New
#1
Clean Install on New Laptop
Well, a relatively new laptop. I got a Toshiba Satellite A505 in the beginning of May/end of April and it did not come with a recovery/OEM installation disc. Instead, I was told to make a backup myself. I have a retail Windows 7 Ultimate disc that I used on my desktop, so I cannot use the key that came with that.
However, you can install any version of 7 (aside from architecture-specific installation discs) by deleting "ei.cfg" in the ISO OR changing the version inside of that file. If you delete it, upon installation, you'll be asked what version of Windows you want to install. You still need a proper key for each version. In my case, the laptop has Home Premium.
I'm aware that I'm not able to use an OEM key (the one on the bottom of the laptop) with a retail disc, however, you can change the "channel" in the ei.cfg file from "Retail" to "OEM" and then burn the ISO to a disc to install.
Aside from backing up drivers and utilities (and of course the entire disc), should I be worried about anything before I do this? Because as far as I'm aware it should work. I removed what I could when I first got the laptop using Revo, but A) I'm starting college next month and I want a fresh start and B) Just like with cell phones, I prefer my computers completely stock and uncustomized by OEMs.
PS: Sorry for my inactivity on the forums, I just got a full-time job at a local Allstate office so that's kept me busy for a while.