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How to Repair/Reinstall Windows 7 from a bootable Linux flash drive?
Hi,
Acer Aspire One notebook, running Windows 7 Home edition, 1gb ram. Hard drive partitioned into C: for windows and D: for most of my data.
After a message saying no printers were found on my computer, Malwarebytes found a Trojan Ransom virus. After attempting to remove it, it told me to reboot. When I did, I couldn't use the keyboard or the mousepad and couldn't enter my password.
I set up the AVG rescue cd and rebooted from a flash drive. After updating and running, it found no infection. Even so, I still couldn't use the keyboard or mouse when I rebooted in windows safe mode.
I set up Linux (Parted Magic) on a bootable flash drive and removed all needed files from my windows C: drive.
I am sending this message from the netbook itself which now runs under Linux, and the keyboard and mouse finger pad work perfectly indicating it's not a hardware problem.
I would now like to repair or reinstall windows 7 but don't know how to do it from Linux.
Another problem is that I have neither my windows installation serial number nor a windows cd. It came installed on the computer. The number is on a sticker on the bottom of my notebook, but it's so worn I can't read it. (See attached image). Normally, I'd use a keyfinder programme to access it on my computer, but I'm not running windows so I'm not sure how to access the registry to find the encrypted serial number, and then how to read it.
So, bottom line:
My notepad will boot windows 7 until the password screen. This happens in safe or normal mode. At that point, both the keyboard and mouse are disabled, but both work in Linux
I have a legal copy of Windows but can't read the serial number.
I need to repair or reinstall windows, or I have to find a way of making the hardware work again in windows.
I then need to get rid of the virus, if it's still there, on my notebook.
I'd be grateful for any help you can give.
Cheers