hello i have a hp laptop that came with original windows but i format my hard disk with out making any back up for the system and there is a windows product key under my laptop can i install windows 7 home premium and use this product key to activate it?
Many tech enthusiasts find a clean-copy of their OS version and reinstall using the OEM Product Key on the COA sticker on machine. Any retail installer can also have all versions unlocked by extracting the ISO using ImgBurn, running the ei.cfg removal tool, then burning an all-versions DVD to install your licensed version.
Back up your files externally, make your Recovery DIsks or save a backup image of the entire HD first so you have a path back to factory condition. Then wipe the HD of all code to get cleanest install: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
If you install to wiped HD, the installer will issue a 100mb System Reserved boot partition which conveniently places the Repair Console (normally only on the DVD or Repair CD) on the F8 Advanced Boot Tools menu. So boot the installer, choose Custom Install and then Drive Options to partition as you wish and format: Clean Install Windows 7
The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Just in case, have your Wireless driver on flash stick or CD so you can get online quickly. Then enable hardware driver auto-updating and check for optional Updates.
Any drivers still missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Driver Install - Device Manager
Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they slow startup, become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Startup Programs - Change
Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk Defragger monthly.
CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
http://download.cnet.com/Auslogics-D...-10567503.html
Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD (or replacement) using DVD/Repair CD with the stored image. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Last edited by gregrocker; 21 Mar 2011 at 20:29.
The product key is for the edition that the PC was pre-installed with.
Was that original installation Windows 7 Home Premium?
If so, the answer is yes.
If it was not, it will probably install (you do not need a product key for installation) but will not activate as a genuine product, and will behave like a pirated version.
yes but i installed on a vmware and windows was genuine
How did you format it ? You can`t format a partition while your using it. And what version is your COA ( label with the key on it ) for ?
Yes.
Follow the steps I gave above to get a perfect install.
Quote