts on what I should select?

 

[44surf]

2 different things here Grasshopper (MB and MBR).....Not really part of the discussion.

LOL! Maybe I should delete that so I hide my ignorance! Shakes head at herself.

 

[COLGeek]

OK...The Win 7 "Install now" window is up. There are also two statements. What to know before installing windows and Repair your computer. Any thoughts on what I should select?

You can read the part about "what to know" but you should be able to go right into the load process.

 

[44surf]

currently reading...So would this be considered a custom install? I know it's not an upgrade.

 

[COLGeek]

Yep. Custom (=clean) install

 

[44surf]

I just wanted to be sure...for a second there I was afraid I had purchased the wrong version of win 7.

 

[44surf]

Setup is starting...So in the What to know section it talked about setting up partitions on the HDD. Do I need to do that if I have the Win 7 CD?

 

[COLGeek]

Setup is starting...So in the What to know section it talked about setting up partitions on the HDD. Do I need to do that if I have the Win 7 CD?

When you get to that part of the process, you will have some options to keep or remove existing partitions. I suggest you do away with all (probably have 2) and then create a new single partition. Win 7 will then pop up a message about making another partition for system files (this is a good thing) and will then proceed to format the new partition and install the OS.

 

[44surf]

BTW, be sure to delete all old partitions when you get to that part (you'll see what I mean) and then create one big new shiny partition. WOO HOO!!!

So it's asking where I want to install windows. It is showing Partition 1: HP and Partition 2: Factory Image.

Should I select partition 1?

 

[44surf]

I am thinking yes so I went for it.

BTW...I now know what MBR stands for.

 

[COLGeek]

So it's asking where I want to install windows. It is showing Partition 1: HP and Partition 2: Factory Image.

Should I select partition 1?

No, do not select the first partition. This is the part where you need to remove the previous stuff. Do you want to be talked through the process? If so, private message me a phone number and I'll call you right back.

 

[44surf]

My new computer (well partly new anyway) is now downloading and installing updates! My screen looks all shiny and new...not cluttered up with all those things that come with the store bought systems!

 

[44surf]

I am sooo happy. You guys are awesome!!!

 

[44surf]

Any recommendations for antivirus programs? I figured you all would know the best.

 

[COLGeek]

Any recommendations for antivirus programs? I figured you all would know the best.

Microsoft Security Essentials, just google it. Free and effective!

 

[44surf]

That is what I have been using. Free is always good!

 

[44surf]

A quick question for you COLGeek...During the setup it never asked me about creating another partition which you mentioned. Is that going to be a problem? Everything seems to be working...My Computer window shows 1 HDD and 3 removable storage drives. System properties shows 4 GB of RAM...with 3.75 GB usable.

 

[44surf]

did you handle that ..?

Mal!!! I think so! It's up and running. I only seem to have 1 HDD now...no partitions.

 

[44surf]

OK but what about the partitions, do you still have two or did you combine them.
and what size does C: report.? (how many GB's)

You know I think we tried to combine them...however...the HDD only shows435 GB free of 465...It is supposed to be 512 GB. I am not sure if it really matters since we would probably never use all that space anyway. We expanded the HDD after deleting the partition.

ETA...But it does not look like the additional space was actually added in.

 

[44surf]

you can always add a software partitioning program to clean up whatever misses were made at time of install..

What software is that? I actually did not register the win 7 yet so I could try and reinstall again. Or maybe I should just leave it what with my skills and all

 

[44surf]

Could not have done it without you guys!

 

[44surf]

P.S.
those 'defense' links are free..

Thanks! I am going to check them out!