Replace XP with Win 7, Where Do I Get Win 7 CD?

Texas Raider

Reputable
Feb 17, 2014
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4,510
Hello all, have a few questions. Now, don't throw bricks, I'm no computer expert, just a 47 year old guy trying to figure out if or what I can do here.

Here's my question. I have a computer from Dell that is now about 4 years old, and is starting to frag. My options are to clean wipe it with a disk format, but reinstallng XP isn't such a great idea since MS will abandon it soon.

I have access to a 2 year old Lenovo K330B (2.7GHz, 12GB) but it has been wiped clean already. I would like to install a version of Windows 7 either on my old Dell (I think it'll run it, let's assume it will), or on the formated Lenovo. I understand MS used to sell Win 7 discs from their website.

The thing I guess I'm not understanding is the whole product key thing. If MS used to sell the Win 7 disc from their own site, then where would one get the key to make it work? I'm not trying to scam anyone or get anyone's key, I just would like to get clear on the issue.

Is it possible to buy (which I have no problem with) a legal Win 7 CD or DVD and install it on one of my computers and make it work? I don't mind buy the OS, but it's kind of dumb to have to go buy yet ANOTHER computer just to get a product key to make an OS work.

Granted, I may be missing something here, which is possible since I am certainly no tech guru.
Were the Win 7 discs that MS sold able to be loaded without the key off the computer?

Help me out here, please.
Thanks
 

Texas Raider

Reputable
Feb 17, 2014
7
0
4,510
Ok, sorry to ask you to nurse maid the old guy here, but let me make sure I understand.

If I buy one of the discs from the above vendors, I can install on any machine? The reason I am asking is I've Googled some forums and I keep seeing these posts that say 'You can't do that! If it's a Dell, you have to have a Dell OEM disc!', or 'The product key comes off your computer, not the disc. You can't install Windows 7 without the product key from off the sticker on your computer!'.

As a result, I got spooked and wasn't clear, but just to BE clear, I can buy the disc from one of the above sellers, install on either my Dell or the Lenovo and *poof* it'll run? The infamous 'key' will come with the disc and it'll work?

I really appreciate your patience, here....

(don't you hate guys like me? Middle aged, classic rock listening knuckleheads that know next to squat about 'puters?)