X205 Vista Clean Install

Does anyone know if its possible to do a clean install of vista (no bloatware) using the Toshiba Restore disc that comes with the NB?

 

Funny you should ask that....

I just got done running through the Toshiba recovery DVDs and I don't believe there is a way with the media that we've got.

Running through the recovery DVD is almost completely automated. After it copies the files from the DVD and installs windows there's already icons all over the desktop.

Then the OOBE starts... and continues for another 20 minutes or so installing drivers and software... after completing this the computer is indeed, exactly how it was configured as soon as I first powered it on.


I think it may be possibly to Install using the OEM cd key from the Windows Vista anytime upgrade DVD - But I don't know for sure.

 

I just ordered the x205 and was researching how to downgrade to XP pro. I found a software called nLite ( www.nliteos.com) which will allow you to recreate the install cd with or without any software you want. nLite was designed for exactly what you are looking for, a clean install without any of that extra junk!

 

I think we need an actual Vista install disc to do that... though there is an i386 folder on Disc 1 - that may work

 

I'm trying a method using vLite (the vista version of nlite) with the Vista Anytime upgrade CD we get. Apparently using that version, you can create any version of vista install cd.

 

Let us know how that goes... it seems like you could install the trial version and then enter your OEM cd key.

I didn't get an anytime upgrade cd... Probably because mine came with Ultimate... But I bet you could install it as a trial version and then enter your cd key from the notebook.

 

Worked like a charm, I even put my CD key in the automatically along with my name and a few drivers to get me started. vLite is really nice... I had to create the project though, and save it, as the ISO tab disappeared when I selected any options. Other than that, easy to use. Make sure to read the forums before disabling tons of featuers though.

It did make me a nice Vista Premium CD that worked great. Posting on my CLEAN install of Vista premium.

 

I was going to mention, if you can get your hands on a AnyTime upgrade disk, you can use it with vLite. If not, I think there is a folder on the Toshiba disks that will provide you with the installation files, although I am not certain that it will work. Just point vLite to your Toshiba disk, and see what happens...

You could always order backup media -- http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=404&tabid=1

 

Just curious if anyone has gone through to determine what is absolutely required to get full fuctionality from the notebook.. that is .. if one were to Install a fresh copy of windows vista... what software would need to be installed from the CD..

Here's my list (note, updated versions may be on the web, these are just from the CD)

Alps Pointing Device Driver
Atheros Mini PCI/PCIe Wireless Lan (802.11 a/b/g, b/g) Driver
Bluetooth Monitor
Bluetooth Stack for Windows
Broadcom Decoder Driver
Camera Utility (not sure, but these drivers may be included in windows)
Display Driver
Embeded IR Driver
Intel Wireless LAN Driver
Intel Crestline Chipset Utility
Intel Robson Technology Driver
Realtek 10/100 8101E/Gigabit 8111B LAN Driver
Realtek Audio Driver
Synaptics TouchPad Driver
TI Card Reader Driver
TOSHIBA Fingerprint Utility
TOSHIBA Software Modem
TOSHIBA USB TV Tuner M039 Driver
HDDVD Optical Drive

Optional: Intel PROSET Utility
Optional: Intel active Matrix Storage Manager (I think this is only needed for RAID)