Windows 7: 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.

Are you wondering if you can use your Pro product key to do a clean install?

As long as it's not being used on another computer you can use it to do a clean install.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Or follow these guidelines for a clean install using your Pro Product key,

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Well, actually I did need to use my key on another computer. Any other suggestions?

I guess you have to buy one then.

Why do you need Win 7 Pro for work. There is only a few differences between the 2 versions.

If your workplace mandates you have Win 7 Pro have them buy a License of it for you.

There are no free keys for Windows 7 that I know about.

Most user don't need the few extra expensive features in Pro version so I'd check to be sure before having your work buy you one: Compare Windows 7 Editions - Windows 7 Forums

Your options since the Home Premium Product key is faded are to go ahead and do the Clean Reinstall then call MS phone activation option to ask them for help with the faded key. We have multiple reports that they will ask for other information on the sticker and then replace the key.

If this fails after trying several different agents if necessary then order your Factory Recovery disks from HP tech support which activate themselves. These disks were supposed to be made when you set up your PC.

You can also research how to back up the existing SLP factory activation file to reinstall it after a Clean Reinstall, however the Administrators have decided this operation is not supported here due to the possibility of abuse so we cannot help further with it.

Well, I need some of the administrative stuff (like group policy and such). And I should have mentioned that I'm a junior in High School, so it's not like I'm working in an office environment. I guess I'll just buy a key, thanks for all the help and friendly responses. Do you think the price of Windows 7 will go down when Windows 8 comes out?

Have you checked with your school tech dept to see if they offer Student version sales? I believe Pro version is included. It's also dirt cheap.

Nah, my school can't afford that in these times. Anyways after doing a bit of searching, I saw some pretty good deals on Windows 7 Professional, so I'm not worried. Thanks for your help.

Be careful of deals that may be too good to be true, you could end up with an illegal key.

Make sure you get it from a reputable merchant.