installing on a net book

nunn · 12 Mar 2011

Hey all,

I'm looking to buy a net book pretty soon and what I want to do is reformat the hard drive, then reinstall windows. Reason being I want to get rid of all the stupid pre installed software that comes with it...that stuff drives me nuts. Of course, net books don't have a CD drive so...

1. How can I install windows 7 without a disc drive?

2. If it's not possible, is there anywhere I can download the CD? I've been told all I need to reinstall windows is the CD and then code off the bottom of the laptop to register it to myself.

Bare Foot Kid · 12 Mar 2011

Hello nunn, welcome to Seven Forums!

USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

Then have a look through this information below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

After you have copied out or made back-ups of the data you need to save to external media; if you can find an exact Windows version that the PC shipped with you can do a clean install using the activation key on the COA sticker attached to the PC though it may require a robo-call to MS to sort the OEM batch-key.

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone

If you can't find an exact same version, you could use the info in this tutorial to create an "all versions" installer of any version Windows installer, to install using the same method I posted above.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

After you have made backups of everything you care to save, the best method is to do a complete wipe (secure erase) of the entire Hard Disk Drive first, it over-writes everything, all the old Windows code including all the old drivers/programs, giving you the best possible space to install Windows to.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

gregrocker · 12 Mar 2011

Tips for clean reinstalling factory OEM: re-install windows 7

The easiest method I've found for writing the Win7 ISO to a flash stick is to install UltraISO trial version, on file tab Open ISO, on Bootable tab Write Disk Img, Format, Write. Boot under USB or HD's.

If you can't borrow Win7 to unlock all versions if necessary using ei.cfg removal tool and are forced to download from the web, make sure to read comments to assure nothing has been added, rightclick scan ISO with AV and Malwarebytes.