Re-installed Win7 (OS is Pre-Installed) but no way to DL the ISO File.

Dell Optiplex 780 Desktop has Win 7 already pre-installed. I did a clean fresh install but now it states: "1. Insert your Windows installation disc (not available) and restart your computer." I have the product key but the Optiplex no longer will access the internet. I downloaded the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool onto my other computer but how do I DL the ISO Win7 file from Microsoft since my original computer (with the pre-installed OS) no longer has internet access. Microsoft site asks for Product Key but if I try to download the file from my Vista computer it states "Error. The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options." Confused.

There is only one physical hard drive installed and I assume there is a recovery partition since this screen appeared:

https://www.sevenforums.com/attachme...1&d=1547151833

and after checking off the green check mark, it proceeds through the installation. Computer automatically shuts down and when rebooted, the following appears:

https://www.sevenforums.com/attachme...1&d=1547152103

Thanks for reply!

Hi

follow this
Dell Windows 7 Reinstallation .iso - Windows ISO Downloader - WinCert.net Forums,
read the artical as well.

notes
as you alleady have the downloader on YOUR desktop place this there as well
open the downloader >> import the Iso into it.

On your Optiplex CHANGE the BOOT ORDER in your BIOS, to CD/USB
REBOOT - INSERT CD/USB - REBOOT
(DONT forget to change it back later)

AS this is OFFICIAL DELL Recovery software, you will unlikely be required to enter your product key,
SKIP it on the install, if required do it later

Clean Install Windows 7

Roy

Roy, thank you for the solution. However, now I find that my other computer is running Vista and Dell can only DL the recovery program to comps running Win 7 or 8. I'll get ahold of my kid's laptop and will try again. Thanks again (unless you can figure out another way using my beastly Vista machine). Maybe it's time to simply upgrade but I like challenges, not to mention the principle of the thing!

Nosoupforyou said:

Dell Optiplex 780 Desktop has Win 7 already pre-installed. I did a clean fresh install but [...] the Optiplex no longer will access the internet.

In addition to the other advice you're getting, note that after a clean install you have to install the Dell drivers before your network adapter will work. You can download them on another computer and transfer them to a usb flash drive to install on the Optiplex.

Note there's a lot of superfluous stuff on Dell's page that you do not need, but you'll at least need the chipset, audio, video, and network drivers.

Hi @SIW2 @dg1261

referenced that link as
1) genuine Dell so no activation call would be needed
2) its a FAR more updated version, includes IE11/USB3 and Sata drivers
3) if you follow the post down you will see it has been advanced even further, Via Heidoc, COMPUTER MODEL specific, so the wireless drivers will be included.

Roy

Nosoupforyou said:

Dell Optiplex 780 Desktop has Win 7 already pre-installed. I did a clean fresh install

Please elaborate Exactly how you Reinstalled? From within Windows, using the Dell Recovery tool? From a Disk or USB, From a Function key like F11 If you Restored from the Recovery Partition you would not have issues with drivers as they would all be contained in the Recovery Partition.

Was this W7 Pro? Does it say Windows 7 Pro on the Product key?

It may be that someone installed the wrong OS on there. Most of these I think did not have a Recovery Partition, so if it has one that may be a tip that it is not the original OS, and that is why there are no drivers for Networking, though you are saying that the OS won't boot either...hmm?

Microsoft site asks for Product Key but if I try to download the file from my Vista computer it states "Error. The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options." Confused.

This is simply because you cannot download a Retail Version of Windows 7 without a Retail License.

I think the best thing to do is find yourself a download of whatever is on your Product Key, but that is an issue because they are not officially available anymore, but someone here may allow you to download theirs. These are called Retail Versions. You will need to get the Home Premium, Pro, or whatever else is on there.

Please post the Service Tag so we will know what the pc came with. I think that is allowed here. Is it the SFF, MiniTower etc?