Will reinstalling Windows 7 remove my programs ?

J

jessejj89

New member
Local time
9:36 PM
Messages
10
My Windows 7 has removed over a year ago because a nephew installed another OS.. I took my laptop to a professional to reinstall Windows.. Everything worked like before and now (11 months later) I get a message that my Windows is not Genuine.. How do I get it licensed ? My laptop came with Windows 7. I've purchased so many programs for work, that I'm afraid if I have someone reinstall it; it's going to remove all my programs and files... PLEASE HELP
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
jessejj89,
Welcome to SF. You need to back everything up to another drive and then yes re-installing W7 will do a clean install and format your hard drive. Someone here may well have a way to image your current hard drive which could save some time. In my experience the long route is often better and shorter in the long haul. You say you have purchased all your software so you have all the original software disks. Back up all the data and files, including Outlook profiles and browser settings. Can't help you with your W7 OS question it may well be you have an illegal copy on your lappy. I would contact MS explain the situation and see what they can offer you, otherwise you need to contact the "Professional" and get the product key code, secondly a remote option is contact the laptop manufacturer but they may not help much? I't sounds like you are going to be purchasing a new licensed copy of W7. Good luck and really the major issue is the quality of the back up you do....then the rest is just time and money......just!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64i7 3770k OC'd 4.6 @ 1.17v, also FX 8120 & i5 ...32 gb G.Skill Sniper DDR3 10-12-12-31 @ 2133XFX Radeon 7870 2GB DDR5
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
A blend of brains, brawn and dumb luck.
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64
CPU
i7 3770k OC'd 4.6 @ 1.17v, also FX 8120 & i5 miniITX
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 b3
Memory
32 gb G.Skill Sniper DDR3 10-12-12-31 @ 2133
Graphics Card(s)
XFX Radeon 7870 2GB DDR5
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Z Series Card
Monitor(s) Displays
(2) LG LED 23" 1920 x 1080 2ms Monitors via mini d-port
Screen Resolution
1680 X 1050 p
Hard Drives
Samsung 256 gb 830 SSD sata III
(1) 1 tb WD Black
(2) 1 tb Hitachi deskmates/sata II
(2) 1 tb WD green/sata II
(2) 3 tb Seagate Barracuda
(1) 120 gb OCZ Vertex SS
(1) Drobo 5N w/5 Seagate 3tb
PSU
EVGA modular 1000G2 80% gold rating & APC 1200 RS
Case
CoolerMaster Storm Styker
Cooling
7 case fans 140mm & 120mm, NZXT Kraken X60
Keyboard
(2) Logitech Illuminated Keyboards (1) usb (1) wireless
Mouse
Logitech G700 & T-BC21 - nano nx for the laptop
Internet Speed
Basic 120mbps down
Antivirus
Trend Micro Titanium Max Security & Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Chrome and IE 10
Other Info
5 Noctua case fans + 3 Noctua in p/p on NZXT cooler
Integrated hot swap drive bays for 2.5" Drives
(2) Lite-on dvd/cd/Blu Ray optical 22X
Integrated fan controller and led on/off
HP Officejet Pro 8630 all-n-one
Hot-swappable 3.5" hard drive bay
Netgear Nighthawk router
Asus USB 3 & sata 6 PCIe card
Vantec IDE to sata adptr./Ultra sata adptr
Lenovo L420 i5 lappy with m sata
Drobo 5N advanced NAS

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
If you paid good money for the tech to install he should have activated it with a valid Key Code & given you a copy of it.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x6...AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200m...2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM,...Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
Antivirus
AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
Other Info
Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
linnemeyerhere said:
jessejj89,
Welcome to SF. You need to back everything up to another drive and then yes re-installing W7 will do a clean install and format your hard drive. Someone here may well have a way to image your current hard drive which could save some time. In my experience the long route is often better and shorter in the long haul. You say you have purchased all your software so you have all the original software disks. Back up all the data and files, including Outlook profiles and browser settings. Can't help you with your W7 OS question it may well be you have an illegal copy on your lappy. I would contact MS explain the situation and see what they can offer you, otherwise you need to contact the "Professional" and get the product key code, secondly a remote option is contact the laptop manufacturer but they may not help much? I't sounds like you are going to be purchasing a new licensed copy of W7. Good luck and really the major issue is the quality of the back up you do....then the rest is just time and money......just!
Click to expand...

