Any way to get Win7 ISO? I have the CD Key.

So I had a big trouble with Ubuntu Linux, accidentally installed it over my OEM Windows 7 that came with my HP desktop. So I am windowless.

I have the legal key for Windows 7, just not the disk. Is there any way I can reinstall Windows legally other than borrowing a CD from a friend? Is there anywhere I can download a Windows 7 ISO or something, because microsoft is making me pay the entire software ISO + Key if I want to reinstall this.

Along with erasing Windows I erased HP Recovery as well, so I don't have a factory image of Windows (or do I?)

Maybe I can ask HP for a CD?

Thanks!

We are not allowed to give direct links for the ISO due to forum rules. Did you try searching for official Windows 7 ISO in google?

Edit: This may not work since you have an OEM version, however. I don't know if it will activate. I tried on my laptop once by installing my Windows 7 DVD that I bought for another computer (same version), and it wouldn't activate with the key for the laptop given on the sticker on the bottom of the laptop, so I had to do a factory recovery anyway.

I'll consider the HP thing, but I'd really rather borrow a CD from a friend than spend money on this. Then again, it would be helpful to have the HP CD for this HP desktop.

I did look up the ISOs on Google, for a very long time actually. I tried them all. Even the ISOs that say they are bootable don't really boot because they are not valid Microsoft ISOs.

Thanks for the replies.

Contact HP Support for recovery discs.

HP UK - HP Total Care | HP - United Kingdom

That said, you do own a legitimate product key with your OEM version of Windows, so if you know anyone who has the same version of Windows on DVD you can use that with your OEM product key for a clean install of the operating system.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key

Thanks for the links; very helpful.

I'll try to grab hold of my friend's W7 CD ASAP.

Thanks everyone!

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

theog said:

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.

& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

I don't think he did. He mentioned overwriting his OEM recovery partition, and then said he wished he had an HP disc so chances are he hasn't created a set of recovery discs.

Reinstalling Windows 7