/u/texasgunowner12 beat me to it, but according to Microsoft's "Reimaging rights" brief (located here), "[Y]ou may use an OEM recovery image on devices shipped by that OEM if the device is appropriately licensed." The web page you cite is specifically discussing the use of a volume license media and key to reimage computers that were originally shipped with OEM keys.
As long as OP is using the proper key for the computers, he is fine. In fact, Windows 7 ISO images are available from the Microsoft website for download.
Edit: Also from that PDF:
>Commercial Licensing Windows Desktop operating system media may be used to reimage devices if all devices being reimaged are licensed for the edition and version of Windows being reimaged onto them. (Note: Each device being reimaged does not need to be licensed under Commercial Licensing if they are properly licensed for the edition and version being reimaged onto them.)
If the laptop has the product key in it and you have another computer and a blank DVD/flash drive, you can just use this site to download a disk image and either burn it to the DVD or write it to the flash drive (you can use this to create the bootable media)
Hey OP,
So you have a couple of options here we can try.
If you want to go with option 1 check out this link this should give you some guidance, if you don't have a Windows 7 install disc you can go to this link and supply your product key and get an ISO to burn or make a USB with. As far as option 2 you can check out this link here it is pretty informational. Basically, you are going to want at least 2 partitions a / and swap. You will need to do the math but for example, I have 1GB of RAM then my swap should be 2GB or 2048mb. Say I had a 10GB hard drive I would take the size in MB that is my free space and subtract 2048MB. So then I would create a partition that is / ext4 7xxxmb next I would make a swap partition that is the 2048MB or remaining space.
This guide is going to show you to make /home partition also, but you could get away without it.
The link is just for the tool to create a bootable USB.
Enter your product key in the link below (theres sites for 8.1 and 10 as well) and if it is valid, it should give you a link to download windows.
If you don't know your key, there are tools to extract it from Windows registry. If your computer crashed and you can't find your key, you can call Microsoft and jump through some hoops to pay $10 for a new key.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 If you have a product key
Then you just click repair, open a command prompt, and type "bootrec.exe /fixmbr" IIRC
Terrible idea if you use it on the internet, software vendors don't release security updates for fun.
You can get Windows 7 Installation media with SP1 integrated which might be worth a try. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You can download Windows 7 install ISOs from Microsoft directly. A Dell disk isn't needed, just the Win7 product activation key. Burn that ISO to CD or USB with the instructions on the page.
If you have access to another PC. You should still have your Key, so you can download the ISO image from here
> https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Then if you cannot burn a DVD you can use this > http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
And that should get you back up and running. But unfortunately some certain hardware is having a lot of issues upgrading. I advise to wait a while before trying Windows 10 again.
Well, to argue with your stance, Win10 actually has so many features that Windows 7 didn't, such as built in RDP/Screen Sharing through the Quick Assist feature, as well as built in virtual drives so you can emulate iso/image files.
​
If you want to revert back to 7, you will have to purchase a CD key from a website, and then enter your CD key here to start the download of the iso (image) file. From there, you can create Windows 7 media on a USB flash drive, throw it in your computer, and boot from USB which will install Windows 7. Best of luck.
Just download official ISO and "burn" to usb with Rufus.
Microsoft's official way for downloading images (for win7 at least) is now through this page:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
However, you'll probably find that they won't take OEM keys. (Actually, I've tried with Retail keys, and the site only wants me to download the Korean iso or something lol). Feel free to "obtain" an ISO for the proper version, verify the MD5 sum matches official releases, and you'll be fine.
When reinstalling with an OEM COA key & retail install disc, you might have to enter the product key twice, or at least I usually do. The first time, during setup, configures Windows as an OEM installation with a generic key. When you go to activate, it will fail. Click "Change product key", enter the same key again, and then activate. Should work fine.
Since you mentioned they're tablets, I'm guessing there's no DVD drives. Here's an official Microsoft tool to make a USB install drive:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
You can download a windows 7 ISO here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Instead of "Install" hit "Repair" and there you have a couple of options to do a system repair. I hope that helps! If you have downloaded the ISO you can dd it onto an USB drive.
I had this problem earlier in the year. The key Pitt provides is for the student edition which is for some reason not included on any of the Windows 8 or 10 disks. The best thing to do, speaking from experience, is to download the Windows 7 ISO (all versions) and input the Windows 7 Ultimate Key from Pitt into it and activate. From there I would upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. Let me know if you have any questions.
