Reformat/Clean Install Windows 11

• 24H2...Start HERE FIRST with the saving files, product keys & formatting. 22H2 also included below
  
  

Factory Reset to start over

• Start HERE FIRST to Factory Reset a botched setup
  
  

Upgrade Win10 to Win11

• Start HERE FIRST to upgrade in-place

 

 

 

New Computer Setup 11

Power It On
United States > Yes
US Keyboard > Yes
Second keyboard > Skip
Click on "I don't have internet".
       If not given that option, continue with Step #1 below
Add Username and password.
When you see the desktop image proceed below to Windows 11 Modifications.

Step #1
Choose network, then UNCHECK connect automatically
Connect > Input password > Next
When connected, click on Next
Connect to the internet again UNCHECKED automatically > Next
Accept
Name This Device (Example: John-LPT, Susan-DSK) Or click on Skip if not desired to name it.
Keep connecting to the internet and UNCHECKED for automatically.

Step #2

• * If logging into a MICROSOFT ACCOUNT:
  Sign in when requested but DO NOT USE RESTORE from a previous account
  • º Click on Sign In
  • º Sign in their MS account)
  • º Click on View More Options
  • º Click on Set Up As New Device > Next
  • º Click on Create PIN > 1234 (or whatever pin desired) > confirm > OK
  • º Continue to step #3 below
    
    

* If logging into a LOCAL ACCOUNT

• *** NEW Command to try:
  Instead of command below, type: start ms-cxh:localonly
  This should take you right to the creation of a local account
• Otherwise continue below"
• a)  When you get to the Microsoft Account screen click on Sign In. Then press Shift+F10 (or if that doesn't work, then press Fn+Shift+F10) to open a command prompt.
  • NOTE: If the Shift+F10 or Fn+Shift+F10 does not bring up a command prompt, that means the computer is probably in S Mode.
    You first have to get out of it by: Win+R, then type: cmd
    You get a notification that you can't, just click on the See How link. It will direct you to the Switch Out Of S-Mode app. Log in to the Microsoft store with your own account and finish getting it out of S-Mode. (Signing into your own account does not set the new computer up with your account.)
    After you're out of S-Mode, you can start the process again with a)
• b)  The command line will start with C:\Windows\System32>
  Type this command: OOBE\BYPASSNRO    [Enter]
• c)  Your computer will restart and start with taking you through the beginning of US Region, and Keyboard.
• d)  Reconnect to the network WITHOUT connect automatically
• e)  Upon returning to "Unlock Your Microsoft Experience"...
• f)  Press Shift+F10 (or Fn+Shift+F10)
• g)  At the command prompt type: IPCONFIG /RELEASE <Enter>
• h)  Type exit and hit <Enter> to close the command prompt window.
• i)  Click on Sign In
 If you don't get the "Who's going to use this device", Repeat F, G, and H
• k)  Continue and enter a username, password (if asked, then do the 3 security questions and answers)
• l)  Continue to step #3 below
  (If this doesn't work, try these other 2 options below)
  

 

Step #3
Remove settings except location > Accept
Wait for the install to finish..about 5 minutes. Or about 30 minutes if you had to use the Shift+F10 to bypass Microsoft.

 

1) Disconnect & then re-connect to the internet and set it Automatically Connect

2) S-Mode Removal if needed

• S-Mode removal

3) Rename the Computer

• Settings
• Click on RENAME under where it says DESKTOP-XFTRE (or what ever)
• Name it: Nimo-LPT and click on Next
• Restart the computer for the change to take effect.

