How to install Windows 7 Pro without a disc but have good product key

joyclark · 19 Mar 2015

I was hoping somebody might be able to tell me how to fix the problem I'm having with the HP 5800 I bought my husband for Christmas. I bought it refurbished from NeweggFlash (from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher), and it was supposed to come with Windows 7 Pro on it. It has a product key sticker on it for Windows 7 Pro. But we haven't been able to activate it because apparently they installed Windows 7 Home Edition on it instead of Windows 7 Pro! So the product key doesn't match. And needless to say, they didn't send any recovery CDs with the computer. Now they don't want to fix the problem (though it seems like it would be as simple as sending us a Windows 7 Pro recovery CD). They suggested downloading Windows 7 Pro onto the computer. But they didn't mention where to go to download Windows 7 Pro, and I have no idea where to go to download it without paying for a new product key. And I already paid for the product key when I bought the computer - the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher just screwed up and installed the wrong operating system on the hard drive.

If anyone knows how to fix this problem, I would really appreciate the help!!

maxseven · 19 Mar 2015

Have you contacted Newegg about this? I'm not sure what they could do but they might be able to secure a refund for you.

There do not seem to be any places to download the software these days, so your best bet would be for you/yr husband to find a friend with a Windows 7 (x64? 32-bit?) Service Pack 1 disc and then try to do a "repair install" with it, though that might not work given you're starting from a different base. So you might have to re-install W7Pro from scratch meaning you have to re-install any programs and files you may have on it.

BTW if you can find another W7 disc of any (other) kind, you could rip it, remove the ei.cfg file, and then re-burn it or make a USB key from it and it will have Pro available for you...

gregrocker · 19 Mar 2015

You can try inserting the Pro key into Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forums which unlocks the extra features in the higher version and do accept retail and some OEM product keys. However I don't think it will work if the lower version isn't already activated.

There is also a way to run the installer from Windows (Repair Install) to Change between Win7 versions workaround.

You'll still need a Win7 installer which is discussed in Step 1 of Clean Reinstall Windows 7. You never need to buy a new Key just to get the installation media. Someone here will loan you theirs if you don't have someone to ask there.

That tutorial will also help you get and keep a perfect reinstall if you're at all unhappy with the present one.

whs · 19 Mar 2015

I would not deal with the pions at Newegg. Call the presidents office. Then you get action. I did that with Sony after they had hassled me for 9 months. But after my call, the problem was resolved in 2 days.

AddRAM · 19 Mar 2015

The PC should have been returned 3 months ago.

Try finding someone with a 7 Pro DVD to borrow or make a copy of.

Have you tried HP for Recovery DC`s ? That would be the cheapest way to go.

There`s no reason they wouldn`t sell em to you.