Link to the Windows 7 ISO (official, which I didn't use, but should still work): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You can still download it from Microsoft, but you need a key. And if it's an OEM key from a prebuilt it will most likely tell you to contact the manufacturer. You can try getting a recovery disk from the manufacturer - Dell for one still has a page up where you can download it, but I don't know if this will work for a 15 year old pc. Sadly Microsoft doesn't really make it easy to get a legit Windows 7 iso anywhere as far as I know.
If you really want the most, cleanest, 100% ISO then:
Open this page.
Put your previous Windows 7 product key in there.
Other than that, there are very little clean ISOs out there.
It's pretty much always recommended to do a clean OS install after buying a used computer, especially with Windows. Make sure you get the current Windows 7 key off of it before uninstalling (Belarc Advisor is a solid freeware program that can view software licenses and such).
As for obtaining legitimate Windows installation media, you can try this link from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
When performing a clean installation of Windows 7, there are some bugs that make Windows Update not run properly (takes literally days to search for updates). There are some standalone updates that can resolve this issue, but they change as time goes on, so it's best to just search for the latest guides on this.
The necessary drivers can be downloaded from Lenovo's website directly. I would recommend downloading the latest graphics drivers from the manufacturer directly and downloading the wired and wireless networking drivers before performing the clean installation (and saving them on a USB drive or CD/DVD). Lenovo's System Update utility is good, but doesn't always catch everything.
You need a USB drive bigger than 4GB I believe.
1. Go to here.
2. Scroll down to "Download".
3. Buy Key from 5sean.
4. Enter product key and download.
5. Run Rufus and select ISO and Drive to Install to.
6. Click Start.
7. When you’re ready to perform a clean installation, turn on your PC, insert the USB flash drive you created, then shut down your PC.
8. Restart your PC, then edit the boot order to boot from the USB flash drive.
9. Follow install instructions.
10. ???
11. Profit
These have been available for quite some time:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Yeah, um no. There is no way to do this.
Just download a clean iso from here.
Or if you have a retail key, you can get one from MS. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
But that can be hit and miss.
PC: "gasi me normalno, inace cu se pokvarit"
OP: gasi PC naglim prekidanjem napajanja
PC: pokvari se
OP: surprised pikachu face
Najjednostavnija opcija je vjerovatno skinut Windows 7 ISO od Microsofta, stavit ga na USB i pokrenut repair instalacije od tamo. Odokativno gledano moguce da je otisao RAM (vrlo zajebano), disk (srednje zajebano) ili samo da je par sistemskih fajlova nepravilno zatvoreno, sto bi navedena procedura trebala popraviti.
You can get them from Microsoft's website, but you have to verify that you own a license with your key: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7?
Keep in mind the W7 does not support new hardware. If you're using a Ryzen CPU, or an Intel 7000 series or newer. It won't work.
I'd go with an SSD as you'll see a major performance increase. You can download the Win7HP ISO here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7? Then you will need to burn it to a DVD, boot from it and go through the prompts. You really don't need to do anything different if you go with an SSD. One other thing to note, Win7 extended support ends in early 2020.
It's worth pointing out, that you can quite easily make a Windows DVD if you are willing to by downloading an ISO file from Microsoft:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Then burn that to a DVD, and you have yourself a Windows disc
edit: Also uninstall programs that you have on there (e.g. iTunes, browsers, steam etc)
Which windows?
windows 10 is free here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
windows 7 will need the product key https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
No matter what you do you'll need another PC to create the USB disk. Or need to make an ubuntu live disk and boot that to make the USB for windows
You can use this: https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
To grab the key you already have.
Then put it in here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
And you can download a fresh win7 pro ISO. Then use rufus to create a bootable flash drive and youre good to go.
You don't need all of that steps to download the ISOs, here's the direct links:
Windows 10 ISO: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO/
Windows 8.1 ISO: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO/
Windows 7 ISO: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7/
Get the latest install from here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
There's no way to avoid running the update process, but at least if you have the latest ISO it'll eliminate a lot of the earlier updates.
Solid advice.
To add to it: If you need a Windows 7 ISO, you may want to get your product key through the methods mentioned above and try putting that product key into Microsoft's site to see if they'll give it to you
Here is a link to Microsoft's official Windows 7 Installation media download page.
