Fix Defective Windows 7 with OEM key without HP support

[spthomas]

Ok, My computer says it's upgradeable to Windows 10 (the upgrader says it will), but it fails. Now I find I have a problem with Windows Update chewing up CPU, and I tried to install a Windows Update Install Agent, and it "encouters an unrecoverable error".

A couple of years ago my Win 7 died, and nothing I could do would fix it. So I downloaded a clean ISO from somewhere (not HP) and reinstalled so I didn't lose all my files as I would have if I had used HPs recovery disk. So I suspect that's the problem.

1. I tried HP, and of course they are no help they are not supporting my machine.
2. I tried going to Microsofts Repair site, and when I input the key they say it's not retail, and to "contact the vendor", which is of course HP (see #1).
3. I tried to install a new Windows Update Agent, and it failed.
4. I ran the "fixit" from Microsoft, but it did nothing.

Surely there's a way to fix this Windows 7 installation so I can upgrade?

 

[AddRAM]

There is all kinds of problems with windows updater on a new install, I just did a new install of Home Premium 64 bit on my Gateway GT5404, windows update will not download any updates, I`ve done the fixes, I have no idea why it won`t work.

Just keeps checking for updates, it`s been trying for 2 days.

 

[spthomas]

Exactly. And I've posted this around before, and no one seems to have the answer. I'll let you know if I find one.

 

[AddRAM]

I may have exaggerated on the 2 days, it was only 8 hours, I left it run overnight and when I checked it in the morning, it was ready to update, after that initial round all the following updates came as fast as usual.

So just let it keep running

And I wouldn`t install any optional, or important updates unless you need them. (read their descriptions first)

And have update set like this.

 

[alphanumeric]

You can clean install Windows 10 and activate with a Windows 7 or 8/8.1 key now. The current install media will accept those keys during a clean install with no requirement to do the upgrade first. Or so I've read. I haven't tried it myself, manually entering the key. My laptops Windows 8 OEM embedded key is used automatically. I wish it wasn't but it is. If your Windows 7 is Pro or higher install 10 Pro. Any version lower than Pro, install 10 Home. If your key isn't accepted, click skip and finish the install. Then do a change key and try it again. You need to enter the key on the COA sticker. If you reinstalled with stock install media its the one currently in use. The factory OEM-SLP key will not work when entered on a Windows 10 clean install. Those factory OEM keys are blocked.

 

[spthomas]

When I originally posted this:

"2. I tried going to Microsofts Repair site, and when I input the key they say it's not retail, and to "contact the vendor", which is of course HP (see #1).",

I should have clarified yes, it is an OEM Key, since this laptop came with Windows 7. So I can't download a clean Win 7 install from Microsoft.

So, I'm guessing there is no solution. I've tried many sources online, including Microsoft, and no one has an answer.

 

[alphanumeric]

Yes, the official Microsoft Windows 7 download site will not accept OEM keys. I asked why on the Microsoft Yammer group and didn't really get any answer. You can download Windows 8 or 10 without entering a key so why not 7 as well? It makes it a PITA for people like you though.
If your trying to do the upgrade to 10 via Windows update and Windows update isn't working, go here, https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10 and do the Upgrade Now, option. This will bypass having to wait for Windows update to do it.
Otherwise, reinstall 7 with your recovery disks, or reinstall with the other ISO you have. What ever you do, I would backup and files you don't want to lose to external media first.
Or just clean install Windows 10.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi you can get a new iso using Chrome
Download Windows 7 and 8.1 ISO Images from Microsoft - gHacks Tech News

The install process is kind of tricky but this does work
Before you start download KB3083710 and KB3102810 in advance and store them on a flash drive
Start and complete the install without an internet connection
Immediately after install is complete
Manually install KB3083710 and restart.
Manually install KB3102810 and restart.
Change your windows update settings I used Check for updates but let me decide when to download and install
Unchecked Give me recommended updates the same....

Restore the Internet connection and Activate windows
Then launch Windows Update search
After about 5-10 minutes you should have plenty of updates to download and install.

Another thing is if you see this update make sure it is Not installed with any other updates
It needs to be installed all by it's self
It was not Uncheck automatically which caused many others to fail to install
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369

 

[spthomas]

Ok, I tried doing a clean Windows install by going to this link:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10

It downloads ok, but when I try to run it, I get the same thing I get from Windows Update: The "Get Windows 10" dialog comes up blank for about 2 seconds, Then after 2 seconds it goes away, and nothing is happening (hard drive isn't turning, nothing happening on screen, nada for over 1 hour that I watched it).

 

[spthomas]

ok, I got it fixed. finally, after months of playing around with it. I now have Windows 10 on my laptop, even though MS tech support said it wasn't supported (but the Get Windows 10 app ran and said it was!).

1. I had to completely reinstall Windows 7 first. not a clean install or download from MS (since those asked for a retail product key and my product key was OEM from HP). I found the ISO download that I had used 2 years ago when the original crapped out, and used the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool to create a bootable thumbdrive from the ISO image and ran that. It took 8 hours to complete! It did ask for my product key, and took it.

2. After I did that, I let it update this 2 year old version (it was the original Win7 SP1) with all new updated. THAT took overnight!

3. I downloaded the ISO of Windows 10, and used the Windows USB/DVD tool to create a bootable thumbdrive for Win 10. Then I ran that on the new (old) Win 7 install, and 6 hours later, I had Windows 10.

It appears to be working. I didn't loose any files, so that's good. A few apps are not working (like Peachtree Accounting and Google Drive). But overall it's ok, and it's already updated itself 4 times in 5 days.

Steve