factory reset AND minimized image recovery

Hey guys, I would like to say that I'm a first time poster (although I have been browsing the site for while w/ much success finding the info i need ) I cannot however, find certain info regarding the minimized image recovery (details below.) I would really like to have my laptop ready for this fall semester so any help will be very much appreciated.


I've been wanting to do a minimized image recovery so i can delete all the bloatware but I would also like to do a thorough cleaning while i'm at it.

Can anbyody tell me if the minimized image recovery does a deep cleaning of my laptop just as well as the factory reset where I "Fully clean the drive" and not "Just remove my files"?

OR, should i do a factory reset and then the minimized image recovery?

Is this a standard practice for some people? any comments/suggestions?

Also, If I need to reset my computer before the minimized image recovery, am i able to do the image recovery from the location/language/keyboard screen? or do i need to set the laptop up and then do the minimized image recovery?


I really appreciate any help, thanks ahead for your consideration!

 

Well since no one has answered, I'm gonna guess that a "image" recovery (image being the key word) is going to wipe your laptop and restore it to factory settings, thus losing all your personal files. If you want to clean it up, I would recommend ccleaner to clean up bloat. It also has a good program uninstaller and registry cleaner. also you might want to include what laptop you have in future posts.

 

For Windows 8, first determine the Windows 8 OEM key using this
Windows 8 Product Key Viewer
Then read the section on the Windows 8 setup tool in this
Windows 8 Direct Download Links
It is rare that an OEM allows you to create a recovery disk with just the important drivers. Windows 8 has a built in reset that doesn't touch your programs and settings. You can read about it here
How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC - Microsoft Windows Help

For Windows 7, the Windows key is at the bottom of the laptop or use the Windows 8 product key viewer.
You can download a fresh image from here
Windows 7 Direct Download Links



Never mind, old thread.

 

okay, i appreciate your response. the reason i ask is because on the HP website (here) Using System Recovery, Factory Reset and Minimized Image Recovery Options | HP® Support the minimized image recovery doesn't appear to have as thorough of a cleaning as the factory reset. (maybe because it's a given that the image recovery does reset the computer but i don't know)

 

I think the minimized image recovery allows you to re install the OS in the C drive without affecting your data in the other partitions. This is like a localized recovery. If there is an issue that is caused by something in the other drives, this won't help you.

Factory settings brings the laptop to the state with which it left the HP factory. This is to be used when you run into a major issue with your HDD which prevents it form booting or something like that.

 

thanks, i was thinking that it just rest the C partition and just wanted some confirmation. i have a serious case of spring fever so i just went ahead with the system reset and then minimized image recovery