How do I reinstall my Windows 7 Pro 64-bit OS(windows anytime upgrade)

DJames84 · 11 Jul 2012

Hi there, this one might be a bit of a doozee..

So I originally upgraded to windows 7 home premium 64-bit using the 3-pack family upgrade kit to upgrade from windows XP. After a while I realized I needed some of the added features of the Pro version, so I used Windows anytime upgrade to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit.

It has been a little while now, and I'm needing to do a re-install (without going into too much depth) due to some software compatibility issues I am having.

The trouble is I don't know where to obtain my product key for the upgrade, and I'm concerned if I attempt a reinstall I'll be left with an OS that can't be activated. Also since I did the anytime upgrade, I did not receive an installation DVD.. I do have another Pro version installation DVD I purchased for a separate license (that should work, right?).

I'm having an impossible time trying to get information on reinstalls pertaining to anytime upgrade user through microsoft, and there customer support seems to be non-existent..

Does anyone know the answer? Can anyone help?

gregrocker · 12 Jul 2012

You obviously should have backed up the Anytime Upgrade key for just this reason. This is also why there is Win7 backup imaging which would reimage the finished Pro install in 20 minutes instead of now having to reinstall both OS's.

You can try auditing the installed Professional Product Key as well as all other installed software and hardware using http://download.cnet.com/Belarc-Advi...-10007277.html

Use the same Premium key you used originally to activate the reinstall, booting the Premium DVD which should accept the key up front since it will see an OS on the HD. Then delete all partitions, create new as you wish, install. If key is rejected leave it blank during install then afterwards do the Option 2 or 3 workaround given here to activate Upgrade version on a new or wiped HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Once Home Premium is installed if you really need the few expensive extra features you can insert the Pro key into Anytime Upgrade. Then as soon as it's set up and activated save a Win7 backup image so you never have to reinstall both again.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Follow these same Best Practices for a perfect install: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

karlsnooks · 12 Jul 2012

Djames84,

Welcome to SevenForums.

Do NOT ever post your 25 character Windows Product Key/Serial Number which is
available under:
Speccy | Operating System | Serial Number and under
SIW | Software | Licenses | Windows Product Key
Do NOT ever post your 25 character Windows Product Key/Serial Number.
==================================================

Links to Speccy and SIW in my signature.

DJames84 · 12 Jul 2012

thanks for the help Gregrocker!

I'm just in the midst of doing the anytime upgrade as I found my product key. Fingers crossed it'll work this time as it has already gone all the way to 99% complete with the upgrade, failed and I had to start over with the home premium disc yet again

I will definitely take your advise and do a backup image as soon as it's done, cause this has proven to be quite the headache!

Thank you so much!

DJames84 · 12 Jul 2012

Thank you as well karlsnooks :)

fortunately I managed to track down my serial number. It was in an email that was saved on another computer (my email server deletes stuff way too quickly); though I'm sure I'm not the first person who had this problem.. and it was difficult finding info online. So I gotter figured out that way but I'm sure your post will help others to come.

Thank you very much :)

karlsnooks · 13 Jul 2012

DJames,
You might want to consider having your email forwarded to a Gmail account where having such email problems are non-existent.