 

4) Cursor Larger
Settings > Accessibility > Mouse Pointer & Touch

• Change size & color if desired

A) Decrption/Location: Settings > Privacy & Security

• ● Device Encryption...turn off Device Encryption (This could take hours to complete, but let it go)
  • To ensure it's off, right click on This PC > Show More Options > Manage > Disk Management
         If encrypted, you'll see it listed on the C: drive.
• ● Using Rufus: Location (further down the page)
  Turn on "Location Services" and "Let apps access your location", but turn off all others (if using Rufus installation)

B) Open Settings

• Pin Settings to taskbar
• Unpin other unwanted items
• Adjust the Time & Time Zone to automatic, if necessary

Start Check for Updates

C) From my USB:
● Copy Desktop Images into the Pictures folder
● Copy files for * Ninite * Routine, * OpenShell, * Restart, * Shutdown, * .reg file, & * PDF24 install files to the desktop

• Or get Ninite files manually:
• º Chrome
• º Libre (if they don’t have Office)
• º Malwarebytes
• º CCleaner
• º Java (last in the list)
• º IrfanView
• º Zoom

● Move Ninite to the Downloads folder and create a shortcut on the desktop
● Move Routine file to Documents and create a shortcut to the desktop
● RUN THE NINITE FILE(S) (but do not start any programs)

 

D) LAPTOP ONLY Backlit keyboard
If necessary, press F9. (or maybe F6, depending on the icon on the key). There are four settings: Off, Low, High ON
(Nimo has no timeout changing available)


E) LAPTOP ONLY Ensure the keypad functions without the mouse connected.
If it doesn't, find the appropriate Fn key to turn it back on. Usually F5, F6, or F9


F) Installed Apps:
Right click on Start > Installed Apps
Don't wait for CCleaner, do it here
* Uninstall: OneDrive (if not used) Operator Messages, CoPilot, Microsoft Office 365 (unless they use 365), Microsoft 365 Copilot & Maps and any others

Get ALL updates completed before continuing

IF you are 100% updated, and you should be before continuing anyway, you can run all the .reg files
If you are NOT 100% uopdated, do NOT do the .reg files
► REMEMBER - go to Run > netplwiz > remove check in box for Users must enter a username and password
RESTART the computer

---

 

H) Settings > System >

• ● Display
  • Turn on Night Light
  • Click arrow to the right and turn on Schedule
• ● Notifications
  • Click on the down arrow for Notifications > Uncheck all
  • Turn off Do Not Disturb
  • Click on down arrow for "Turn On Do Not Disturb Automatically" and UNcheck all boxes
  • Click on the arrow for Set Priority Notifications Uncheck for both Calls And Reminders
  • Remove all items shown further down
  • Back to Notifications, in the section for Notifications from apps and other senders:
         Turn off all EXCEPT AutoPlay, Security & Maintenance, Settings, Audio, File Explorer
  • Still on that screen, scroll down and click on Additional Settings (at the end of the list)
         turn off all three (Show Windows Welcome, Suggest ways, Get Tips)
• ● Focus
  • Uncheck all and turn off if it's running
• ● LAPTOPS: Power & Battery
  • Power Mode
    • Click on the down arrow at the end of the line for Power Mode
    • Change Plugged In to Best Performance
    • Change On Battery to Best Power Efficiency
    • NOTE: If you don't have these battery options, wait until 24H2 is installed to continue setup
  • Screen, Sleep & Hibernate...
    • Plugged in: Screen Off After: 15 min, Sleep: Never, Hibernate: Never
    • Battery: Screen Off After 3min, Sleep: Never, Hibernate: Never
  • Lid, Power & Sleep Button Controls
    • Plugged In and On Battery sections:
    • All set to Do Nothing
• ● Activation
       Check to ensure Windows is Activated
  
  
• ● About > Advanced System Settings > Performance Settings
  • Performance Settings > Uncheck boxes for Animate, Fade and Slide > OK
  • Start Up & Recovery, Uncheck Automatically Restart > OK
  • Click on the tab for System Protection: Configure > Turn On System Protection
  • Change Max Usage to about 20GB > Apply

 

I) LAPTOP ONLY Settings > Bluetooth & Devices

• ● Touchpad
  • Tap on the down arrow at the top for Touchpad (next to the On button)
  • UNcheck "Leave touchpad on when...." if they don’t want to use it and will use a mouse instead.
  If you don't see the Touchpad option to "Leave touchpad on when mouse is connected", then you'll need to get the snynaptics drivers via the manufacturer web site.

