Purchased refurb G75VX; need help badly.

[danmaku]

Two things.

I want to install a clean version of windows 8. I've heard of workarounds and I'd like to avoid using Asus Backtracker. I want a fresh install using a Windows 8 image with no bloat. How do I go about this? I need to be able to do this in the future in case I want to cleanse my hard drive from time to time.

When I received the laptop, everything works great with the exception of the backlit keyboard. It doesn't even flash on startup. I'm not sure if I need to reconnect the cable (which takes a long time) or update/flash the bios. Bios-wise, is there anything I can do about the keyboard? I tried "load optimized defaults" to no avail.

[Clintlgm]

To clean install you'll have to get your hands on a Win 8 ISO, there are leaked ones out there, you'll have to extract your embedded win 8 Key. Use the ISO that matches you KEY, Core or Pro. Here are the install only keys these keys will only allow you too install once your installed you'll have to use your legal Key to activate.
Windows 8.1 Single Language Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC
Windows 8.1 Core 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
Windows 8.1 Pro XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
I would find a 8.1 ISO as your 8 key will activate and you won't have to upgrade
Rewben has collected in one thread most of what you need to know about clean installing win 8 in this thread

I would download the latest drivers from Asus Support Download I think Wi-F- and Bluetooth require 8.1 drivers

Here is a method for downloading a ISO from MS Store http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?40101-FYI-Download-8.1-ISO-from-Microsoft-Store&country=&st... this works for people you can find more info in the eightforms where they only deal with Windows 8
Good luck, Plan everything out have all your drivers ready to install. Don't for get to download Asus Backtracker and creating a factory recover media. You never know you might need it some time.

[danmaku]

So basically I can use my OEM 8.0 Core key to validate windows after fresh installing 8.1 using the generic keys?

[Clintlgm]

Yes that's what I did. I went from Win 7 HP to 8.1 using the $14.95 win 8 pro upgrade. I used a Win 8.1 Pro ISO Back then it was a RTM version I'm pretty sure the keys will work with any Retail Version ISO, or DVD. I even managed a free copy Activation of MC
If you need any more assurance check out the eightforums their dedicated win 8 with several posters being Windows Certified experts.

Again as always backup every thing up. Have a good image to restore back to factory should anything go wrong. Have all you update drivers downloaded and ready to install.

While Asus Backtracker works well, A lot of us have been using Macrium Reflect it works flawlessly for creating images and restoring them its free unless you want to do file back ups then you got to pay. Most of the other imaging programs that worked so well for us with BIOS MBR disk, seem to be failing to recreate bootable UEFI GPT disk.

[danmaku]

So do I have this right:

Create bootable media from an official (whose hash checks out) Win 8.1 Core ISO
Reformat/Install using key
Activate windows using the OEM key I found using a keyfinder (such as RW everything or a tool posted on mydigitallife or Belarc advisor)?

are those all the steps?

[Clintlgm]

Yes, you won't need to format that will happen automatic as part of the clean install, you do need to set up your install media to boot UEFI, you 4 or 8 GB USB thumb drive will need to be formatted Fat 32 the expand the Win 8.1 Iso to the usb drive. Rufus is a good program to accomplish this.

[danmaku]

Okay, I followed the instructions; modified the ISO to find my key and it worked! Thanks.

Any ideas on the keyboard? I know it's been a problem for some people. Going to try to update the BIOS. Also, what are the boot option keys? For like booting in safe mode, from a different device (such as a USB). The quick boot is disabled but the BIOS still goes by astonishingly fast.

[Clintlgm]

The Esc key will bring up a boot menu, I think F8 brings up windows boot menu for Safe mode or if your dual booting say not sure on the f8 it used to not sure about win 8 and f8.
Keyboard light probably not going to get better with a BIOS update. you might check and see If there is a newer ATK package on the download site.