Windows 7: I am an idiot maybe

Buy the DVD yourself, it is very, very easy to install and you will do it the best way with our help.
Clean Install Windows 7
You must format, if someone else does it, you will not be sure and they will charge more.

In addition to Rich's excellent advice, you can call MS Customer Service and ask for their help in replacing the OS. They have a program where if you document a legit purchase which turns out to be non-Genuine they may replace the OS for free.

If not then I would replace it with Builder's OEM since that is what you originally bought which turned out to be non-Genuine. However Ultimate is considerably more expensive and most users do not need the few extra features it offers, so I would go with Home Premium similar to this: Amazon.com: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack: Software

Boot the DVD to clean reinstall following these illustrated steps during which you should Delete all partitions, Create New ones as you wish, or just click Next to begin install to let the installer create/format the install partition for you: Clean Install Windows 7

You could do that and they could also get your files off it before they install the new Windows 7. But it`s gonna cost you.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8534&CatId=306

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...3932&CatId=306

You could go with the latter, OEM version, it`s much cheaper.

Have you already been locked out of the OS due to non-Genuine, or is this another problem perhaps requiring Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot?

You can copy out your files to another HD, external HD or USB flash stick using Windows 7 DVD or System Repair Disk following these steps: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console; or use free Paragon rescue disk to recover data.

Windows 7 is very simple to instal Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 32-bit - Operating Systems that is a 32bit OEM OS....Now if you have a XP/Vista code you can buy this insteadNewegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade

That version has full transfer rights +32 and 64 bit versions so it can be installed on a different system if you upgrade later....However it does take a few more steps to get installed, but nothing to worry about

Did a clean install, lost ALL my stuff but I wanted my PC back. Thanks to ALL of you that helped, attempted to help or even just replied !! Great site here and I will be staying around just to educate my illiterate PC-using self.

Thank you again ALL !!

Jenna, so sorry to hear you lost your files. You must have not seen my last post where I gave you the tools to copy them out of unbootable Windows 7.

But am glad to hear you have your clean reinstall up and running now.

Don't forget to install all of your Important and optional Updates including newer drivers which Windows 7 wants, use a free lightweight AV like Microsoft Security Essentials with the Windows Firewall. After it's all set up and running good save externally a Windows 7 backup image you can use in place of future re-installs: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup .

Let us know how it goes.

Installing a unlicensed version of Windows on a computer you are selling is actually pretty douchey. There is no guarantee it won't fail at one point or another especially with WATremover or whatever it is called.

The people that do that could care less.....Just as long as they make their getaway

How did you do an install ? Thought you didn`t have a disc ?