 

J) Settings > Personalization

• ● Background
  • Change background from Windows Spotlight to Picture
  • If old background image desired:
    • Copy the Pictures folder back onto the new computer
    • On the old computer, run the file called "CurrentDesktopImageLocation.bat" file from USB
    • Look in the Downloads folder on the old computer and open the file called Current-Wallpaper-Location.txt.
      In there is a line starting with Wallpaper...that's the location of the file the old computer is using.
    • Or manually find on old computer in regedit: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
• ● Colors
  • Turn off Transparency
  • Turn on Show Accent Colors on Title Bars and Windows
• ● Lock Screen
  • Lock screen Status...change to None
  • Change Background from Windows Spotlight to Picture
  • Uncheck "Get Facts, tips...."
  • Choose a different picture
  • Screen Saver: Change to Mystify > 5 minutes
  • Turn off Widgets, and "Suggested widgets for your lock screen" if shown
• ● Start
  • Choose More Pins for the layout
  • TURN OFF:
         1) "Show Recommendations for tips, shortcuts...."
         2) "Show Account-Related Notifications"
         3) "Show Mobile device in Start"
  • LEAVE ON:
         1) "Show Recently Added Apps"
         2) "Show Recommended files in Start, recent files...."
• ● Taskbar
  • Click on the down arrow for Search Box > Choose Search Icon And Label
  • Turn off Widgets
  • Other System Tray Icons:
    • Turn on
      • Windows Security Notification
      • Windows Update Status
      • Safely Remove Hardware
    • Turn off all others (unless OneDrive is used)

 

K) Settings > Apps

• ● Startup > Turn off apps not wanted at startup
• ● Default Apps (for Chrome & IrfanView)
  • º In box for SET DEFAULTS FOR APPLICATION box (2nd one), type Irfanview
  • º Click on Irfanview
  • º Scroll through the list and make default for the following
         .ani > .bmp > .gif > .jpe > .jpeg > .jpg > .png > .tif > .tiff
  • º In box for SET DEFAULTS FOR APPLICATION box (2nd one), type Chrome
  • º Click on Google Chrome
  • º Change anything that says Microsoft Edge to use Chrome (except PDF files)

 

L) Settings > Accessibility

• ● Text Size: Increase if needed
• ● Visual Effects
  • Turn on Always Show Scrollbar
  • Turn off Transparency
  • Turn off Animation Effects
    

 

M) Settings > Privacy & Security

• ● Windows security >
  • Virus & Threat Protection, Dismiss for Ransome Protection
  • Click on Account Protection
  • Dismiss for MS Account
  • Click on Dismiss for One Drive (if it's there)
  • Device Security, Dismiss for Data Encryption
  • Close Windows Security window
• ● Recommendations & Offers (or General ) Turn off all EXCEPT "Improve Start & Search Results"
  
• ● Search
  • Search My Accounts, turn off both
  • Show search highlights, turn it off
  • Find My Files, change to Enhanced

 

N) Settings > Windows Updates

• ● Click on Advanced Options
  • Notify Me When A Restart Is Required, turn it on
• ● Check for Updates

 

O) Control Panel Pinned

• ● Click on Search, then type Control Panel
  • Right click on the 'Control Panel' (on the left side) in the results and choose Pin To Start

 

P) File Explorer

• ● Open File Explorer
  • Go to Downloads, Click on View > Details
  • Click on View > Show > Hidden Items, UNCHECK "Item check boxes" if shown
  • Right click and choose Group by > None
  • Go to Folder Options (3 dots at the end) > Options:
    • Uncheck bottom 2 boxes for "Show Frequently..., and "Show Files Office”
    • Choose Single Click (if desired)
    • On View tab, click on 'Apply To Folders'

 

Q) OpenShell Toolbar / Explorer Ribbon

• º Download and install OpenShell Explorer from:
  • OpenShell Downloads
    ( https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases/latest ).
    Scroll down on that page and click on the .exe file.
    