If that doesn't work, you'll likely need to find an HP specific Windows 7 image.
Since the device doesn't have disc drive, you can either create bootable media using USB or use a USB disc drive which usually costs around $40.
If you are having trouble with USB working even from boot, that sounds like a hardware issue and might limit your options if it's bad enough.
Also, if you want to give Linux a shot; it's free, readily available and runs pretty well on slower computers. I recommend Linux Mint Cinnamon or Mate. Chrome/Firefox is avaliable on Linux and you can run Windows programs through WINE.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Then buy a key somewhere. A lot of people here will recommend /r/microsoftsoftwareswap but, like with any other grey market sites, tread carefully and do your research before getting a key.
Official: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
If you don't have a product key: http://mirror.corenoc.de/digitalrivercontent.net/
Or just search "windows 7 x64 msdn" on any big torrent site, then check the hash of the iso.
This thread over at StackExchange answers your question. For the ISO, you can either download it (Microsoft locks it behind a product key, or you can get it online somewhere) or create one from the installation media you already have.
> to get windows install from microsoft, you need to provide a key.
Proof: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
I don't see any reason why an OEM key won't work (the FAQ points you to the COA, which could be OEM).
If you have your key you can just download the install disk (assuming you have some other computer that works). But i would seriously try safe mode -> device manager -> remove drive controller -> reboot
You need to install the version of Windows you purchased, or purchase a license for the version you have installed before the upgrade to 10 will work and end up with a valid license.
If you're doing a new install, just need to get the proper install image for the version you purchased.
I've noticed the same thing with Microsoft products. You used to get something useful years go when an error occurred, now days you just get "An error occurred" at worst, or some highly cryptic log file that you need a "special" Microsoft tool to read, and only they have the tool and won't let you download it, but to get the answer you want you need to log a support ticket for $599.99.
For example, go here to download a windows 7 iso, put in an invalid key and watch the result.
They couldn't be more generic if they tried.
Laptop may be fixable but it seems to have a slew of issues, I think i may be worth re-installing windows. I know you don't have the disc but you can maybe get one.
Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 and enter the product key from the sticker on the laptop, download the image and burn a new disc or USB
When you say you don't have it, do you not have a license? Or do you not have an ISO? With a valid license, you should be able to download an ISP (for example Windows 7) from Microsoft's Software Download website.
If you already have a product key, then you can enter it here for a download it.
But I'm not sure if DreamSpark provides you with a product key. I remember having to use some special account login when I tried to use Visual Studios.
Yep Here are the download links when you got the key: Windows 8: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8 Windows 7: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Read this for a clean install: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install?ocid=ms_wol_win10
You need a Windows install disc, you can download and burn a Windows 7 setup disc and boot off of it and install it with the product key that you already have.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Honestly I don't think end users shouldn't be doing operating system upgrades, you really should have a tech handle that for you, especially as you mention it is your work computer.
Either try this https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 of you have the keys (or Google some old well-known keys that may work to download the files), or ask someone who has access to dreamspark (a school student etc)
So I found this, https://naterice.com/windows-7-and-7-1-iso-names-and-sha1-hashes.
But bear in mind, the hash value you are going to get can vary wildly based on a huge number of factors.
The hash value of the file is only really going to be useful if you were to say, download the iso from MS themselves who also provide the hash value of the same file you downloaded.
EDIT: There is also this page for the legitimate MS download link. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Windows 10 should be fine for malware analysis. However if you have a legit key (look on some old PCs for a sticker) you can download the Windows 7 ISO from Microsoft(https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7). Otherwise find a torrent of the ISO in the usual places. Then use the ISO to install the OS to a VM.
Honestly though, you can download the Windows 10 ISO for free, and install it to a VM. It won't be activated but all that means is that you can't change the desktop background, and there is a little watermark that says not activated. It works fine otherwise.
You can use the key from it and use it on Microsoft's official Windows 7 ISO download. You'll need to use a software like Daemon Tools (there's a free version) to mount (open) the ISO/disk file. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
if you have a valid, non-OEM, serial number you can just make a new one.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
but as mentioned already - the discs are essentially interchangeable. It is the serial number that matters.
