Boot Camp Setup for Win Vista/7: "The short-short version"

Question

This tip's dedicated to all those who want a detailed instruction manual, but for whatever reason don't want to read through Apple's Boot Camp Installation and Setup Guide @ http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp .  But before I copy this from the thread that started it, let's make clear what shouldn't work and thus should be avoided:
Per the Boot Camp Win 7 FAQ from Apple, no 2006 model will be supported for installation or upgrade, though many units would in fact meet the bare hardware requirements for 7.  Upgrading from Vista might work better, but there's absolutely no guarantee that all features will work.  Do not post a question asking for support of the unsupported.
For reasons known only to Apple, the 2007 models are not considered "64-bit pure" and as such, Apple will not allow 64-bit Windows on 2007 units.  Empirical evidence from around the Web--even here-- may suggest the contrary, but again, this is unsupported.
The 2010 lines are the last to support Vista in any form or fashion, excepting the late '10 Air, which falls to the final point...
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS SACRED: Do not post questions asking to support any version of Windows other than 7 on the 2011 lines thus far, or anything in future.  The only way to get Vista or prior on these things is through a VM emulator! We can help you set one up.
AHEM!  Now, on to the guide:
Make sure you have everything square on the Mac side first with software and firmware updates.  Launch Software Update and run it until nothing is left to update.
Now, it's on to the Boot Camp Assistant.  Launch this from/Applications/Utilities, and follow the prompts.  For the 2011 models, you'll get the chance to burn a dedicated software CD for the first time since the beta.  Use this in place of the install discs below.
Move your Windows partition slice so that you have, say, 50 GB for Windows.  This can actually be any size above 40 GB.  Windows 7 x86 needs about 20 GB during installation alone, though actual used space is much less once it's installed.  The same applies to the x64 version, but let's give that one, say, 60 GB or more as some files may be duplicated for the two different "architectures" in that version to run concurrently.  As to which architecture to choose, you need the 32-bit version for the '07's or if you have a nest of old hardware or software laying about; go with the 64-bit version if you have a newer Mac with scads of RAM or just want better performance out of what you have.
When you've apportioned your hard disk space, get your Windows DVD out and let Boot Camp start it.  If you missed this step, you can insert the DVD later and hold the C key as the Mac starts.
If your unit shipped with OS X 10.6, have your Install Discs handy.  If you upgraded from 10.5, then the 10.6 upgrade DVD will do.  We'll soon use either one.
During the Windows Setup process, you'll be asked to do an upgrade or custom install.  Choose Custom, which will take you to a partitioning screen.
On the partitioning screen,you must click Advanced and then select the volume tagged BOOTCAMP. 
You will then have to click Format while the BOOTCAMP volume is highlighted.    Click Yes to confirm.  Wait for about a minute while NTFS structures are laid on this volume, and then hit Next.
Let the Setup program finish out the install, then add your Product Key and set up your Windows account. (Vista puts the Product Key prompt at Step 6 instead)
Since the soft-eject key at the top of your keyboard won't have a driver yet, you'll be removing the Windows disc as follows: 
Click Start, Computer.
Select the DVD icon. 
Click Eject in the upper toolbar of the Computer window.
Now, insert your Mac install disc (or 10.6 upgrade) and run the Setup file when prompted by AutoPlay.  This will start Boot Camp 3.0.  Follow the wizard through (there's only one option for Apple Software Update, so take it as you hit Next several times.).
From here, you may restart in Mac OS at points in this walkthrough.  To avoid this, hold the Option key to bring up a boot menu, then click Windows.
(TIP: You'll be working in Windows for a while, so you can hold Control as you click Windows in the boot menu, to make it "persistent". You can also switch back to Mac OS by the same when you are done.).
Back in Windows again, run Apple Software Update to pick up any and all fixes for your new Boot Camp package.  You could be doing this 2-3 times.  Repeat until no required updates remain.
Do the same for Windows Update as well. The tip above will save a finger or three.
Once all updates are in, add your favorite software, and you're done.
Good luck installing Windows!
Nate

Answer 1

Hi all,
Here are the links for the latest 'important' drivers:
5a. Latest Nvidia driver for GeForce 9600M GT => 186.81notebook_win7_winvista_64bit_internationalwhql.exe
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us
5b. Latest WLAN chip driver => Broadcom (4322AG chipset) Wireless LAN Driver for Microsoft Windows Vista 5.10.91.8 (14 May 2009) = sp43743.exe
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en &cc=us&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=3872994&swItem=ob-71357-1&mode=5
NOTE: You will need to manually update the drivers in the windows device manager (select 4322AG chipset) because the installer doesn't overwrite the old drivers from Boot Camp
5c. Lateset Realtek High Definition Audio Codec => VistaWin7R231.zip
http://www.realtek.com.tw/DOWNLOADS/
Message was edited by: Dingle7