• º Run the .exe file from Downloads. If Windows stops it from running, click on More Info, then click on Run Anyway
• º During installation, Do NOT install "Classic IE" and DO NOT install "Open-Shell Update"
• º Open a File Explorer
• º Right click on the new toolbar to ensure it is Locked.
• º Click on the Settings icon (clam shell icon)
  • Put check in box for Show All Settings
  • Tab: Toolbar Buttons > Add and remove to show:
    New Folder, Up, Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Refresh, Undo, Redo, Settings
  • Click OK when done.
• Right click on the new Toolbar and ensure Lock The Toolbars is checked

 

R) Adjust Notepad Settings

• ● Open Notepad
• ● Click on Settings (top right corner)
• ● "When Notepad Starts", change to "Start new session..."
• ● Turn off Copilot

 

S) Chrome

• ● Log into Chrome Account & Sync (or setup Chrome manually w/o syncing)
• ● Disable Extension not needed
• ● If needed, go to Chrome Settings > Settings
• • Appearance
  • Enable Home Button
  • Enable Show Bookmarks Bar
  • On Startup: set specific page of www.google.com or other pages desired
  • Pin Chrome to taskbar & set to open maximum size

 

T) PDF Reader

• Run PDF24 Installation file from the desktop icon
  (or get PDF Creator at https://tools.pdf24.org/en/creator)
  (or get Adobe https://get.adobe.com/reader/ )
  
• If getting from adobe.com UNCHECK the box for More Add-On's...THEN download the file &install
• Delete file from desktop after installation
• To pin PDF24 to the Start screen: Click on Start then All, then find PDF24. Right click on it and choose Pin To Start
• To pin the PDF24 Launcher to the start menu by going to C:\Program Files\PDF24.
      Right click on the file called PDF24-Launcher and choose Pin To Start.
      Repeat for PDF24 Reader.

 

U) Libre Shortcuts

• ● Create shortcuts: Click on Start, then click on All, find Libre Writer and drag it to the desktop. Repeat for Libre Calc.
• ● Click on Search. Type Libre, then right click on each of the 2 Libre icons and choose Pin To Start
• ● Open each program and set to save in MS format: Tools > Options > Load/Save >
      Always Save As "Excel 2007-365 (*.xlsx)" and "Word 2010-365 Document (*.docx)"

 

V) Open CCleaner

• ● Options
  • Settings: Set to Custom Clean
  • Smart Cleaning: Uncheck both boxes
  • Updates - Uncheck both boxes
  • Advanced: Uncheck box for Show Prompt To Backup Registry Issues
  • Privacy: Uncheck all
• ● Tools
• • Uninstall any additional unwanted programs
  • Startup: Windows & Schedule Tasks list tabs: Disable any unnecessary items listed
  • Registry > Scan for issues until clean
• ● Custom Clean
  • Open Chrome and MS Edge (so Cleaner will give you the "don't ask me again" about closing the programs)
  • Run CCleaner. In the dialog boxes that pop up, put the check in the box for "Don't ask..." for all three dialog boxes (for deleting files, closing MS Edge and closing Chrone)

 

1) Check For Updates

 

2) Restart The Computer

3) Check For Updates

 

W) Routine Document

• Go to carneycreations.net/temp/routine.pdf & save in Documents folder
• Go to the Documents folder:
• Right click on the Routine.pdf file from the Documents folder (not the desktop), choose Open With > Choose Another App > Click on PDF24 ReaderF (or Adobe) and click on Always Use
• Create a shortcut of the Routine file to the desktop

 

X) Open Malwarebytes

• ● Click on Profile icon (bottom left corner)
  • Click on Deactivate Trial
• ● Click on Settings (bottom left corner)
• • General
    • Uncheck Launch at Start Up
    • Turn off Usage & Threat Statistics
  • Scan & Detections: Turn on Scan for Root kits
  • Notifications: Turn off all Notifications
• ● Click on Dashboard icon (top left icon), then click on Skip
  Run Malwarebytes

