Windows 7: reinstalling win 7 without the install cd

hey everyone. so i bought windows 7 right when it came out with the student discount, downloaded the installer, and did an upgrade from vista. now it seems that i have some registry problems and i backed all my important things onto an external so i could do a clean reinstall. but when i go to reinstall, it cant find the files it needs and asks for the install disk.



What can i do to do this clean reinstall?

re-download the iso file from where you purchased it and burn it to disc, then use the key you purchased

Re-download.

Make bootable iso from student d/l

Re-download the installer (seems that your installer have some missing files or errors ) and use the tutorial provided by theog in the post above or, if you have an USB storage with enough space, set it's partition as active from your Windows' Disk Manager and copy all the files and folders of the installer into the root of your USB drive, then you can boot and install from your USB drive getting a faster installation process.

Good luck with your installation!

sweet thanks a bunch i'll let you know how everything goes!

I have the same issue, I want to reinstall my windows 7 but I don't have the disc and I no longer have access to the student download website that I used last year due to my classes changing. I have my product key but I don't have the disc, the download link, or an iso of the OS..

Is there a way to get this download from anywhere else that is safe? I need the windows 7 professional 64 bit download..

It is baffling to me why anyone would buy an Operating System which may last for 20 years or more and not save the installer? The modern way these things are handled is to put all installers into the Downloads file which is backed up at all times.

Even more stunning is how careless some are with Product Keys, which should be treated like currency. Can you really afford to leave $100 bills laying around on desktops or in drawers?

We are not able to link to downloads of the ISO because it encourages piracy. Best to borrow any retail Windows 7 DVD from a friend, extract the ISO to your Downloads file (Hello there!), run the ei.cfg removal tool if necessary to unlock all versions, burn to DVD or write to flash stick to install your licensed version with Product Key which you have saved.....where?

I was able to recover my product key with a piece of software.. but hey, thanks for the advice! I understand that I can use any retail copy of windows 7 to install my professional version (eg ultimate, home premium, etc.) but does that also go the same between 32 and 64 bit? My OS is 64 bit, so would I need a retail version of any type that has to be 64 bit? or would BOTH of those work too

You need either a 32- or 64-bit installer, then unlock all versions if necessary to install your licensed version.