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Windows 7 should have a Microsoft COA sticker but I believe that W-8 and above don't have the sticker. On W-8 and above the COA key is saved in the bios.
Jack
Windows 7 should have a Microsoft COA sticker but I believe that W-8 and above don't have the sticker. On W-8 and above the COA key is saved in the bios.
Jack
I think I figured out a way to Dig Out the P. Key. If not, I think I'll Install Windows 7 and run another Key Finder Product to try and get the Key off the BIOS. I'm curious if Key Finder Software will find the Windows 8 Key while running Windows 7? I'm sure I'll be back to this Thread soon.
Thanks for all the help guys! Nasty7
I learned that there are many ways to do this. One with bootable software and with a LiveLinuxSession. Very cool as I already had the Linux in machine and booted up in minutes. Now hoping, (as AddRAM said) I can just install Windows 7, and then Dual Boot with 10 with the Key I dug out of the BIOS.
Nothing is saved on BIOS. When fist activated, M$ saves the LAN MAC address. You don't need the key as when reactivating on same MB (same LAN MAC address) it will recognized as valid.
Where does it "save" the LAN MAC address? And, what does that have to do with the 25 Character Product Key?
But I will be installing Windows 10, and the Original OS was 8, not 8.1. Will Windows 10 Activate without Inserting the Product Key? AddRAM said I would need that Key and indeed have it now?
Last edited by feetand nches; 13 May 2017 at 20:04.
If you somehow got your W8 key, then you have nothing to loose, go ahead and install 10 and see if the key you found will activate 10.
I think Luiz was talking about W8 not W10.
I'll give it a go!
Okay guys, I'm ready to install Windows 7 PRO! Have a brand new WD Blue 1TB drive ready to go, now where do I start LOL.
1. Turn Off Secure Boot? and what about Legacy and CSM Stuff?
I'm very unfamiliar with UEFI and quite intimidated with it atm. I guess I'm going MBR like has been the best suggestion IMO. Later I will install Windows 10 along side of 7...I think. I have another computer now with 10 on it, but space is at a premium here, so will wait to decide about the Dual Boot with Windows 10.
2. Are there, or have there been issues where Windows 10 Breaks the Boot-loader when Chain-loading/Dual Booting like this with a major Update like the Creators Update?
Either way I am ready to install, so some basic Instructions would be great. I have the Update procedure all figured out so should be good there.
3. How many Primary Partitions will be installed during Windows 7 Install Two?
Thanks, Nasty7
Clean Install Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums
I run both W7 and W10 in Legacy mode on MBR drives, no issues at all. My 2 4TB drives are GPT. I see no point in using UEFI, I gave it a go for a bit, just didn`t like having all those partitions.
So what do I do exactly?
1. Disable Secure Boot?
2. Enable Legacy Mode?
3. How does CSM fit into all this?