Help reinstalling Windows 7 on an old laptop

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lordbardill

Reputable
Nov 8, 2015
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4,510
Been asked by a friend to help get an old laptop up and running, she wants it wiping and starting fresh.
If it can't be upgraded to Windows 10, can I use the ISO files for Windows 7? And if so, what do I do about things like the product key? With it being a store-bought laptop, there won't be one.
 
Solution
Shaun o
Right lordbardill,

If the laptop still has windows 7 on it and it loads and works.
And you have a wi-fi or internet connection.

Before you wipe or format the drive for a fresh install of windows 7.

1. Check to see if there is a system restore image file on a hidden partition of the existing hard drive of the laptop.
There may be a bit of third part software used to install the system back to it`s original factory state, or when the laptop was first bought or used from day 1.

2. To get the licence or product key of the version of windows click the link bellow to download and install on the laptop then run it. It will give you the valid windows 7 product key. write it down before you format the drive in the laptop.
Its free to...
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captaincharisma

captaincharisma

Glorious
Oct 13, 2004
10,963
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if you do not have a product key ot cannot find one on the laptop you will have to purchase a copy of windows again. i'm sure websites like newegg and tiger direct still sell OEM copies of windows 7. they may just be able to e-mail you a key after buying it

as for installing it. if you have a windows 7 ISO you could use the windows USB/DVD download tool to put it on a USB or DVD disk
 
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Shaun o

Shaun o

Illustrious
Oct 7, 2007
6,113
1
41,960
Right lordbardill,

If the laptop still has windows 7 on it and it loads and works.
And you have a wi-fi or internet connection.

Before you wipe or format the drive for a fresh install of windows 7.

1. Check to see if there is a system restore image file on a hidden partition of the existing hard drive of the laptop.
There may be a bit of third part software used to install the system back to it`s original factory state, or when the laptop was first bought or used from day 1.

2. To get the licence or product key of the version of windows click the link bellow to download and install on the laptop then run it. It will give you the valid windows 7 product key. write it down before you format the drive in the laptop.
Its free to download and use.

It saves you from the expense of having to buy a new windows 7 licence key, by recovering it from the working OS.

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/.

Hope it helps.
 
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Solution
L

lordbardill

Reputable
Nov 8, 2015
19
0
4,510


Thanks for the advice!

What happens if I get the product key, wipe the hard drive, use the ISO files to reinstall windows, but the key doesn't work? I've heard there are some problems with OSM keys not working with the ISO installs? If that's the case, her laptop will be completely blank and unusable.
 
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