Questions?

Get started with the StartMeStick

Thank you for trying the StartMeStick operating system on a stick. If you need help getting started or have any questions, please get in touch with us here!

Unlike the FixMeStick, the StartMeStick does not perform a scan. Plug in the StartMeStick everytime you want to revive your old computer. You can use the StartMeStick to do everything you want online safely and securely. You only need to plug in the StartMeStick when you’re using it.

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

A. How to Start the StartMeStick

  1. Turn ON your computer and log in so you see your normal desktop/background.
  2. Plug your StartMeStick device into a USB port on your computer. Using a desktop? Try a USB port at the back of the tower.
  3. Next, open “File Explorer” or “My Computer” by following one of these methods:
    • Left click the “Start” button or start button and select “My Computer” or “Computer”.
      or
    • Right click Windows icon, and select “File Explorer”.
      or
    • Left click Folder Icon in your taskbar.
  4. A new window will appear on your screen. The “StartMeStick USB” drive will be on the left-hand side of that window. Left click on “StartMeStick USB”. If you do not see it, try plugging the StartMeStick into a different USB port.
  5. Double left click on “StartMeStick” under the list of languages. Select “Yes” on the pop-up asking to allow changes to your computer.
  6. The StartMeStick device will update. You'll then see the "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT" screen. Click “REBOOT AND START STARTMESTICK”, to start the StartMeStick.
  7. You're in StartMeStick when you see this background:
  8. StartMeStick desktop image

B. How to Start the StartMeStick from Outside of Windows

  1. Power OFF your computer.
  2. Plug your StartMeStick device into a USB port on your computer. Using a desktop? Try a USB port at the back of the tower.
  3. Power ON your PC and immediately start tapping F12 at the top of your keyboard until you see the “Boot Menu” or “Boot Device Options”. If F12 doesn’t work, click here to see which Boot Menu Key corresponds with your computer.
  4. Your mouse will not work, so use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight “StartMeStick” or “USB”, then hit the Enter key to start the StartMeStick.

Having trouble? Visit our knowledge base or click here to contact us.

System Requirements:

All PCs released after 2001. 1 GB RAM. Requires a USB port to plug into and an Internet connection. You can connect your Bluetooth devices to your StartMeStick. However, the StartMeStick requires the use of a wired mouse/keyboard for Bluetooth device setup each session.

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

A. How to Start the StartMeStick

  1. Power OFF your Mac.
  2. Plug your StartMeStick device into a USB port on your computer.
  3. Power ON your Mac and immediately press and hold the “ALT/OPTION” key until you see a Startup Menu.
  4. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight “EFI BOOT”. Then hit the Enter (Return) key to start the StartMeStick. If you do not see it, try plugging the StartMeStick device into a different USB port.
  5. You're in StartMeStick when you see this background:
  6. StartMeStick desktop image

B. Having trouble starting the StartMeStick?

  1. Hold down the power button until your Mac shuts off and repeat Steps 1-4 in A.
  2. After you select “EFI BOOT” you will see the StartMeStick logo and three options in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. Immediately press any key on your keyboard.
  3. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight a "Failsafe" option.
  4. Hit the Enter (Return) key to start StartMeStick. If you're still having issues, retry these steps and select another "Failsafe" option.

Having trouble? Visit our knowledge base or click here to contact us.

System Requirements:

All Macs made between 2006 to 2017. Minimum 1 GB RAM. Requires a USB port to plug into and an Internet connection. You can connect your Bluetooth devices to your StartMeStick. However, the StartMeStick requires the use of a wired mouse/keyboard for Bluetooth device setup each session.