Windows 7 Starter Wipe and Prepare for Resell

[qcom]

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!

 

[Petey7]

I guess its kind of late to make a backup LOL. You could probably sell it for a decent amount with Ubuntu installed. Here's some info on making an Ubuntu live USB which you can format the hard drive and install Ubuntu from.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD
Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux
Download | Ubuntu

 

[qcom]

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!

 

[derekimo]

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

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

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.

 

[gregrocker]

Wipe the HD to clean off all infection: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

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.

 

[Petey7]

I have no clue how you could possibly reinstall 7 starter, unless there is a recovery partition on the hard drive.

You'll have to format it. I recommend doing a full format if given the option to reduce chance of any personal data being recovered from it.

A lot of people put Linux on netbooks, so already having Ubuntu on it would be a plus.

 

[gregrocker]

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

 

[qcom]

Wipe the HD to clean off all infection: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

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?

 

[qcom]

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

 

[Petey7]

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

No. The key for your computer only works for Win7 starter.

 

[qcom]

OK, then is the COA sticker on my box? Where would I find that?

 

[Petey7]

If you have the sticker it will be on the netbook itself 99% of the time.

 

[qcom]

Got it! Thanks!

So after wiping, if I wanted to reinstall Starter, how would I use that Product Key exactly? Just by using ImgBurn before wiping in order to get that ISO? Then install from USB or CD?

 

[derekimo]

OK, then is the COA sticker on my box? Where would I find that?

On your netbook you'll see a sticker like one of these

How to Tell

 

[qcom]

So how do I create an ISO file using ImgBurn?

Once I'm done with that, I can proceed to wipe my HD using that guide, and then install based off of my product key, correct?

 

[derekimo]

So how do I create an ISO file using ImgBurn?

Once I'm done with that, I can proceed to wipe my HD using that guide, and then install based off of my product key, correct?

You probably don't have a dvd drive on that, This tutorial will explain how to use a

USB flash drive, http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

But you will still need to get the install media to put on it.

 

[gregrocker]

You'll need to locate an Win7 retail installer ISO or use a computer with a DVD drive to extract the ISO using ImgBurn, then run the ei.cfg removal tool I linked earlieron the ISO to unlock all versions, write the unlocked ISO to a USB stick using the method Derek linked, or another method if that one doesn't work:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html?filter[2]=General%20Tips
YouTube - How to install Windows 7 from USB (WinToFlash)

At startup press repeatedly the one-time BIOS boot menu key given on first boot screen (F12 on Toshiba) then select USB stick from list (often under Hard Drives) to boot installer.

 

[Faladu]

I would sell it: " NO OS INSTALLED! READY FOR WHATEVER YOU WANNA PUT ON IT!"

 

[qcom]

Hmm, when following the guide posted on how to optimize my HDD for a Windows reinstall, I realized that I don't have an original Windows install disc, just because it came preloaded on my netbook, any ideas?

 

[gregrocker]

I dealt with this yesterday:

You'll need to locate an Win7 retail installer ISO or use a computer with a DVD drive to extract the ISO using ImgBurn, then run the ei.cfg removal tool I linked earlieron the ISO to unlock all versions, write the unlocked ISO to a USB stick using the method Derek linked, or another method if that one doesn't work:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html?filter[2]=General%20Tips
YouTube - How to install Windows 7 from USB (WinToFlash)

At startup press repeatedly the one-time BIOS boot menu key given on first boot screen (F12 on Toshiba) then select USB stick from list (often under Hard Drives) to boot installer.

Is there a Recovery partition on the netbook which you can run from boot to reinstall Win7? Look on the first boot screen for key(s) to press to run Recovery, or check the manual at Toshiba Support Downloads webpage for your model.

I dont' have the exact model number extension for your Toshiba, but others of that model require you to make Recovery Disks at Start>All Programs>Toshiba>Recovery>Recovery Disk Creator in order to restore to factory condition. Can you still do this?