Fresh win8 install on asus laptop (oem)

Alright so I got my first laptop, it's an ASUS Q301. It came with a bunch of crapware and other garbage (bought it from bestbuy) as well as a bunch of asus stuff I don't want.

I'm aware that the product key for win8 is in the bios and that it should fill in during an install.

Problem is, this thing doesn't have a disc drive and I don't have a flashdrive big enough for a full windows 8 install.


Really want I want is to somehow wipe /everything/ on the laptop without doing a fresh install. I tried the refresh option but it kept all the dumb bloatware.

Any other alternatives?

Problem is, this thing doesn't have a disc drive and I don't have a flashdrive big enough for a full windows 8 install.

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The entire Win 8 installer can fit on a 4Gb flash drive so I'm not sure what you mean.

Really want I want is to somehow wipe /everything/ on the laptop without doing a fresh install.

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You can't wipe a hard drive clean without doing a fresh install.

The best thing you can do right now is to try uninstalling all that bloatware and leave the OEM structure in place so you can recover in the future if necessary. BTW, have you made your factory recovery discs yet? If not, that would be my very first move just in case they are needed. Good luck to you.

my2cents

If Asus is like Acer what you have is a recovery partition with everything there. The problem is, when you use it you end up recovering all the crapware also.

I don't know any way around it using the recovery partition.

The only way to get something clean is to install, delete all the junk, image or clone, and then you have something clean in the future to fall back on.

Edit: I stepped on my2cents but yea, like he said.

Have you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

You can make a Microsoft Recovery USB Drive
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.





The Windows Recovery USB drive & Recovery Partition can be very problematic, I recommend you also make a Windows System Image.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8956-system-image-create-windows-8-a.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...overy-restore-image-computer-windows-8-a.html

or
look for a 3rd party ,Backup software, which fully supports Windows 8, uEFI, GPT & Secure Boot.
Which is signed by Microsoft.

After Updating to Windows 8.1, you will need to Windows 8.1 versions of Recovery software.

thing is I don't have a flashdrive bigger than 1gb and unfortunately I can't get one where I am right now.


Idunno I guess things don't feel very snappy for a $600 laptop with an i5. I was hoping that all the bloat was causing it and maybe a fresh install would help.

Dijas said:

thing is I don't have a flashdrive bigger than 1gb and unfortunately I can't get one where I am right now.


Idunno I guess things don't feel very snappy for a $600 laptop with an i5. I was hoping that all the bloat was causing it and maybe a fresh install would help.

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You could download CCleaner and look at the start-up programs, maybe disable some that you don't need.

Msconfig will also let you disable unneeded start-up programs.

All off the shelf laptops need tweaking. It is a matter of getting to know your particular one.

popeye said:

If Asus is like Acer what you have is a recovery partition with everything there. The problem is, when you use it you end up recovering all the crapware also.

I don't know any way around it using the recovery partition.

The only way to get something clean is to install, delete all the junk, image or clone, and then you have something clean in the future to fall back on.

Edit: I stepped on my2cents but yea, like he said.

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Hi popeye,

You gave the OP some good advice! Thanks for that!

Have a look at this maybe it will help. Install Windows 7 FAST without a DVD or USB device - Windows 7 Help Forums
Other than that about all you can do is as mentioned, go though your list of installed programs a delete/uninstall the bloat ware. That's what I did initially on my ASUS K75DE Laptop. Eventually I did a clean install and only installed what was needed.

I don't have a flashdrive bigger than 1gb

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You can get a 4GB flash drive for about 5-7 bucks these days in the USA. So if that is your only obstacle, I would "break open that piggy bank" and head to somewhere close by and get one.

This might do it for you:The PC Decrapifier Wipes Unwanted Junk | The PC Decrapifier