Want to factory reset PC without CDs.

[Oneiroi]

Hello, I have an older custom built PC from my father and it's starting to get a little buggy as of late, freezing and such, and honestly the hard drives are getting too full, I feel it'd be better to just wipe the thing clean and start over.
The downside is I have no CD with which to reset it, and I want to make sure I'm doing it completely right, IE I don't want to delete my OS with it or completely break my PC. Any info you need for this I can provide willingly, thank you!

 

[theog]

Hello, I have an older custom built PC from my father and it's starting to get a little buggy as of late, freezing and such, and honestly the hard drives are getting too full, I feel it'd be better to just wipe the thing clean and start over.
The downside is I have no CD with which to reset it, and I want to make sure I'm doing it completely right, IE I don't want to delete my OS with it or completely break my PC. Any info you need for this I can provide willingly, thank you!

Ask your father for the Windows 7 DVD's.

 

[Oneiroi]

Hello, I have an older custom built PC from my father and it's starting to get a little buggy as of late, freezing and such, and honestly the hard drives are getting too full, I feel it'd be better to just wipe the thing clean and start over.
The downside is I have no CD with which to reset it, and I want to make sure I'm doing it completely right, IE I don't want to delete my OS with it or completely break my PC. Any info you need for this I can provide willingly, thank you!

Ask your father for the Windows 7 DVD's.

He doesn't have them either. They got lost in the move, as it were.

 

[Oneiroi]

So, I'm boned then, or...?

 

[Mark Phelps]

What you might be able to do is the following:
1) Download an ISO of the Win7 version you are using from Digital River -- Links are in the thread: Legal Download from DigitalRiver: Windows 7 SP1, 13 languages
2) Burn an installation DVD from the ISO file
3) If you want to retain the files and data currently there, do a Repair Install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?filter[3]=Installation and Setup and Setup

 

[DavidE]

You need to make sure you have the valid activation key for Windows (and everything) before you wipe the current system...
This tutorial works for OEM and Retail and has instructions for getting the current key(s).
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[Pinky]

Hello

My friend gave me a acer desktop Aspire I want to wipe it clean but no windows 7 cd and asked him and he doesn't have it either do not know what to do here please help.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Does this PC have a "Certificate Of Authenticity" sticker on it anywhere?

Does this PC have a working DVD burner?

 

[Pinky]

Yes it has a certificate of authenticity sticker with the product key and yes it has a burner

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

You can download a legit Windows 7 ISO from the above link and burn it to a DVD.

Install from the burned disk and activate with your Product Key.

You need to download an ISO that EXACTLY matches the version stated on the Certificate Of Authenticity.

That will wipe the drive, so back up anything you care about on the drive.

 

[Pinky]

Where would I find to download an ISO that EXACTLY matches the version stated on the Certificate Of Authenticity.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Should be at that link.

For instance:

Home Premium, English, 64 bit is X17-58997.iso

Some oddball versions won't be there, like Starter.

 

[Pinky]

Mine is x15-53758

 

[ignatzatsonic]

That's shown on the Certificate Of Authenticity?

If not, where are you getting that number and why do you think it's pertinent?

 

[Slartybart]

Match the product in the upper left hand corner of the COA to the download. The x15-53758 number is not germane to the exercise..

For example: Windows 7 Home Prem

The license allows you to install either the 32 bit (x86) or 64 bit (amd64) - this really depends on your hardware. A 64 bit architecture can run either, but a 32 bit architecture can only run a 32 bit OS.

There are memory considerations too - Win7 will run in 2 GB, but more is better. If you have less than 4 GB, I would install the 32 bit version.

Ooos - forgot to point to the tutorials:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

Both are pretty much what you want to do, except the OEM tutorial discusses specific brands and has some other information you might find useful. Read through both of them to become familiar with the process. Ask questions before you begin.

 

[SIW2]

It should be fine with X17-58997.iso (if you want 64 bit)

Or

X17-58996.iso if you want 32 bit.

 

[Pinky]

Here is a attachment of the sticker so u can get me in the right direction

Thank you

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I don't think Superman could read what it says in that image.

Try again or just write out every word and number on that sticker EXCEPT the Product Key itself. We don't need to see that.

I suspect you have some variation of Windows 7 Home Premium, probably OEM.

You also need to decide if you want 32 bit or 64 bit. Each is a different download, but the Product Key will work with either.

 

[Pinky]

Windows 7 home prem OA Acer group
cO:7P201.001

00196-018-693-222

To the right side it say
Proof of licence certificate of authenticity Microsoft and at the bottom right it says X15-53758

 

[Pinky]

Where can I get a legit copy of Windows 7 premium 64bit and what is iOS for