 

Y) Pin Quick Assist to the Start Menu

• Click on Start, type Quick, then right click on the Quick Assist app and choose Pin To Start
• Shortcut to Desktop: Click on Start, ALL. Find Quick Assist, then drag it to the desktop to create a shortcut there

 

Z) Organize Start Menu

• Go to C:\Users\Name Right click on each for Documents, Downloads, Pictures (Music & Videos if needed), Choose Pin To Start
• Pin Zoom to Start, remove desktop icon, if desired
• Reposition to top row of Start
• Unpin unwanted from Start Menu and items in the Recommended list
• Drag into groups if desired
• Pin other desired items to taskbar or to the Start Menu
• Pin CCleaner, Malwarebytes & QuickAssist to the Start Menu

 

AA) Ensure Device Encryption is still Off

 

BB) REGISTRY Adjustments (if not already done): Run the .reg files from the desktop (off the USB drive)

• ● TurnOffSignInButton: This file will:
  • Remove the button for Sign In (when computer comes back to life)
  • Puts the checkbox available in netplwiz
  • ► REMEMBER - NOW go to Run > netplwiz > remove check in box for Users must enter a username and password
  • Click on OK, then OK again with your password boxes left blank.
• ● ScrollBars-NumLock-Gallery-BingSearch-ErrorReporting.reg: This file will:
  • Make scroll bars wider
  • Turn off Web Search on Start Menu
  • Turn on NumLock by default
  • Remove Gallery from File Explorer
  • Stop Windows Error Reporting
• ● NoNameShortcut.reg: This file will:
  • Remove the word "Shortcut" from shortcuts added to a shortcut created

 

Restart The Computer

CC) Delete c:\windows.old folder this way:

• Settings > System > Storage > click on Temporary Files
• When its completes it's searching, put a check in the box for "Previous Windows installations" and all the others you want except do NOT choose the Downloads folder.
• Click "Remove files"
• If, after 15 min, the progress bar doesn't move, close Settings and restart the process. You'll find the Previuos Version isn't an option and you can close.
  If it's not there, you can just delete the folder C:\windows.old

DD) Copy files from old computer to new computer

~ SETUP COMPLETE ~

OR....

EE) Manual registry changes if not running the .reg files from the USB drive
All of these in this section can be changed just by running the .reg files from the USB with all the other Setup files

● Remove the Gallery from the top of the File Explorer

• Open regedit and navigate your way to:
  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}
  Delete that key
  or it might still be at:
  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace_41040327\
  Delete the sub key of {e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}

● Bypass User "Sign In" button....even if not password):

• Navigate your way to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device\DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion
• Set the value to 0
  • *** If necessary, create the Key called PasswordLess, then create a sub-key under that called Device.
    In there create a DWORD key and name it: DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion and set the value to 0
  • NOW go to Run > netplwiz > remove check in box for Users must enter a username and password
  • Click on OK, then OK again with your password boxes left blank.
• Now navigate your way to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
• On the left side right click on Windows > New > Key. Name it Power
• Right click on Power and create New Key named PowerSettings
• Right click on PowerSettings and create New Key and name it 0e796bdb-100d-47d6-a2d5-f7d2daa51f51
• On the right side, right click and choose New DWORD called DCSettingIndex. Set the value to 0
• Create another DWORD and name it ACSettingIndex. Set the value to 0

● Wider Scroll Bars

• Open regedit and navigate your way to:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
  Change the ScrollWidth from -255 to -300
  

● NumLock Always On

• Open regedit and navigate your way to:
  HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
  Change the value for InitialKeyboardIndicators to 2
  

● Web Search removed from the Start menu

• Open regedit and navigate your way to:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
  Change the value (or create the DWORD) DisableSearchBoxSuggestions to 1
  

● Stop Error Reporting to Microsoft

• Open regedit and navigate your way to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting
  Change the value (or create the DWORD) Disabled to 1
  

