How to reinstall/backup Windows 7 Starter on Asus EEE PC?

[mibaup]

Hello,

I have an Asus EEE PC and I want to make a clean reinstall of it because it is very slow perhaps it has a virus on it. I didn't get any installation DVD, and this EEE pc does not even have DVD drive
Is there a way to get a Windows 7 Starter image like there are for the other versions?and will it be possible to install it with an external dvd drive? Or any other way?

Thanks

 

[Pauly]

A usb flash drive of at least 4GB would be the way forwards
Have a look at this detailed step by step guide http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

When complete you will be able to take a system image backup so you never have to do it again

 

[mibaup]

A usb flash drive of at least 4GB would be the way forwards
Have a look at this detailed step by step guide http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

When complete you will be able to take a system image backup so you never have to do it again

Thanks!

Actually I was thinking about this guide, but I don't see a Windows 7 Starter download.
Also, how can I check if my Asus EEE pc can boot from a usb flash drive (my pc can't for example)

 

[Pauly]

You wont see the option in bios until you have a bootable usb drive connected

 

[mibaup]

Oh really? so perhaps my pc actually CAN boot from a usb drive?

And what about the other issue? that I don't see the Windows 7 Starter download in this guide?

 

[andrew129260]

"Still another purpose of these downloads would be to get a different language or bit version of Windows 7. Any valid Windows 7 product key determines only the edition (Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, Enterprise). It can, however, activate both 32 and 64 bit editions in any language. So, for instance, a key for the German Windows 7 Professional x86 edition can activate a Chinese Windows 7 Professional x64 edition. So if you already own a key, it can also activate some other Win 7 versions downloaded from Digital River."

In short, when you put your key in windows will know what (features) edition you have.
Windows 7 has all editions built in by default, the key is what activates the edition you have.
I would download home basic.

• If the licensed OS printed on the COA sticker on bottom is Home Basic then download Home Premium, run the eicfg removal tool to unlock all versions, later during install choose the licensed version from menu.

At least, this is what I understand. I never used 7 starter

 

[mibaup]

Oops can this post be deleted?

 

[derekimo]

And what about the other issue? that I don't see the Windows 7 Starter download in this guide?

From the second bullet point under number 1 in the above mentioned tutorial,

• If the licensed OS printed on the COA sticker on bottom is Home Basic then download Home Premium, run the eicfg removal tool to unlock all versions, later during install choose the licensed version from menu.

It should also include Starter, but Starter is only included on the x86 ISO.

Just follow those instructions for unlocking a 32bit (x86) Home Premium ISO from the link in Step 1.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[mibaup]

So the installation really includes all the editions and perhaps there is a file in the installation that decides which edition I will see?

I missed that eicfg removal tool because I did CTRL+F and searched for "Starter"
I should have read a little bit more
Thanks!

 

[derekimo]

So the installation really includes all the editions and perhaps there is a file in the installation that decides which edition I will see?

You need to use the tool to UNLOCK all versions on the X86 ISO.

Once you have done that, when you are installing, it will then display a screen for you to choose

which version you want to install, naturally you will choose Starter.

 

[mibaup]

So the installation really includes all the editions and perhaps there is a file in the installation that decides which edition I will see?

You need to use the tool to UNLOCK all versions on the X86 ISO.

Once you have done that, when you are installing, it will then display a screen for you to choose

which version you want to install, naturally you will choose Starter.

Thanks, maybe we should tell the guide writer to add "Starter" alongside the "Home Basic"

 

[derekimo]

So the installation really includes all the editions and perhaps there is a file in the installation that decides which edition I will see?

You need to use the tool to UNLOCK all versions on the X86 ISO.

Once you have done that, when you are installing, it will then display a screen for you to choose

which version you want to install, naturally you will choose Starter.

Thanks, maybe we should tell the guide writer to add "Starter" alongside the "Home Basic"

You're welcome. I'll mention that to him.

 

[theog]

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Forum- Update - Can I Create a Restore CD? - YES, a USB recovery Image

ASUS Eee PC Technical Updates

System recovery

Disable Boot Booster in BIOS setup before you perform system recovery from USB flash disk, external optical drive or hidden partition.

Ensure to connect your Eee PC to the AC power adapter before using F9 recovery to avoid recovery failure.

Using recovery partition (F9 Recovery)

1. Press <F9> during bootup.

Ensure to press <F9> only once during bootup.

2. Select the language you use and click to continue.

3. Click Recovery in the Recovery System dialog box to start the system recovery.

4. The system starts system recovery automatically and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.

15G06Q257000

 

[mibaup]

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Forum- Update - Can I Create a Restore CD? - YES, a USB recovery Image

ASUS Eee PC Technical Updates

System recovery

Disable Boot Booster in BIOS setup before you perform system recovery from USB flash disk, external optical drive or hidden partition.

Ensure to connect your Eee PC to the AC power adapter before using F9 recovery to avoid recovery failure.

Using recovery partition (F9 Recovery)

1. Press <F9> during bootup.

Ensure to press <F9> only once during bootup.

2. Select the language you use and click to continue.

3. Click Recovery in the Recovery System dialog box to start the system recovery.

4. The system starts system recovery automatically and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.

15G06Q257000

Thanks! I didn't know that option! I am going to try it first and tell you how it worked , btw do you think that if I have viruses/malwares it will delete them just like when you do a clean reinstall with a dvd?

 

[andrew129260]

It should. However there is some rare circumstances where malware can even invade the recovery partition. Also the recovery partition will include all the junk trial programs and software that came with your pc that slow it down.

If you follow the original tutorial, you will have a clean slate and just windows. This offers a way better windows experience. And when you have a slow netbook, you need all the speed you can get

I would advise doing the complete clean install. But I defiantly appreciate theog's input.

In the end, it's your choice

 

[derekimo]

Just to clarify Andrew, this will not work, and I have not seen a Home Basic download.

In short, when you put your key in windows will know what (features) edition you have.
Windows 7 has all editions built in by default, the key is what activates the edition you have.
I would download home basic.

Your quote here will.

• If the licensed OS printed on the COA sticker on bottom is Home Basic then download Home Premium, run the eicfg removal tool to unlock all versions, later during install choose the licensed version from menu.

 

[andrew129260]

Oh ok, thanks derekimo. Like I said I was not sure so that's why I included both. Thank you I appreciate It

 

[derekimo]

Oh ok, thanks derekimo. Like I said I was not sure so that's why I included both. Thank you I appreciate It

You're welcome.

 

[mibaup]

Thanks everyone for the help!
I have last question!
If I have a 16 GB usb drive for example, can I use the rest of the storage space to store my files there side by side with the Windows 7 installation?

 

[Computer0304]

You should be able to but just to be safe you should store files in a seperate usb drive.