Need bootable copy of Win 7 Ultimate 32bit

[DonJones]

I have a clone that has a genuine, at least the system information page says it is genuine and I get now messages about it not being genuine, OEM copy of win 7 Ultimate x 32 bit but no disks. I have no idea who originally purchased the OEM package so I do not know how to contact them.

I need to obtain a bootable DVD to use to reinstall the OS after I replace the HDD with a larger one. I would prefer detailed instructions on how to download the needed software through MS and then create the DVD so that I know that the software is genuine. I would also prefer to have one that I can reinstall if I change the CPU or other hardware.

I have the product key that displays in the system information page. Please be as detailed as possible in your instructions as I have never done anything like this.

Thank you for your assistance.

 

[win7clutz]

What do mean by "clone"? Is the box built by a local shop or individual, or purchased via Dell, HP, or another on-line manufacturer. The on-line guys will provide either disc, a recovery partition, and an application to build a recovery set of OS disc. Additionally they'll be a sticker with a valid Windows key somewhere on the box. A home-grown builder is required to do the same yet that doesn't mean they do.

If you purchased the box with an oem version of Windows installed, then the key must be displayed on the box via legitimate MS sticker. Just because the system info displays a key and states that it's genuine means nothing as all cracked/pirated versions of win 7 do the same.

Where ever you purchased the machine, contact them and insist they provide you with win 7 disc, recovery disc, or an software option to create the disc yourself. If the box has an oem version and does not have the MS sticker with the key on it, there's good chance it's not a legitimate copy!

Additionally, if it's not a legitimate version then having set of oem disc is irrelevant and the key you see in the system is bogus and will not authenticate when you reinstall.

 

[gregrocker]

Product Key doesn't show in SysInfo. You need to audit it from HD using Belarc Advisor.

Like w7c says it likely isn't legit if you don't have an official COA sticker affixed to machine with Product Key on it. This sticker will also tell you what version of Win7 is licensed so you can locate an installer to use to clean install.

We are unable to link to Win7 ISO downloads as it encourages piracy, however you can borrow or obtain an ISO of your version to burn to DVD or write to USB flash stick. All versions can also be unlocked in any version installer using this method: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html

You can also try cloning the old HD to the new one using free cloning software which comes with a WD or Seagate HD. Or use built-in Win7 backup imaging to save an image you can restore to the new HD using Win7 Repair CD. If Win7 imaging doesn't work right, free Macrium Reflect offers more flexibility.

WD Support Free Acronis cloning/imaging app
| Seagate Free cloning/imaging app
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html
http://download.cnet.com/Macrium-Re...45728.html?part=dl-6288502&subj=dl&tag=button

 

[DonJones]

By a "clone" I mean a non- OEM machine built out of components. I don't know if it was assembled by a shop if if someone assembled it themselves. I purchased the machine used at a pawnshop.

If the version isn't Genuine, then what does copying it to a repair CD or cloning it to the new HDD accomplish?

Won't I still have problems validating it to make it run, or does the repair CD include the validation process already accomplished?

What about the cloned HDD -- will it have to be validated?

It is beginning to sound like I need to purchase a valid disk with a valid COA and be done with it.

 

[DocBrown]

Try this:

Start :ar: CMD :ar: enter :ar: type :ar: slmgr /dlv

Post a screen snip

 

[gregrocker]

Let's hope it's Geniune as your SysInfo says. Going on that I suggested you consider cloning, or create a System Image of your HD to reimage to the new HD. This will almost always hold it's activation if the drive letter doesn't slip during cloning, which is rare.

However, knowing for sure whether your Windows is truly Geniune would allow you to breathe easier as you'd only need to reinsert the Product Key if requested after reimaging, and could clean reinstall if you want a fresh start anyway.

You can always call MS Customer Service to find out if a Product Key is Geniune. Audit it from HD using Belarc Advisor. Others may have better ideas.

 

[DonJones]

gregrocker,

Thank you. How do I determine if it is genuine or not without loosing its functionality while I'm trying to get the reinstall disk made up?