Thanks, but I have all my files backed up on DropBox.. I'm not worried on paying on another Windows license, it's the programs installed that's going to be a pain.. I've spent more money on the software than on the laptop. The "Professional" is has moved/closed his business.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
I was taking away from your first note that contacting the "Professional" wasn't a viable solution. I would call Microsoft and plead your case. It's been my experience that "they are there to help". I'm not sure what the solution will be,if it turns out your copy isn't valid but I would be ready to open your wallet as they should be able to validate and solve this problem without you having to remove and re-install.........I would hope!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64i7 3770k OC'd 4.6 @ 1.17v, also FX 8120 & i5 ...32 gb G.Skill Sniper DDR3 10-12-12-31 @ 2133XFX Radeon 7870 2GB DDR5
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
A blend of brains, brawn and dumb luck.
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64
CPU
i7 3770k OC'd 4.6 @ 1.17v, also FX 8120 & i5 miniITX
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 b3
Memory
32 gb G.Skill Sniper DDR3 10-12-12-31 @ 2133
Graphics Card(s)
XFX Radeon 7870 2GB DDR5
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Z Series Card
Monitor(s) Displays
(2) LG LED 23" 1920 x 1080 2ms Monitors via mini d-port
Screen Resolution
1680 X 1050 p
Hard Drives
Samsung 256 gb 830 SSD sata III
(1) 1 tb WD Black
(2) 1 tb Hitachi deskmates/sata II
(2) 1 tb WD green/sata II
(2) 3 tb Seagate Barracuda
(1) 120 gb OCZ Vertex SS
(1) Drobo 5N w/5 Seagate 3tb
PSU
EVGA modular 1000G2 80% gold rating & APC 1200 RS
Case
CoolerMaster Storm Styker
Cooling
7 case fans 140mm & 120mm, NZXT Kraken X60
Keyboard
(2) Logitech Illuminated Keyboards (1) usb (1) wireless
Mouse
Logitech G700 & T-BC21 - nano nx for the laptop
Internet Speed
Basic 120mbps down
Antivirus
Trend Micro Titanium Max Security & Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Chrome and IE 10
Other Info
5 Noctua case fans + 3 Noctua in p/p on NZXT cooler
Integrated hot swap drive bays for 2.5" Drives
(2) Lite-on dvd/cd/Blu Ray optical 22X
Integrated fan controller and led on/off
HP Officejet Pro 8630 all-n-one
Hot-swappable 3.5" hard drive bay
Netgear Nighthawk router
Asus USB 3 & sata 6 PCIe card
Vantec IDE to sata adptr./Ultra sata adptr
Lenovo L420 i5 lappy with m sata
Drobo 5N advanced NAS
linnemeyerhere said:
I was taking away from your first note that contacting the "Professional" wasn't a viable solution. I would call Microsoft and plead your case. It's been my experience that "they are there to help". I'm not sure what the solution will be,if it turns out your copy isn't valid but I would be ready to open your wallet as they should be able to validate and solve this problem without you having to remove and re-install.........I would hope!
Click to expand...


ok, thanks I will do that :)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
And if you paid for all those programs as you say, then you have the media to reinstall them from, so it shouldn't be an issue.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate RTM (Technet)3.00 gigahertz Intel Core2 Duo E84004GBATI Radeon X1950 Pro
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate RTM (Technet)
CPU
3.00 gigahertz Intel Core2 Duo E8400
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5K/EPU Rev 1.xx
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon X1950 Pro
Sound Card
Built in HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
22" Gateway LCD
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
Hard Drives
ST3160023A [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, rev 8.01, ST3500630AS [Hard drive] (500.11 GB) -- drive 2, rev 3.AAK
ST3500630AS [Hard drive] (500.11 GB) -- drive 1, rev 3.AAK
Keyboard
Logitech G11
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000
Internet Speed
13.44 Mbps
jessejj89 said:
theog said:
You can actvate on line or by phone.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3408-activate-windows-7-online.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for replying, I tried to activate using the product key on my laptop, but it appears that technician installed a different version of Windows.. I just want everything legal & safe
Click to expand...

