Wanted! Small, inexp. laptop that allows clean installs of Windows 7.
April 25, 2013 2:45 AM Subscribe
Hi everyone! I need to buy a small, inexpensive laptop that runs Windows 7. The thing is, I need one with a clean install (i.e., no crapware), and which comes with an install disk (or which lets me burn an install disk) that lets me re-install a clean copy of Win 7 when/if needed. Bonus points if it lets me install and dual-boot Ubuntu or other Linux distro!
Seems pretty straightforward, but I'm not sure where to look. The local stores don't seem to have anything like this. Suggestions gratefully appreciated!
Seems pretty straightforward, but I'm not sure where to look. The local stores don't seem to have anything like this. Suggestions gratefully appreciated!
It's possible to find clean Windows 7 installations ISOs. I got mine from here:
http://tech.gluga.com/2011/04/lenovo-x120e-how-to-install-clean.html
posted by fnerg at 3:12 AM on April 25, 2013
http://tech.gluga.com/2011/04/lenovo-x120e-how-to-install-clean.html
posted by fnerg at 3:12 AM on April 25, 2013
Also, from experience, install Windows first, but leave a partition open for Linux. Linux does a better job of playing nice with a Windows install than vice versa.
I had a bunch of problems getting Ubuntu to run properly on my x120e because of hardware incompatibility. I eventually just went the VM route with Linux Mint.
posted by fnerg at 3:15 AM on April 25, 2013
I had a bunch of problems getting Ubuntu to run properly on my x120e because of hardware incompatibility. I eventually just went the VM route with Linux Mint.
posted by fnerg at 3:15 AM on April 25, 2013
Here are links to the official windows 7 downloads from DigitalRiver
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/download-windows-7-sp1-iso/
you can use the OEM key that your laptop comes with, you just need to activate over the phone.
Before you do this, backup your drivers first using Double Driver
Then boot using the dvd (or usb stick) you made using the windows 7 iso above, do a clean install of windows, (re-partition, leave some (10?)GB for linux), get windows working properly using the drivers you backed up previously with double driver.
Then install linux, it will find your windows install and give you a boot screen so you can select your OS.
I just grabbed ubuntu 13.04 - found the drivers to be great on this Dell latitude E6410, including getting the bluetooth mouse working etc.
posted by defcom1 at 6:45 AM on April 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/download-windows-7-sp1-iso/
you can use the OEM key that your laptop comes with, you just need to activate over the phone.
Before you do this, backup your drivers first using Double Driver
Then boot using the dvd (or usb stick) you made using the windows 7 iso above, do a clean install of windows, (re-partition, leave some (10?)GB for linux), get windows working properly using the drivers you backed up previously with double driver.
Then install linux, it will find your windows install and give you a boot screen so you can select your OS.
I just grabbed ubuntu 13.04 - found the drivers to be great on this Dell latitude E6410, including getting the bluetooth mouse working etc.
posted by defcom1 at 6:45 AM on April 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'd start with LogicBuy's Newest Laptop Deals and if the words Dell and/or Refurb don't scare you you could also consider a laptop from Dell Outlet with a coupon code.
I bought an Alienware refurb desktop from Dell Outlet and have been quite pleased with it.
posted by dgeiser13 at 10:45 AM on April 25, 2013
I bought an Alienware refurb desktop from Dell Outlet and have been quite pleased with it.
posted by dgeiser13 at 10:45 AM on April 25, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks everyone!
defcom1 and fnerg -- i'm very up to speed on Mac and Linux, not so much on windows, so feel free to answer this like I'm 5 years old. Are you saying that I can use those tools to do a clean install of windows 7 on any laptop, at no extra cost? Because that sounds awesome -- it sounds like I could then just pick up any small, inexpensive laptop.
I don't know anything about Windows registration procedures -- am I understanding you correctly?
posted by Alaska Jack at 10:19 PM on April 25, 2013
defcom1 and fnerg -- i'm very up to speed on Mac and Linux, not so much on windows, so feel free to answer this like I'm 5 years old. Are you saying that I can use those tools to do a clean install of windows 7 on any laptop, at no extra cost? Because that sounds awesome -- it sounds like I could then just pick up any small, inexpensive laptop.
I don't know anything about Windows registration procedures -- am I understanding you correctly?
posted by Alaska Jack at 10:19 PM on April 25, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by empath at 3:03 AM on April 25, 2013