I'm pretty sure you can use the official Windows USB/DVD tool to create a bootable USB drive from a ISO file on Windows 7, 8 and 10. You can download the ISO file directly from Microsoft; Windows 7 or Windows 10. I've used this method in the past.
If your PC came with Windows 7 and has a built-in system recovery feature installed by your PC manufacturer (while your HDD isn't wiped out, or your PC comes with a separate recovery media), use that to factory reset (and reinstall) Windows 7. Some PC manufacturers also offer recovery media on their support website (for free or otherwise paid -- you need to supply your PC's serial number, asset tag, service tag, etc.).
The only other way to "factory reset" Windows 7 is to reinstall it with your Windows 7 installation media. If you don't have one, download the ISO from Microsoft's website (if your Windows 7 license is retail -- have your product key handy), or obtain one from some other website (>!P2P/illegal file-sharing websites may do, but not recommended -- if you do so, make sure the source is trusted and avoid pre-activated ones!<). If your PC came with a genuine OEM Windows 7 (Home Basic/Premium, Pro, or Ultimate) license (from Acer, Packard Bell, eMachines, Advent, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, Gigabyte, HP, Compaq, Lenovo, IBM, Medion, MSI, Samsung, Sony, or Toshiba), install the correct edition and use Windows 7 OEM License Installer to re-activate Windows 7.
Edit: Rewritten to further elaborate my previous statement.
You could try find software to rip an iso from the windows 7 disc, but that could be a pain due to protection. If you find ripping an iso file to be a pita, you could instead download an ISO directly from microsoft.
Once you have the ISO file, you can use a tool to create a bootable USB key from an ISO file. I'm not familiar with mac software sorry, I do know Unetbootin works on all platforms, but it's been years since I actually used that myself.
How would someone make you a disk?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
I'm not an Apple fan personally so hopefully this helps!
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/how-to-burn-an-iso-to-usb-flash-drive.598291/
Microsoft offers a guide and the location to download Windows 7 here. You will need your Windows product key which you said was on the laptop (the sticker is usually underneath the laptop) and a blank DVD + burner or a USB stick (FYI old PC may not boot from USB).
You could try a factory restore, as long as the partition is still there. When it starts the boot process hit ESC until you get the restore screen. Once you get that choose your option of reset. Or as long as you have your license key you can go here to download the iso file for W7. Then you can create a bootable USB stick to re-install Windows.
You're going to have to perform a clean install of 64-bit Windows. If you want to stick to Windows 7, go to this website and enter your product key to obtain a clean, legit iso of Windows 7: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 (use Rufus tool to create a bootable USB from the iso to reinstall Windows).
If you want to use Windows 10, download the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a USB installer for Windows 10.
You will have to backup everything on the PC and reinstall both the drivers and software you once used and run Windows Update. Let me know if you need assistance with this process.
Do you still have the original installation media ? if so boot on it, and try a repair. It should not remove any of your personal data as the repair option will only replace system files.
You can download the ISO here, and then use some Tools to make a bootable USB from it :
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Once you got the ISO, the following tool help you make bootable USB:
(You can use this tool for other OS)
Or you can use the Microsoft tool that should help you to do it in one step:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
Edit : confusion on my side between the USB downloader and USB burner...
Official link:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Unofficial guide with link to a mirror of the old Microsoft Digital River iso's:
https://www.pcsteps.com/45-download-windows-7-iso-legally-free-digital-river/
I've had this happen before, I forget which vendor. No OEM disk or anything.
If you go here and type in the key it'll let you download the ISO for the OEM copy of Windows for recovery or fresh install, and if you go for fresh install, then you can grab your X53E drivers and software from ASUS website.
I think when I needed my stuff I just got the ISO off a torrent site, because that was like 5+ years ago and I don't think Microsoft hosted stuff like they do today... Kind of a drag to jump through these hoops but it's free.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 to get your windows 7 install iso
then download Rufus here https://rufus.akeo.ie/ and make a usb bootable drive from the iso you downloaded.
Yes you can, you will have to download the ISO, then use tools like windows to go or Rufus, to copy it to an empty USB drive. You can then restart your PC then pressing whatever key you need to press to open its boot options menu, then select the option to boot from USB.
Please note, you should have a full backup before doing so and you can use a tool like produkey, to locate and keep your license keys safe, otherwise you will have to buy them all again.
Also keep a screenshot of your installed programs list so you can install the ones you need.