Perhaps you could mention which version your license key is for, and which version is installed.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1Intel Core I7-3930k16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133eVGA GTX680
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
homegrown
OS
Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core I7-3930k
Motherboard
Asus P9X79 Pro
Memory
16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133
Graphics Card(s)
eVGA GTX680
Sound Card
Creative X-Fi Titanium
Monitor(s) Displays
As PA246Q
Screen Resolution
1920 X 1200
Hard Drives
Corsair Force GT, 120 GB
WDC 1.5TB Caviar Black
PSU
PCP&C Silencer 750 Crossfire
Case
Silverstone FT02
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
cheap Logitech USB
Mouse
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer (old optical) USB
Internet Speed
6Mb cable
Other Info
Pioneer BDR-205
Samsung SH-203B
Monsoon 5.1 speakers
If you will tell us what the licensed version is on the COA sticker, and what exact version was installed by the incompetent tech - as shown at Control Panel>System or Computer>Properties - we can tell you how to use any Win7 retail installer to change the version to the one you own.

Also, is the installed version SP1? It will say if so.
 
Thanks for replying, the Sticker says "Windows 7 Home Premium OA", but the version installed is "Professional". I do have most of the media for the software installed, but all the software has media
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
You can only install Home Premium with that key.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

ME/XP/Vista/Win7
OS
ME/XP/Vista/Win7

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Hello Jesse, and welcome to Seven Forums.

No, you can only install and activate Home Premium with that key.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

64-bit Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self built custom
OS
64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
CPU
Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
Memory
64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
Sound Card
Integrated
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
PSU
Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
Case
Thermaltake Core P3
Cooling
Corsair Hydro H115i
Keyboard
Logitech wireless K800
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 4
Internet Speed
2 Gb/s Download and 100 Mb/s Upload
Antivirus
Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
Logitech Z625 speaker system,
Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Brink said:
Hello Jesse, and welcome to Seven Forums.

No, you can only install and activate Home Premium with that key.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but my question is how can I downgrade from Business to Home Premium ? Only after a year of using this OS, I get a message saying that my Windows is not genuine.. I've done so much work on the computer that want everything the same (if it's possible).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Thanks for being patient everyone.. I'm not computer savvy, just know the basics.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
You can buy a business key and activate your current install with it. It might take a call to Microsoft, but nothing would change for you with a valid key and no reinstall worries.
Then find your "professional" and...:zip:
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No buil...16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GBASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built Desktop By DataTech
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
CPU
Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No built in GPU
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Memory
16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Sound Card
Onboard Realtek 5-1
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung P2570HD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD for OS, 500GB Seagate Constellation (Enterprise drive) for Data
PSU
Corsair HX650W
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
Hyper 212 EVO w/two Noctua fans, push-pull, @1300 RPM
Keyboard
E-Z Eyes, bright yellow keys with large characters
Mouse
steelseries SENSEI Laser Pro Gaming
Internet Speed
48-51Mbs Mbs down, 11 Mbs up Xfinity Cable
Antivirus
Norton Internet Security 2013
Browser
IE 10, Opera, Pale Moon if needed
Other Info
4 case fans, LG BluRay-RE, ASUS DVD-RW, Mr. Fusion power supply, 1.21 gigawatts.
Britton30 said:
You can buy a professional key and activate your current install with it. It might take a call to Microsoft, but nothing would change for you with a valid key and no reinstall worries.
Then find your "professional" and...:zip:
Click to expand...

Thanks for giving me good solution, :) .. I should've thought about this, but didn't want to mess anything up.. I don't even trust the computer anymore ever since I found out it's not genuine. I'm afraid the technician that installed it can actually hack my computer remotely (if it's possible)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio
OS
Windows 7, Gentoo Linux
Are you a Student, that could qualify for the MS student discount for win7 ?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x6...AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200m...2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM,...Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
Antivirus
AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
Other Info
Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Solved Will reinstalling Windows delete all my data?
Replies
13
Views
2K
file3456
F
Will reinstalling Windows save my sticky notes file?
Replies
11
Views
5K
Brink
Brink
Disable calculator in Windows 7 - Remove, Disable, Delete, Ditch.
Replies
9
Views
36K
mitchell65
mitchell65
Will reinstalling/formatting Windows 7, make it run fresh?
Replies
16
Views
5K
OldMX
O
Windows 7 "Remove from this list" not populating.
Replies
4
Views
4K
jonnyhotchkiss
J
Back
Top