Have product key but no installation CD

Hello,
my Windows 7 Home Edition died on me (am using the Linux I have as a dual boot) and for that as well as other reasons I need to completely re-set up my whole system. I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop that came with it preinstalled, but no installation CD. Now I know that that issue has been raised over and over again, but i find it so confusing that I would appreciate having a thread of my own to really clarify... Is or is there not a way to get an installation disc (*without* having to pay for it again) that works with the product key that is on a sticker on the laptop for Windows 7 Home Premium? Something to burn to a DVD, for example.

You ought to be able to get a disc from Dell for cheap, or if you're adventurous you can try to make one yourself. I did for XP a short while ago--here's a link to one such approach for W7 that might work for you:

How to Create a Custom Windows Installation DVD or USB Install

This should be quite straightforward. Please download Windows 7 Home Edition (basic or premium) 32 bit or 64 bit as the case may be that you had from the Net and then clean install it and use the genuine product key that you have. For activation try it on the Net but if unsuccessful phone Microsoft, explain the problem and get the new key.

Suggest that after activation you please take a full back up Image of your C drive so that you are able to come out of a similar predicament in the future by restoring this Image.

maxseven: hmm, I like the idea of a light install. I'll take a look, thank you!

wanchoo: So any old download, e.g. from a torrent site, should do the trick?

Not any old download but a download corresponding exactly to your missing DVD. And preferably from reliable non-warez site. Many such sites can be found by searching the Net.

amra said:

maxseven: hmm, I like the idea of a light install. I'll take a look, thank you!

wanchoo: So any old download, e.g. from a torrent site, should do the trick?

Follow these steps to get a perfect Factory OEM Clean Reinstall based on thousands we've helped with here: Reinstalling Windows 7

Burn the correct bit rate version below to DVD or write to USB flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool:
Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download
Win7 Home Premium x86 SP1 English Official ISO download

   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?


How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

gregrocker said:

Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download
Win7 Home Premium x86 SP1 English Official ISO download

Hmm I must say I don't think I've ever seen complete W7 downloads available before, much less "official" ones. I've not looked myself but assume these are full DVD-sized ISOs? What, over a GB in size?

Anyway it's good to know as all my original W7 discs do not include SP1 therein (though I suppose there are ways to slipstream it into one of them).