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#1
Re-Installing Windows 7 Professional
I have an HP G71 laptop, and I want to re-install Windows 7 on it. However, I have a few issues with simply re-installing on it.
1.) The product key. Like many people, I have an official license sticker on my computer. The problem is the product key is completely faded and unreadable. But unfortunately, that's only the least of my problems. The key on my laptop is for Windows 7 Home Premium OEM, and I need at least Windows 7 Professional for work. The upgrade key I have for Windows 7 Professional has already been used, so it's not genuine to use again.
2.) OEM software. I've never had to re-install Windows 7 on this laptop, so it's still loaded with the 'wonderful' OEM software that was pre-installed on it (some of it I can't even uninstall). My laptop does have a recovery manager on it, but if I were to do that, I would still have all the unwanted OEM garbage on it. That's why I would rather do a clean installation with a key that is not OEM, rather than use the recovery manager.
I'm not exactly in any boat to go out and buy a new key, but unfortunately that is seeming to be my only option as of now. Is there any way I can obtain a key for Windows 7 Professional for free, just to re-install. I've legally bought all the software I'm using. Thanks in advance.