You can go to any other computer that is running Windows.
Go to this website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Enter the product key. It will then give you the correct ISO for your machine. Unless you have less than 2GB of RAM, do 64 bit. The ISO is about 4.7 GB, so it could take a little while to download.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
Next, follow the instructions on this page to download and install the USB creator.
Run the creator. It will ask you where you saved your ISO file to. Browse to and click it. Then, it will ask the letter of the USB drive. BE CAREFUL and pick the right one. It will build your flash drive.
Finally, stick it in your machine that needs windows and boot off the USB. It will be pretty simple from this point.
I've not actually tried using it, but Microsoft claims if you have the COA key for Windows (normally under the battery) you should be able to download Windows 7 installation media.
The site is at:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
I've gotten the Windows 8 installation media off their online site, but not tried to get Windows 7 (which requires a valid key to download).
Use the media creation tool to setup a USB or DVD with the Windows 10 installer.
Then simply boot from the installation media and follow the instructions.
Note that the media creation tool will only let you install Windows 10, not Windows 7. However, it should accept your Windows 7 key and activate Windows 10 (free upgrade).
Alternately, if you'd prefer Windows 7, you can just create installation media using here.
Recently I imagine, I built a PC for a friend back in April and when we found out his Mobo was not windows 10 compatible and had a ton of driver issues that caused USB drives and devices to not work correctly I tried to download a windows 7 image from microsoft and was greated by this page. The windows 10 tool also says it requires a valid key but that may be possible to bypass. Could just be 7.
If you can't get a recovery media you can allways download windows 7 from microsoft and then the rest of the software from lenovo here is a link for the relevant microsoft site.
If the old installation uses the same version of Windows you can use it to repair the new installation. Otherwise for Windows 7, if you lack installation media, you can get it here for OEM systems: http://mirror.corenoc.de/digitalrivercontent.net/
Note if you have a valid retail product key you can get the ISO directly from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You can use the same installation media to repair too.
""" If you need to install or reinstall Windows 7 you can use this page to download a disc image (ISO file) to create your own installation media using either a USB flash drive or a DVD. """
Direct download, with product key needed to get ISO, here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows7
I suspect folks in the US will end up here:
Do you have the product key for the windows on that computer?
If so, all you need to do is download a copy of windows 7 from Microsoft and load it onto a USB stick. Put the USB stick in, reboot, and it should load a fresh copy of windows 7. Make sure you watch the prompts when rebooting, you'll probably have to hit F12 or F10 or something to boot from the USB stick.
Download https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Put the ISO on a USB https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
If you don't have a product key, don't bother pirating...you'll just end up getting a virus or worse.
Is it still covered by the manufacturer warranty? Why don't you contact Dell and ask them to ship you recovery media? The recovery features in Win10 will probably not work in recovering a Win7 image because they are engineered in completely different ways. You're probably better off downloading the Win7 Pro iso and installing from that. You're probably going to need to grab storage drivers in order to pull it off. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Agree with the other commenter. Looks like windows provides you with a copy themselves here, as long as you can enter the product key. This has the added bonus of making sure thats a genuine key first
Did they come with a disc at all? If not, it might be worth dropping HP a message asking if they can get your key/supply you with some before you wipe/clone them. OEM licences can be a bit funny and im not too sure exactly how it works.
If you do manage to get your key recovered, might be worth entering it here to see if microsoft accept it as a genuine key. If they do, then there shouldnt be an issue activating it.
Fresh machines may still be an issue. It wont be if they come with a key, however.
No problem at all :)
If it's an old disc it probably doesn't have SP1 included so it can't repair your install.
You should be able to download an up to date ISO file from here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
and use this tool to create a bootable USB stick from the .iso
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
Or simply burn the ISO to a DVD.
The CD isn't $100 - the license, which is presumably affixed via sticker to the bottom of your laptop is. The disks are free, and you can even burn your own or use a flash drive.
You can get the file you need here.
Microsoft is still allowing free upgrades to 10 if you use your Windows 7 key though during the install, so that is what I personally advise. Here's how.
Edit: Here's a an easier-to-follow step-by-step of the Windows 10 install and wipe process. It's called a clean install.
Does your laptop have a CD/Disk drive? Does your laptop, upon booting up, have a "boot from disk" option? If so, then do this:
Get an external hardrive.
