Windows 7 Starter Wipe and Prepare for Resell

Hey everyone, I purchased a Toshiba NB-205 netbook a while back (why did I do that again?) and now I'm trying to prepare it for selling on ebay.

Now, I did have it sent to me originally with Windows 7 Starter (again, why starter? xD) instead of XP which will boost its value in my opinion, but I have some problems:

1) My netbook did get some virus which I can't remember what it's called but it basically tries to imitate Norton anti-virus into making me purchase some crapware that doesn't even exist or something like that. Anyway, I couldn't really remove it, and it's one of the reasons I ultimately decided I want to just reformat and sell. Also just to get some extra cash :)

2) I was wondering how I could eliminate the virus by reformatting perhaps? But I still would like to keep Windows 7 on it if possible... If not possible, it would be better to advertise no software than Virus-ridden so I guess if I can't keep 7, I'll just reformat.

Any suggestions on what I should do are greatly appreciate! :)

Thanks!

:) Yeah, luckily I used my iMac, ahaha for my primary computer during its lifespan, I know I have a mac, I love PCs too .

I really don't having any data that I want though actually.

So, I'm guessing keeping W7 Starter on is out of the question?

Also, what is really the best way to wipe it? Format: C? lols

I like you're idea about including Ubuntu as a bonus though, thanks! I looked on ebay and there's quite a few without any OS so that's a great feature!

In addition to Petey7's advice, If there is nothing on the drive you want to keep this tutorial,

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Will prep it for a re-install, if you do have stuff you want to keep you should back that up and

thoroughly scan it before importing it to where you want it.

Wipe the HD to clean off all infection: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Then reinstall Starter with Product Key on COA sticker, which is the licensed OS (value: $100+) for that machine.

Use the drivers given by the installer and updated by optional Windows Updates. If performance dictates then change any drivers out for drivers on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device.

You can unlock Starter version in any Win7 retail installer by exracting the ISO using ImgBurn, then running the ei.cfg removal utility, burning an all-versions DVD to install your licensed version with Product Key on COA sticker. Ei.cfg Removal Utility Lets You Use Any Product Key With Your Windows 7 Disc

If you have a Recovery Partition you can run it but it may be infected so it's best to zero the HD, or run Recovery then test it with a bootable AV: FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

gregrocker said:

Wipe the HD to clean off all infection: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Then reinstall Starter with Product Key on COA sticker, which is the licensed OS (value: $100+) for that machine.

Use the drivers given by the installer and updated by optional Windows Updates. If performance dictates then change any drivers out for drivers on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device.

Thanks! OK, got how to wipe the HD, reinstalling Starter with Product Key on COA sticker, is the COA sticker on my box? Would I contact Toshiba about the copy of Starter then?

So you're saying that I could actually include W7 Ultimate? Haha