HP Mini 210/ netbook questions

[Rich'[ard]]

yo,

i was wondering if anybody here had an HP netbook, or specifically the HP Mini 210?
it seems like i'm posting a lot of questions lately...i have a thread just below but it didn't seem right to just ask another question there.

my netbook's got Windows 7 Starter on it and i HATE IT! the worst part is not being able to change the wallpaper....and not having aero - i like my eye candy.

i wanted to ask, if i completely format the thing (to install 7 Ultimate) i will lose all the HP pre installed software on it...like the Quickweb which lets you browse net without booting into Windows. i can't seem to find the install files for these programs so if i format i'll lose all of them.

would i be able to upgrade to Ultimate off a USB or ISO? i've read upgrading from Vista to 7 is pretty tedious, but is it just as bad for Win 7 -> Win 7 upgrade?

another question, would i be able to take out the HDD, plug it into my desktop to install windows, then put it back into my netbook?
i don't have access to a portable DVD drive...so i can only use USB boot unless there's another method?

open to any suggestions,

thanks :beer:

[aero77]

hey mate, i have the same laptop as you and yes, windows 7 starter sucks balls.

i now have ultimate on it and it took no longer than 15mins to upgrade to it.

it will not change any of the files or apps on your pc. all you need to do is as follows;

1. obtain a win7 ultimate (or any other version for that matter) key
2. click start, and in the box type in 'upgrade'
3. you will see 'windows anytime upgrade', click it
4. select enter an upgrade key (2nd option of two i believe)
5. hit verify (make sure you're connected to the net!)

what will happen is it will take a few moments to verify your key and once it has done so, will advised you it will take 10mins to upgrade. when it's done it will reboot, apply more updates, reboot again and then boot into windows. it will say congrats on upgrading and wallah!!

all you need to do then is activate the copy by going to my computer, right click it, properties, scroll down and hit activate. easy as pie!

good luck :cool:

[Rich'[ard]]

eyy, thanks for reply. i should've taken that route..but sadly i didn't :(
instead i completely reformat-reinstalled.
i lost a few programs on the way...and my brightness keys don't work anymore. that's the thing screwing me over right now.
ever since i installed Ultimate on it it won't change brightness.
i'm not sure if it's a hardware or software problem...but no software has seemed to get the keys working again at the momeht.