New notebook? Look here!

[BrodyBoy]

Considering that it was used, the factory restore was a good idea. That way, you can be absolutely sure the previous owner's files and modifications are cleared out. Assuming the hardware was all in good condition, this gave you a computer in its brand new, out-of-the-box condition.

This is not the same as a clean install, as it includes all the pre-installed Asus software. If you want a "clean" machine, you need to re-install Windows and all the essential drivers, replacing the installation you have now.

If you just want to tidy up the installation you have, there are two main tasks: (1) uninstall as much of the Asus software as you're willing to let go, and (2) update some of the drivers.

Once you decide how you want to proceed, we can offer some guidance. (Regarding one question you asked....you don't just download and install everything you see in that Drivers thread. It includes a lot of optional software, and drivers for other models.)

EDIT: The G74 doesn't have a BIOS that allows overclocking. But you should focus on optimizing your setup to your liking before considering things like gaming tweaks.

[Rogers]

... tidy up the installation ...
two main tasks: (1) uninstall as much of the Asus software as you're willing to let go, and (2) update some of the drivers.

Once you decide how you want to proceed, we can offer some guidance. (Regarding one question you asked....you don't just download and install everything you see in that Drivers thread. It includes a lot of optional software, and drivers for other models.)

Wow! Thank you for your FAST response. Guess I would be totally lost without help... I wanna do the above. Get rid of all the junk i don't really need and get the best possible drivers for all the components. (I noticed keyboard lag and mousepad oddities already.)

[BrodyBoy]

Wow! Thank you for your FAST response. Guess I would be totally lost without help... I wanna do the above. Get rid of all the junk i don't really need and get the best possible drivers for all the components. (I noticed keyboard lag and mousepad oddities already.)

In that case, go into the Control Panel and start uninstalling things! The only Asus program you need is the ATK Package....the rest is expendable. There are also things like Nuance PDF reader, Express Gate Cloud utility, and a few others, that aren't "Asus," pre se, but equally extraneous.

(Note: AI Recovery is a program for making a copy of the recovery partition. SO if you want a copy, make it before uninstalling the program.)

Some easy uninstall candidates:

KB Filter 1.0.0.3
Rotation Desktop
Gaming Mouse
Power4Gear Hybrid
Virtual Camera
Smart Logon
Wireless Console
Splendid
Asus Live Update
WinFlash
USB Charger Plus
AI Recovery
Express Gate Cloud Utility
Trend Micro trialware

[chrsplmr]

Wow! Thank you for your FAST response. Guess I would be totally lost without help...

Wouldnt we all.

Followed by excellent advice.....i love this bar.c.

[erikhell]

Very good article Fuzon1337 wish I had it a few days ago!

Thanks for all help!

[Rogers]

Ok, think I got one part of the problem solved though I havent been able to deinstall anything yet. So what about the drivers, where to get them and which ones?

[BrodyBoy]

Ok, think I got one part of the problem solved though I havent been able to deinstall anything yet. So what about the drivers, where to get them and which ones?

I'd recommend you update:

Intel chipset driver 9.2.0.1030
Intel RST 10.8.0.1003
Fresco USB 3.0 v3.5.4.0
nVidia GeForce graphics driver 285.62
ATK Package 1.0.00014

You'll also want to update your touchpad driver (especially if you have a Sentelic touchpad), and your WLAN driver (especially if it's an Atheros card).

There may be newer versions of some other drivers, like audio, ethernet, etc., and you can certainly update those as well. But it's not really critical unless you're having issues with one of those devices.

PS: Many drivers install right over the top of older versions and replace them. But it's a good idea to uninstall the old driver first for WLAN drivers and the ATK Package. For the nVidia driver, choose the custom install option and do a clean install.

[esotericman]

ATK Package 1.0.00014

And when you do this, don't forget to turn on your keyboard lights via the F-keys. I did a clean install last week and it took me to realize I hadn't turned them on. They were on as a default, and when I nuked everything, and installed the drivers, the default was off. Of course I rarely use the keyboard lights... Anyway, this forum rocks for aid in bugs and all things clean install.

[fuzon1337]

Very good article Fuzon1337 wish I had it a few days ago!

Thanks for all help!

Thanks for good response
I'm glad that I could be to help

How is it with your issue (low FPSin game) ?

@Rogers, I don't have any more input to say since BrodyBoy and Esotericman have covered all the questions and guide options for you

[Rogers]

One more thing about the drivers. I read this on a finnish forum. Basically you should uninstall all the existing drivers before installing new ones. You can even use this program: Driversweeper to get rid of everything that's left behind after the uninstall. Oh and after the uninstall, before the Driversweeper I should reboot in safe mode (F8 at startup). Should I really do this?

I also read that a perfectly clean win7 install would work faster than if I do the factory recovery and remove the programs. Is this really so?