How can I restore my system from WIM files?

I installed another OS on my netbook and decided I want to revert back to Windows 7 Starter. I was careful to keep the recovery partition, but even when I manage to boot to it, the system just restarts a few seconds after selecting "restore." I grabbed all the files from the recovery partition onto a flash drive. I also have been able to use this drive to boot a Windows 7 install, but it was unable to find the recovery partition.

These WIM files seem to be the key to installing Windows again. How can I use them?

Solution 1:

You need to obtain a copy of the Windows 7 PETools or the WAIK, Windows Automated Installation Kit. This enables you to create and boot off of a Preinstallation Environment disc and you apply that WIM file(s) to your harddrive, then on the next system boot you now have Windows installed.