As I posted earlier, I’ve just received a new laptop an HP EliteBook 8530w Mobile Workstation.  My next effort is to begin preparing it install the Windows 7 Enterprise (64 bit) operating system.  First I’ll start with getting new system component software and drivers.  Soon, after getting any new PC I always check the manufactures support site for any BIOS or driver updates.  A lot of times a PC is built and the “images” used during the build could are several months out of date, or quite possibly your “new” PC has been spending several months in a box somewhere out there.  As a result the system software is most likely out of date. 

Well, with some help from my co-worker Scott Rudy who has some great notes to help me along, here’s what I’ve done so far.

Step 1 – Check the bios level.  The PC was reporting version F.09 from 3/10/2009.  According to HP’s support site there is a newer one (version F.0E).  Time to download and update the newer one.  

Step 2 – Download other system hardware drivers.  While I’m there I’ll also make sure I know what hardware is on my laptop and get the latest drivers and place them on a cd or flash drive for use during OS install.

Step 2 – Partition the drive and install Windows 7.  I’m using two partitions to allow one to be encrypted and the other to hold unencrypted VPC images that I can boot from.  This partitioning can be done right in the “install” screens by selecting the Restore option when prompted to “Install Now”.

Step 3 – Immediately perform a Windows Update check.  This will add any hardware drivers and software not found during the initial setup.  It also downloads any missing patches that you might need.

Step 4 – Install required software for VPN connectivity.  Since I’m connecting to a corporate network I need to get my pc to be a member of a domain.  To join the domain I need to be connected to the corporate network first and the VPN gets me there since I work remotely.

Step 5 – Transfer all my stuff.  (Today’s task)

Enjoy!