● Turn off 'Shortcut' word on shortcut icons

• Open regedit and navigate your way to:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
  Double click on "link" on the right side and change the value to: 00 00 00 00
  

 

Additional for Tracy:

Turn on File History if desired
See This Link

A) Change Name of Computer

• Open a File Explorer
• Right click on This PC / Properties / Click on Rename This PC
• For Computer Description, type in Desktop (or Laptop, Personal Laptop... or whatever you want)
• Click on the button for Change
• Rename the computer to Worktop (Desktop or Laptop...or whatever name you want)
• Click on OK, OK, Close, Restart Now

 

B) Turn on Network sharing to see both computers Documents
Do this for BOTH computers first:

• Settings > Networking & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced Sharing Settings
• Private Networks: Both on and check in box
• All Networks: Password Protected Sharing - Off
  After both computers are set:
• On left side of explorer, right click on Network > Map Network Drive
• Choose Q for Receipts, R for Downloads
• Paste in the address
  \\LAPTOP\Users\Mark\Downloads
  and \\LAPTOP\Users\Mark\Documents\Receipts

 

C) Hide Camera Roll and Saved Pictures folders

• Create new folders in the Users\Tracy\AppData\Local folder and call them Camera Roll and Saved Pictures
• Right click on the original Camera Roll folder and change location to new folder Users\...\Camera Roll
• Repeat for Saved Pictures folder

 

D) Clipboard Turn On

• Settings > System > Clipboard
• Turn it on

 

G) Check to ensure F keys are default for single press button

• In BIOS, go to under Keyboard or Post Behavior
  If it's not there, Go into Windows as usual. Then press the FN + ESC key to switch between the format (if it has a padlock icon on the ESC key)

 

H) Copy FONTS folder from flash drive to new computer. Install all fonts but do NOT overwrite any of them

 

I) Install printers and all other software desired

 

J) Adjust SharePoint Designer to Edit With on right click of html files "Edit With" using specific program

 

K) Remove the "Shortcut To" on icons 'Shortcut To' words removed

• ● Option #1 - From Windows Updates:
  • Plug in computer (don’t use battery)
  • Settings > Windows Updates
  • If Windows 11 is offered, click on Download & Install
  • When asked, click on Accept – then Install
  • Downloading time varies, but it goes right to installing automatically
  • When Restart button appears, click on it
  • If necessary click on Restart Now
  • Computer restart several times before coming up with Desktop background picture, which will probably be a big blue ribbon
  • Continue with #3 directions above A) instructions to clean it all up
    
    
• ● Option #2 - From USB Windows Installation
  • Boot from the USB drive
  • When given the option to Upgrade or Clean Installation, choose the top option of Upgrade
  • When installing, it will give you the option for upgrading your current computer WITHOUT losing any of your files or programs
  • Continue with #3 directions above A) instructions

---

 

Factory Reset

• 
  ● Settings > System > Recovery > Reset This PC
  
• ● Choose Keep Files if they already have files saved
  
    OR Choose Remove Everything if there are no files saved
• ● If asked, choose Local Reinstall
  
  

 

Reformat/Clean Install

• 
  ● Get the MediaTool if you haven't already gotten it.
  
  
• ● PREP OLD COMPUTER
  • Get the location of the current desktop background:
    • In the registry, go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
      In there you will see the location under Wallpaper
    • Or create a .bat file using this, text exactly as shown, to create it:
      @echo off reg export "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" temp.reg && type temp.reg | findstr /i "Wallpaper" > "%userprofile%\Downloads\Wallpaper-Old.txt" && del temp.reg@echo off reg export "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" temp.reg && type temp.reg | findstr /i "Wallpaper" > "%userprofile%\Downloads\Wallpaper-Old.txt" && del temp.reg
  • Copy all files (including from One Drive)
         Make SURE to check root C: drive for extra folders.
  • Do a ProductKey If necessary
    
