How do I use a Windows 7 product key and replace Ubuntu with it?

AlphaWolf477 · Nov 30, 2013

I built my new computer recently, and I have a friend who had a (legal) spare copy of windows 7 in a product key form. I installed ubuntu onto my computer because it was free, thinking I could just replace the OS later on, but it's more difficult than I realised. How could I use that copy of Windows 7 to replace Ubuntu without having to buy a disk copy of Win7?

Ijack · Nov 30, 2013

Can you explain a little more about the "spare copy of Windows 7 in product key form". Where did it come from? I ask because it may be tied to a particular computer, or a particular make of computer, if it is a manufacturer's OEM key.

Someone Somewhere · Nov 30, 2013

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

If it's an OEM key, it may not work because they tend to be tied to the serial number of the motherboard.

AlphaWolf477 · Nov 30, 2013

Ijack :

My friend works for a business, and they gave each worker a pack of around 3 codes, and she had a spare one that she does not need. The Win7 product key form bit meant it was a code that I could input to allow Microsoft to understand that the copy has been purchased.

Someone Somewhere · Nov 30, 2013

You should be fine then - it's ones that came off a sticker on the bottom of a laptop that are usually the issue.

AlphaWolf477 · Nov 30, 2013

Someone Somewhere :

But my question is, how do I use it?

Someone Somewhere · Nov 30, 2013

You make a USB or DVD of windows 7 with the tool in the link I posted. Then you boot of that drive, and install windows from there. Partway through installation it will ask for a key.

AlphaWolf477 · Nov 30, 2013

Someone Somewhere :

Ah, I see it, missed it the first time. One more question, I know the site is by Microsoft, but is it legitimate? Just a few doubts, that's all. I've just looked at going about it, and I'm using Ubuntu, as I mentioned. So that link doesn't work for me. System Requirements don't allow me to :/

Someone Somewhere · Nov 30, 2013

Yep. As you said, it's by microsoft.

Second response on this thread; pick the appropriate ISO: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/how-can-i-download-the-windows-7-iso-without/3340b326-0e93-4a9c-b139-386c7dc84053

Ubuntu should come with a DVD burning utility, and IIRC there's also a USB startup disk creator which should work too.

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How do I use a Windows 7 product key and replace Ubuntu with it?

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