Downloaded digital copy of Windows 7

[keoughla]

I bought a used toshiba L455 that has Ubuntu OS so I have downloaded a digital copy of windows 7, burned it to a disc but haven't used it yet because I'm afraid that I might mess something up.. the file is an iso file so when I stick it in the cd drive and use it, will it actually install windows 7? Or should I just buy the actual windows 7 discs? I also have the product key so I can activate it.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Did you get the Windows ISO from mydigitallife.info?

If you did, and you got the version that matches your presumably valid Product Key, it will install and activate with your key.

It will install even without a Product Key---but would not activate.

 

[gregrocker]

Follow these same steps to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[keoughla]

@ignatzatsonic no I actually purchased one from a digital software site will that matter

 

[ignatzatsonic]

@ignatzatsonic no I actually purchased one from a digital software site will that matter

No, if your source is legit.

Yes, if it is not.

I have no idea if your source is legit.

It's the key that must be purchased. Anybody can download a legit ISO and install it for no charge at all.

 

[gregrocker]

Hopefully you bought from a reputable site online and not eBay - you'll have to try the key to see if it activates.

You'll also want an installer with SP1. If in doubt download the latest official Installer ISO from Step 1 in tutorial I linked. The steps are the same to get a perfect install for retail and explain how to import any needed drivers or software from Toshiba.

What is the licensed OS that came with the Toshiba, shown on the COA sticker on bottom? You may already own a Win7 license good for the life of the computer to reinstall in any way you want.

 

[keoughla]

it origiannly came with windows 7 but the sticker on the bottom is so worn off I can't read the numbers

the website I purchased a digital copy from was digitsee

 

[ignatzatsonic]

it origiannly came with windows 7 but the sticker on the bottom is so worn off I can't read the numbers

the website I purchased a digital copy from was digitsee

First thing I would do is call Microsoft and give them the Product Key you got from Digitsee.

Let Microsoft tell you if it legit and what type of license.

Never heard of Digitsee. Maybe legit. Maybe thieves.

 

[keoughla]

okay I will do that and see what happens

 

[gregrocker]

They may also be willing to help you recover the key on the COA sticker which has been recently reported.

 

[keoughla]

well I contacted Microsoft and the product key is for MSDN subscibers which I'm not so I contacted digitsee by email to see if I could possibly get a refund since I won't be able to use it

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Did you ask Microsoft if they could help you recover your original Product Key as Greg mentioned in post 10?

 

[keoughla]

well I went to the toshiba site and found out how to do a system recovery and when I did what was instructed there was no sign of windows 7. so that means that when the previous owner installed Ubuntu he completely wiped the windows 7 recovery partions. So now I have to purchase windows 7 discs

 

[AddRAM]

If the pc came with windows 7 you don`t have to buy anything ( as stated ) download the iso from a working pc, burn to dvd (as stated) and install it on your ltop. Then call microsoft, they wil help you activate it.

Everything is in the links provided.

Although recovery discs will be cheap.

 

[gregrocker]

Toshiba will also have Recovery disks for your model for little more than the price of shipping. These self-activate.

 

[keoughla]

yep I found the recovery discs on the toshiba site so I am going to go that route

 

[gregrocker]

Let us know how it goes.

After Factory Recovery I would Clean Up Factory Bloatware

 

[keoughla]

I will definitely let you know. Can I customize my install of windows 7

 

[gregrocker]

What kind of customizations are you considering?

It's not necessary to tweak WIn7 for performance since it is already the leanest possible OS, is instantaneous and never hangs on adequate hardware with a perfect install, and won't tolerate much tweaking anyway.

Custom themes can impact performance. If you want the best possible performance I'd ask back about specific customizations, and stick with the Best Practices in the tutorial.

 

[keoughla]

I was thinking more along the lines for like microsoft office because I don't use it at all