    • Use ProductKey Finder to get it. (The link is about 3/4 down the page. Use the link for 'Download ProduKey (In Zip file)'. That link is to download the free standalone program will help you out...without any installation.
  • Home or Pro: Determine if you have Windows Home or Pro
  • Insert Win11 Installation USB drive
  • BIOS: Change the Boot sequence to USB first
• 
  ● INSTALL WINDOWS 11
  • Insert the Windows Install USB drive
    • WIN 11 with 24H2
      • English Language and English Time > Next
      • Keyboard: US > Next
      • Install Windows 11, Check for "I agree..." > Next
      • Click on Accept (or "I don't have a product Key" if asked)
      • If you don't see the new drive, see 8 lines below here & indented text on how to get it fixed so you can
      • Delete all partitions of the C: drive which is usually Disk 0 (NOT the disk that has a USB label....usually Disk 1)
            but WATCH FOR THE ESD-USB (which is the flash drive)... DON'T DELETE THAT ! !
      • Once all are deleted (except the USB drive), click on Create Partition, then click on Apply (Takes about 60 seconds)
      • Format the Primary Partition (Takes about 6 seconds)
      • Click on Next
      • Click Install ("Install Windows 11" and "Keep Nothing" should both have check marks)
      • Do NOT pull the flash drive until the you get to the "Who's using this device" or the desktop screen (about 30 minutes)
      • CONTINUE WITH SETUP #1 AS USUAL
    • • 
        No Drive Listed?
        If, for some reason, you don't see any drives listed, you need to do one of the following:
        
      • Restart the installation. And when you get to that screen that is not seeing drives, click on Load Drivers
      • Browse to the USB drive and choose the folder RST_V19.1.0.1001_PV...then choose the top option.
        This will show the drives available again
        
        • If you don't already have the folder on the Win11 Setup Flash Drive, then you need to get it:
          Using a different computer, open this page and click on the following link to download a driver locator zip file
          https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/GamingNB/FX507ZE/RST_V19.1.0.1001_PV.zip
        • Or you can go to the Dell web site, search for drivers for your model, then search drivers for the name "Raid". Download it
        • Unzip to your Downloads/folder and leave the folder name the same (RST_V19.1.0.1001_PV.zip or whatever the name is).
        • Copy that entire folder onto the Win11 installation flash drive
        •    OR
        • In BIOS settings, under the Storage option, for ‘SATA/NVMe Opertation’ switch the SATA Mode to AHCI and not RAID.
        • Turn off Secure Boot if necessary
      • Continue with deleting the partitions as noted above.

 

Note 1: May need to do this twice. For certain computers, you may have to do this twice before the installation will work.
Note 2: GPT If you get a messages that states: "The partitions on the disk selected for installation are not in the recommended order. For additional information about installing to GPT disks....", choose No. Just delete all partitions EXCEPT the largest one (your largest primary partition), then click on the large primary drive and Format and continue as noted below by clicking on Next.
Note: 2a GPT Toshiba: Some Toshiba hard drives may need additional adjusting due to "The selected disk is of the GPT partition style"
Here's how to fix that:
Assuming you've deleted extra partitions, now press Shift/F10 to open a command prompt.
Type: diskpart <enter>
Type: list disk <enter>
Type: select disk 0 <enter> (assuming you only have that one left)
Type: clean <enter> (it could from 1 minute to 1 hour)
Type: quit <enter>, then quit <enter> (again)
Now click on the drive partition and Format
CONTINUE WITH SETUP #1 AS USUAL

---

GET THE TOOL

Option A - BEST OPTION: USB with Rufus (bypasses the Microsoft account requirement):
Option B
Or, get the the tool to setup a USB that will require to bypass the MS account:

1) Go to Microsoft's Windows 11 MediaCreationTool 11 and click on the link for Download Tool Now.
Save the file to your computer. (Downloads folder is a nice place). You will need a blank 8GB USB flash drive.
Format the USB first. Just erasing the drive will NOT work.

