Installed wrong windows 7 cd, is formatting again necessary?


  1. Posts : 18
    windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Installed wrong windows 7 cd, is formatting again necessary?


    Hello all,
    so I made a mistake.
    I formatted my drives roughly a month ago. I had a cd key that I use but did not have my windows 7 cd available when I needed to re-install.

    So I used windows 7 home premium. The key I use is for professional.
    My dilemma is when I tried to activate (professional key on home CD), the cd key was invalid (obviously).
    The "trial" is about to expire. I have installed programs, games updated drivers and done all the entertaining tasks involved with a clean install and would really not want to do that again so soon.

    My question that I have:
    Do I need to do anther clean install? I have the proper CD now to get verified (and the key still), but after the daunting task of a format and clean install completed recently I would rather not go through that again.
    Is there a way to put the proper cd in, use the correct cd key and have it authenticate or is another clean install necessary?

    Thanks in advance.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #2

    My understanding is your key must match the operating system. If not you will have to do a install that matches you COA key.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18
    windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    That is my understanding.
    The thing I am wondering is if there is a way maybe if I put the CD in and were able to verify I had a legit copy of the CD and a valid key that I could maybe bypass the format / clean install process again.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18
    windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    This is a safe way to do it? Seems pretty legit.
    I think its worth a try. The worst thing that I could see happening is it wont work and I have to do a clean install anyway.

    Does anyone have any other ideas as well? the more options the better.

    Thanks a lot for the post gregrocker
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    Use Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forums

    The only other option is to reinstall. Follow these same steps for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get a perfect install which only about 5% of PC owners have.

    Last edited by gregrocker; 01 Feb 2013 at 11:36.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 18
    windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks a lot for the info. I hope I can get it going without starting new.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #7

    You can use Anytime Upgrade.

    No install files needed.
    Only the Upgrade key is need.
    Anytime upgrade only adds-on the Programs & Features from version to version.
    Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 18
    windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Is the upgrade key just the cd key I have for my professional copy?
    Is the cd needed at all?
    Thanks for the link that look pretty simple.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #9

    Is the upgrade key just the cd key I have for my professional copy?
    Yes, upgrade or full key.

    Is the cd needed at all?
    DVD not need.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 18
    windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Awesome thanks again.
    Ill post the results if I could get it to go or not for anyone that might have the same issue in the future.
      My Computer


 

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