How to download windows 7 after downloading windows 8

[ksirrah]

I recently downloaded windows 8 prerelease on a new laptop & I hate it. Windows 7 was wiped off & I don't know how to get it back. The only disc that came with the laptop is a drivers & utilities disc. I have a product key on the laptop, I just don't know where to find the windows 7 download.

 

[DeadRam]

You can get media from Microsoft but expect to pay for it. Any local IT pro will have media but make sure it matches your Key. Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 pro, etc. Your laptop might have a recovery partition which will restore the laptop to factory settings. Access Disk Management in Windows 8 and see if there is more than one partition. If so then the Recovery partion may still be intact. Boot the laptop and look for recovery options or google your model. Good luck

 

[ksirrah]

Unfortunately I don't have a recovery partition besides win8. Win7 was completely lost. I tried to go back to factory settings but win8 was still on it Thanks for the info. I was just hoping to find a download center online that would allow me to reinstall 7 with my laptop product key. Not possible?

 

[Pinhedd]

Take a look here to see about getting a replacement install CD

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/lost-your-windows-discs-how-to-get-replacement-media-legally/4320?tag=content;selector-blogs

Here's a list of the ISOs provided by microsoft. You will need to get the ISO that matches the edition that came with your laptop, or the generic ISO that does them all (you will be asked to choose or enter a key)

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3316.2-1-microsoft-windows-7-official-iso-download-links-digital-river.aspx

Here's a more robust list along with an FAQ

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/14-windows-7-direct-download-links

Please note that while downloading these ISOs is perfectly legal (they are provided by Microsoft), it is a violation of the terms of use to abuse the trial period or bypass the activation

 

[mcnumpty23]

its unusual for a new laptop not to have a recovery partition

whats the make and model number of the laptop?

 

[ksirrah]

Take a look here to see about getting a replacement install CD

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/lost-your-windows-discs-how-to-get-replacement-media-legally/4320?tag=content;selector-blogs

Here's a list of the ISOs provided by microsoft. You will need to get the ISO that matches the edition that came with your laptop, or the generic ISO that does them all (you will be asked to choose or enter a key)

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3316.2-1-microsoft-windows-7-official-iso-download-links-digital-river.aspx

Here's a more robust list along with an FAQ

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/14-windows-7-direct-download-links

Please note that while downloading these ISOs is perfectly legal (they are provided by Microsoft), it is a violation of the terms of use to abuse the trial period or bypass the activation

Great, thank you so much! This has been aggravating! I know not to do THAT again!