@MATTHEW,
How are you? Thank you very much for the reply.
I intend to perform HDD formatting the next weekend due to an upgrade (mobo + new vibo).
Actually, I'm going to try some I could say is a little odd first: I'll install the new mobo e try to boot from current HDD, without formatting and performing a fresh OS install.
If some side-effects occur, I'll have to start from scratch.
One doudt I still have is if I use the recovery disks (2 DVDs) I created I can format HDD with no worries and reinstall Vista from these disks and all the stuff HP put in its PCs, however keeping the dedicated partition I believe contains Vista + other softs. I mean, insert the Disk 1 on the DVD drive and boot from it.
From your comment I believe that after booting from DVD drive with the recovery disks and following Vista installation procedures, at a given point I'll be prompted to select the partition I'd like to install (or reinstall) the OS, and then avoid selecting the dedicated partition, in this case a FACTORY IMAGE drive with 7 GB size from the entire 320 GB HDD. If needed, I could format the current Vista partition, preserving the FACTORY IMAGE, right?
I'm sorry I'm being a little noobie here, but I simply can't get wrong with this upgrade, especially taking chances losing important data.
Again, if anybody could help, I appreciate.
Software/Apps history tip
I have a good tip on how to retrieve all installed software from your last OS installation:
- Install CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/) and then go to TOOLS menu and save a text file (TXT) with all information regarding your apps currently installed before performing HDD format. After reinstalling OS, use this TXT as your checklist, without forgetting any app you love!
Have you all a great day!
Regards