Backup the files you care about (With the exception of the Avast software)
Get an iso burner, like this one: https://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-Disc-Burner.htm
Download this: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Burn the iso file to an empty disk
Remove said disk from computer, as well as external hardrive.
Turn off your computer.
Insert your disk with iso into your laptop.
Boot up your computer, however when it asks you to boot from disk (f12 or f11 or whatever, to boot from disk) do that.
Enjoy Windows 7 setup. Once you're done, you can then plug in your external hardrive and regain all of your files.
You might be able to use this to download an iso file https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Us this https://rufus.akeo.ie/ to make your usb bootable. (just point the iso to the usb in rufus)
Boot your pc to the usb and install Windows 7. If you need to activate windows 7 when it is all installed you can click on file explorer, right click my computer, properties and down below there is a Windows Activation spot.
Which operating system are you trying to install? Since you have the product key, you can download the ISO directly from Microsoft and make a bootable USB or DVD from it. Here's a few links:
Windows 10: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Windows 8.1: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
Windows 7: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You may just need to use a different USB drive.
Have you tried Microsoft's official USB creation tool?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
If you have a valid retail product key, you can download a fresh Windows 7 ISO here:
Does the laptop have a sticker on it with your license key for Windows? It should have a version number on it too.
Edit:
Try here for a bootable image of your install to fix your laptop yourself. Put the key in from the sticker on your laptop. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You don't have to pay some eBay guy for Windows, Microsoft let's you download everything for free. Those eBay guys are just opportunistic bastards imho.
Here you can get the .iso installer for Windows 7.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You cannot find your product key? Try ShowKeyPlus
https://github.com/Superfly-Inc/ShowKeyPlus/releases/download/ShowKeyPlus6125/ShowKeyPlus.zip
Install the .iso on either a DVD or a USB and boot it on your new PC, install it on your desired storage device.
What version of Windows are you using? Do you have your license key handy? An option you could try is reinstalling Windows.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
Before you start the reinstall, be sure to also grab all the drivers for your Laptop beforehand and save them to a USB drive: http://www.acer.com/ac/en/GB/content/drivers/
Windows 7 download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Or, just install Windows 10 (use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/ Enter your Win 7 key during installation, it will still activate with Win 10.
Also, you should really secure wipe and/or encrypt your drive before formatting as formatting doesn't actually delete your data, it just deletes the references to the data.
P.S. if your PC is a pre-built like Dell or HP, there may be a recovery partition you can simply restore from. It would be an option during bootup.
I was afraid of this. The problem is that the boot loader was located on the 128GB SSD. When you nuked that disc, it nuked the boot loader, which then prevents Windows from loading on the 256GB SSD.
You're going to need the install media to fix this. Assuming you have a valid Windows 7 license key, you can download the ISO from Microsoft here.
Just download the ISO directly from Microsofts website? i.e Windows 7 Home Premium, or Windows 7 Professional, depending on what is on the sticker on the laptop.
EDIT: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Not sure why the other guy sent you to the German website to download it.
Here's the English link.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
I'll find the USB install tool for you in just a second, but honestly copying the iso to the flash drive (At the root with nothing else on it) and booting from it will probably work. It's worked 99% of the time for me, using the USB tool thing is just in case that doesn't work really.
Edit: Here's the USB tool
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
Don't let that stop you. Download completely legal ISO images and even use them to create a bootable USB stick to install from instead of antiquated optical discs.
> It's just a pain in the ass to do. My license key is for Windows 8, so I'll have to install that, then download a fuckton of windows updates before it offers me the upgrade to 8.1. >
Windows 8.1 accepts 8.0 keys. Just install it with the "generic/trial" key and once installed the activation screen will let you enter an 8.0 key in. I think newer versions of the install ISO will even just accept an 8.0 key, too, but I'm not 100% sure about that.
> whatnow? This is news to me
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/
You're going to have to get yourself some Windows 7 installation media.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You'll need the product key from the sticker that was placed on the system at the factory.
This is not technically a linux question, you know...
Do you have another computer to work with and a product key for Windows? You should be able to find the product key on your laptop somewhere on a shiny microsoft sticker.
Go to the link below and enter your product key. As long as it's not OEM, you should be able to download an install disc image. Once you've downloaded it, burn it to a disc and boot off that for the repair.
