Windows 7

[#1]

Can I install windows 7 using a usb external optical drive for a NB205-N311/W netbook?

Or must I go about installation through Microsoft's confusing procedure using a 4gb thumb drive?

I'm looking at the "Samsung usb 2.0 3x dvd writer external optical drive" to install the windows7.

[#2 · Accepted solution]

As long as it's a USB drive and you can boot from it then you should be able to do so.

[#3]

Wow! that was a fast reply! thanks. I'm heading over to Frys electronics to see if they have any good prices on external usb optical drives right now. I just read a review on a external usb optical drive being used to upgrade a netbook to win7 so I think I'm good : ] thanks again

[#4]

No problem.  Let us know how it works out.  And let us know which model you get so others will know what does work.

[#5]

Installing Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit was a cinch using the samsung 2.0 8x external optical drive that I got on Amzon for $50 (much cheaper than the one Toshiba was offering on their site). I just plugged the usb cables leading from the optical drive into the netbook, turned on my netbook, opened up my computers and double clicked the newly added dvd drive to start the setup. Easy, easy, easy. installation took less than an hour.

Now all I have to do is upgrade my ram to 2gb and figure out how to get my fn keys to work. Theres so many drivers. ahh! not sure which ones to download... help!