2) Open the folder where your file was saved and run the file you just downloaded called MediaCreationTool
When it starts, you’ll see Getting things ready, then you have to click on Accept, then you’ll see getting things Ready again.
You will see 2 options there. One is to upgrade the current PC and the other for creating for another PC. You want the 2nd option for “Create installation media for another PC”.

OR
3) Now label the flash drive (or DVD) WIN_Install, and keep it safe.

Continue above with preparing the hard drive THIS LINK

---

Local Account Setup: 2 Other Options

Option #1

• When you get to the Microsoft Account screen, hit Shift + F10 (or Fn+Shift+F10 to open a command prompt
• The command line will start with C:\Windows\System32>
• Type this command: netsh wlan disconnect <Enter>
• Type exit and hit <Enter>
• Hit the back arrow at the top left of the screen. You should now be prompted with a basic local user account creation screen.
• When you get into Windows, you may have to reconnect manually.
• Continue above with #3 THIS LINK

Option #2:

• Well, it worked for me
• Put in the clients email address and use an INCORRECT password. Do this a few times and it'll tell you "Oops...."
• Then something like 'Let's setup a local account'
• You can then enter a username, password, and your 3 security questions and answers
• Upon getting to the Desktop screen, go to:
       Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts > Manage Another Account...then delete the MS account.
• Continue above with #3 THIS LINK

---

S-Mode Removal Problems

S-Mode Removal

• ● Restart the computer and connect to the internet and have it connect automatically
• ● Upon getting to the desktop screen, do a WINVER.
  • If in "Windows Home in S mode", switch to regular mode:
  • Connect to the internet >
  • Settings > Do a search for S Mode and choose "Switch out of S Mode"
  • Click on S Mode > Open Store (you'll have to log into any Microsoft Account)
  • Click on the "GET" button
  • Click on the Close to close the store button
  • Do a WinVer again.
  • Close the windows for "Switch out of S mode"
    
  • If it's off, Continue with Setup as usual
    
  • If not, continue below

Option #1: Using a Microsoft Account

• • Step 1: Disable Secure Boot in the BIOS
    Step 2: Disable driver signature enforcement:
    • Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now
    • On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings (you may need to click 'See more recovery options') > Restart
    • Select "Disable driver signature enforcement"
    • Restart the system
    Step 3: Change registry settings
    • Open Regedit
    • Navigate to HKEY_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\CI\Policy
    • On the right pane, change the value for SkuPolicyRequired to the value to 0
    • If WindowsLockdownTrialMode exists change the value to 0
    Step 4: Restart the system
    Return step above to get out of S-Mode
    

If that didn't work, use the next procedure below.

 

Option #2: NOT using Microsoft Account at all

• • • Settings > System > Recovery > Recovery Options > Advanced Startup
    • This will restart the computer in the blue screen of Recovery Advanced Startup Option
    • Troubleshoot > Advanced > Command Prompt
    • type: regedit
    • Click on HKEY_Local_Machine
    • Click on File > Load Hive
    • Navigate to C:\Windows\system32\config
    • click on the file called system to open it
    • Give it the name of: OfflineSystem, click on OK
    • It will create and open a new registry entry
    • Go into that key to ContolSet001 (or it might just be ControlSet) > Control > CI > Policy
    • Change the key of SKUPolicyRequired to be set to 0
    • Click on and highlight the OfflineSystem key on the left
    • Click on File > Unload Hive > Yes
    • Close regedit > Yes
    • Close Command Prompt window
    • Restart the PC and check is S-Mode is turned off: Settings > System > About
    • If it's off, Continue with Setup as usual
      

 

CLIENT REVIEW

Change the background image
Backlit Keyboard reactivated by pressin ESC key, F9: Off, Low, High, ON
Close lid does nothing
Restart & Shutdown icons
Restart Required
Password desired
Ninite maintenance
Single click
File explorer new toolbar
Touchpad off with mouse connected
Extra items on start menu with arrow
Fingerprint for login: To use, a password needs set up first, then go to Settings Account > Sign-In Options > Fingerprint Recognition