Windows 7 - Have product key but no installation CD

Hello,
my Windows 7 Home Edition died on me (am using the Linux I have as a dual boot) and for that as well as other reasons I need to completely re-set up my whole system. I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop that came with it preinstalled, but no installation CD. Now I know that that issue has been raised over and over again, but i find it so confusing that I would appreciate having a thread of my own to really clarify... Is or is there not a way to get an installation disc (*without* having to pay for it again) that works with the product key that is on a sticker on the laptop for Windows 7 Home Premium? Something to burn to a DVD, for example.

You ought to be able to get a disc from Dell for cheap, or if you're adventurous you can try to make one yourself. I did for XP a short while ago--here's a link to one such approach for Windows 7 that might work for you:

How to Create a Custom Windows Installation DVD or USB Install

This should be quite straightforward. Please download Windows 7 Home Edition (basic or premium) 32 bit or 64 bit as the case may be that you had from the Net and then clean install it and use the genuine product key that you have. For activation try it on the Net but if unsuccessful phone Microsoft, explain the problem and get the new key.

Suggest that after activation you please take a full back up Image of your C drive so that you are able to come out of a similar predicament in the future by restoring this Image.

maxseven: hmm, I like the idea of a light install. I'll take a look, thank you!

wanchoo: So any old download, e.g. from a torrent site, should do the trick?

Browse this site Dell - Support and submit your Media Request Form. DELL will promptly send you the OEM Reinstall Disk.( If they do not send the Drivers CD, you may have to download all the drivers from Dell Support site prior to the clean install)

Installation with OEM Install Disk will auto activate. ( No need to activate either through the net or phone)

( Personally, I would not install any modified Lite version made with third party software. You never know what problems it can create in future)

Not any old download but a download corresponding exactly to your missing DVD. And preferably from reliable non-warez site. Many such sites can be found by searching the Net.

Follow these steps to get a perfect Factory OEM Clean Reinstall based on thousands we've helped with here: Reinstalling Windows 7

Burn the correct bit rate version below to DVD or write to USB flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool:
Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download
Win7 Home Premium x86 SP1 English Official ISO download

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

Hmm I must say I don't think I've ever seen complete Windows 7 downloads available before, much less "official" ones. I've not looked myself but assume these are full DVD-sized ISOs? What, over a GB in size?

Anyway it's good to know as all my original Windows 7 discs do not include SP1 therein (though I suppose there are ways to slipstream it into one of them).