Reply To: Cheap Used Netbooks for $100 � March 15, 2013

All of the below steps involve legal download and setup info. No piracy is involved.

1) You will need a working computer, preferably with Windows 7, to start with.

2) Using your already functioning computer, download the Windows 7 .iso file for the 32 bit version. Digital River has these files.

3) Use the ei.cfg removal utility on the .iso file (back the file up first). You can now use the install DVD or USB to install any version of Windows 7 32 bit.

4) Create either an install DVD or install USB memory stick from the .iso file. If you create a DVD, you will need to have an external DVD drive available to install the o/s, so a USB probably makes more sense. A 4GB memory stick is more than large enough.

5) Plug in the USB memory key and turn on the netbook. Follow the prompts, and select Windows Starter as the version you are installing. (If you select a better version, you will not be able to legally verify it.) If the PC doesn’t try to boot from the USB, you may need to adjust the boot sequence in the BIOS. Don’t worry about this – it’s not a big deal, and probably won’t even be necessary.

7) Start with the wireless modem driver. This way you can do all the subsequent downloads from the netbook. If you connect your netbook to your router with an Ethernet cable, you can start downloading even before the wireless modem driver is installed.

9) Verify that your copy of Windows is legit by keying in the serial number that will be on a sticker under the PC.

10) Run Microsoft Update as many times as is needed until your PC has the most up-to-date system.

12) Add free word processor (I use Open Office) and any other software you need.

If clarification is needed, either use Google or ask. (Google will probably be quicker.)