If you need further instructions for any step, feel free to shoot me a message, but it might be a little over your head! If you were in Sydney NSW Australia I could help you more lol.
Do you have your key still ? You can now use it to install 10 directly.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/
Have you tried the download page for 7?:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
This site has worked for me in the past:
http://pcriver.com/operating-systems/windows-7-professional-iso-download/
Always check your sha1 values against what ms posts to make sure you have a legit image.
If you dont have a windows disc, you can create one using the windows media creation tool, they have one for windows 8.1 and 10
windows 8.1 = https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
windows 10 = https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
The tool will let you download an ISO which you can burn to a DVD or use with an Selinux boot loader on a HD or something, or just create a bootable usb flash drive.
or if by chance you upgraded from windows 7, you can put in your old key here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 and get a windows 7 ISO by providing your product key but most people I've had to do this with (I work help desk) are using a key provided by thir PC's manufacture found on the side of their PC case and it always tells them to refer to their manufacture for a Factory Reset disc (despite their key working fine with clean MS provided ISO's) so I honestly dont know how reliable this source is in terms of actually working.
In that case, you can download the Windows 7 ISO from Microsoft here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 Edit: When you said you couldn't download the ISO, did you mean you couldn't download it from here?
1) Depends if it genuinely retrieved your license key. You can enter it into this page to check if Microsoft recognises it as one.
2) At what point was the upgrade unsuccessful? The free upgrade from Windows 7 to 10 doesn't give you a product key for 10 (as if you'd bought a completely new copy of 10), but a thing called a 'digital entitlement'. If the digital entitlement process completed, effectively your PC (defined as the combination of your major hardware components) is now licensed to run Windows 10. This means you can install it cleanly, without installing 7 first, on that hardware, and it will activate without a product key. I'm not sure at what stage of the 7-to-10 upgrade the digital entitlement is finalised, but if you didn't reach that stage you may need to complete the upgrade before being able to do a clean Windows 10 install with the Media Creation Tool in the future.
I wouldn't trust it. You could download a legit ISO of Windows 7 from Microsoft here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Or, you can install Windows 10 directly. It should accept a Windows 7 key for free until July 29th.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/
do you still have the windows CD or at least the Product Key, if you still have the product key then you can go to here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 which if you still have the product key will allow you to download windows 7. Then you can make a bootable USB or CD with the file using https://rufus.akeo.ie/ it's a really nice program that lets you make USB's or CD's into bootable devices and then use them when you want to reinstall windows to the SSD. But when you reinstall windows to the SSD make sure it's the only drive plugged. As for deleting windows off of the HDD, that is purely your choice, I kept my windows install on my HDD because if the SSD craps out or something happens where I can't get the SSD to work I still have a back-up of Windows on the HDD for cases involving just that. So that way I could boot into the HDD and use that for safety if the SSD decides not to work.
Easiest (in my opinion, anyway) is probably to install the SSD, and then do a clean install of Windows on it while not touching the other harddrive whatsoever.
After that, your old harddrive will just show up as a second harddrive with all of your files still on it. Then you can just copy the files you want to keep to the SSD (or an external harddrive), and format the HDD.
Of course, you'll need your Windows key and a Windows installation media in order to do this.
You can download an ISO for Windows 7 from Microsoft's website which you can use to create new installation media if you don't have one already.
It was the same page for either download. I couldn't find the old one, in the end I went and found someone's mirror of the old Digital River site.
You're still licensed for Windows 7 (or even an upgrade to Windows 10). You can download a copy from the Windows 7 Download page. Use the key from your Certificate of Authenticity sticker. If that site doesn't work with your key, you may have to contact Lenovo directly for installation media. A Windows 10 install/upgrade would probably work either way, from the Windows 10 download page.
You might want to spend a few extra bucks on the hard drive replacement for an SSD like the Samsung 850 Evo 250GB. It makes a world of difference.
Edit: added Win10 link
Download an ISO from here and use it to create an install USB or DVD.
I don't see why it wouldn't. As long as you buy something that gives you a product key, you can probably download a Windows 7 disc image for free from Microsoft. Then all you'll need is an appropriate USB drive to use as a boot tool and boot camp basically does the rest. Plus you can also get windows 10 upgrade for free Source: just did this a week ago with my own 2012 MBA but with Windows 8.1
Edit: you can get your disc image Here