Format and clean Win7 install from hard drive?

Thank you very much. While searching I noticed people have regular issues getting the Eee PC's BIOS to boot what they want it to, so wish me luck.

What's the name and genre of the band? I'm an avid metal fan, if it happens to be that.

Install went fine. When I type the network key in for the WLAN it tells me the key is incorrect. This makes absolutely no sense to me as I know it is correct. Can this relate at all to drivers?

If it shows your network to choose then the driver is already there. You can try updating it from the PC maker's or Wireless Adapter's Support Downloads webpage but I doubt that would affect it. Sounds like the key is being typed incorrectly. This is almost always an incorrect character. Triple check.

You can also plug in by wire to connect that way until Windows Updates delivers all your latest drivers and patches. You may need to run the blue link below first to have it auto-load your Ethernet driver when you plug in the cable.

Once you connect enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3)
then Check for Updates, install all Important and Optional Updates except for Bing, with reboots, going back to Check for Updates after each requested reboot until no more are offered. Then check Device Manager for any missing drivers to import. We can help if you need it.

You're doing fine. Take your time setting up your desktop and installing programs to check performance between each one, referring frequently to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to benefit from all the tricks and tips that have worked best here since Win7 beta.

I ran the Ethernet and thankfully it's connected. Windows update is running along so hopefully that fixes it. Although as you mentioned I doubt that'll fix the network key issue either. I copy and pasted the pw from the router config page to no avail. What an odd problem.

One of the windows updates was for a "Ralink 802.11n." This isn't even the same brand as the driver I tried installing from ASUS. Nevertheless, after the reboot nothing obviously visible about the wireless adapter changed except that it took the password this time. Go figure.

Anyway, I'm throwing many thanks back in your face.
It's much appreciated.

Are there any drivers still missing with an ! in Device Manager?

Did you run all Important and Optional Windows Updates except Bing?

How is overall performance?

Nothing has an ! in device manager, but that can't be right as I haven't installed some drivers. The built in webcam for example.

Windows update has finished all rounds of updates. For whatever reason, the Bing desktop never showed up at all.

The performance as far as speed and responsiveness is back to new/great.

Now for the next problem. Today, out of nowhere, the wireless adapter icon in notifications showed the "wifi bars" with the spinning blue loading circle on it for a bit. After, the LAN icon shows up with the red X through it. No wireless bars icon at all. I can try wireless driver from ASUS again. Any other idea about why this would happen randomly?

Also, can you take a look here under wireless for me please. The driver versions and sizes jump around and don't seem to follow and correct sequence. Can you lend some advice for which one(s) I should be installing?

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download Eee PC 1015PEM

EDIT: I just checked and noticed the wireless adapter under network adapters in device manager is gone. I only see the LAN/Ethernet adapter.

Do you know which model wireless adapter you have? Check for Updates again and if Windows Update doesn't deliver one under Important or Optional Updates, then download and install the latest for your model device. If you're unsure you can trace Hardware Identification or just try to install the latest of each model until you find the correct one.

Once installed if the wireless has problems rightclick the five bar icon in System Tray, run Troubleshooter for Wireless.