If it is Genuine, then do I use the product ID that shows in the System Information or do I still need a key off of the COA?

 

[derekimo]

Try this:

Start :ar: CMD :ar: enter :ar: type :ar: slmgr /dlv

Post a screen snip

Have you done this?

gregrocker,

Thank you. How do I determine if it is genuine or not without loosing its functionality while I'm trying to get the reinstall disk made up?

If it is Genuine, then do I use the product ID that shows in the System Information or do I still need a key off of the COA?

This Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit suggested by gregrocker will give you the product key that is also on the COA.

 

[DonJones]

No I haven't done anything else yet. The Win 7 machine is NOT connected to the internet at the present time.

Thank you.

 

[gregrocker]

gregrocker,

Thank you. How do I determine if it is genuine or not without loosing its functionality while I'm trying to get the reinstall disk made up?

If it is Genuine, then do I use the product ID that shows in the System Information or do I still need a key off of the COA?

I personally would call MS Customer Service at (800) MICROSOFT, tell them I bought the computer with the OS and want to know it is Geniune (as it says) and the Product Key is reusable for reinstall.

They will probably ask for the Product ID and Product Key, although it is only the Product Key you use to activate a reinstall. Audit the Key with Belarc so you have it ready along with PID.

The reason I would do it this way is that if it is cracked then it might say Geniune (as it does) even though it isn't due to some BIOS modification simulation file on the HD somewhere.

Once MS tells you its a valid Product Key, then I think you have enough to feel safe to reinstall and reactivate. Get a case number because the company policy is that if you have a validated Product Key and it won't activate, they will open a tech support case to help you get it activated one way or another.

Others may have a better approach.

 

[DonJones]

gregrocker,

I do not have a product key to give them, only the product id from the system info page. If I had the key, I wouldn't be bothering with it.

If the product id is genuine, then will they give me key, or are you saying that the audit will give me the key and then I give them both the key and the id to check the genuineness?

Thank you for you patience.

 

[gregrocker]

are you saying that the audit will give me the key and then I give them both the key and the id to check the genuineness?

Yes

 

[DonJones]

Thank you.

Can I download the audit software and move it between computers or does it have to run from the internet?

 

[derekimo]

Thank you.

Can I download the audit software and move it between computers or does it have to run from the internet?

It runs in your browser so just hook up your other machine and download it to that to get info on that one.

 

[Tews]

You can download it, copy it to a flash drive and run it from there ...

 

[gregrocker]

Here:

 

[ttoomm]

I am going to try to help sort this out for you.

Belarc Advisor.exe is a cool little piece of software that builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware. AND it will give you your product activation key!

The individual who keeps typing
Start

CMD

enter

type

slmgr /dlv
is a little frustrating. You seem to be a new user and he offers no explaination of what or why and is MISSING a step. The step he is missing is "Run".

The Start is the little Windows symbol in the blue circle at the very bottom very left
Click on it and find Run, click on Run
type cmd in the run box, enter
this will open a black window box
type in slmgr /dlv, enter
wait a few moments and a white box will open that will tell you what the windows copy on your machine thinks about its activation genuineness

 

[Webadict]

You seem to be a new user and he offers no explaination of what or why and is MISSING a step. The step he is missing is "Run".

The Start is the little Windows symbol in the blue circle at the very bottom very left
Click on it and find Run, click on Run
type cmd in the run box, enter
this will open a black window box
type in slmgr /dlv, enter
wait a few moments and a white box will open that will tell you what the windows copy on your machine thinks about its activation genuineness

Sorry to be picky ttoomm, but this step (Click on it and find Run, click on Run) is not needed. Once you click on start, keyboard focus is set to the search box on the start menu. Simply typing CMD and hitting Enter will have the intended result Opening a command prompt )

Though this will only give a partial key, will not help him much

 

[sandman]

Use Google search key finder and run the program it comes up with its like the very tasty candy name. Usually first entry.