How to re-install Windows 7

[simpull5]

Hi everyone, i just bought a new laptop that came with Windows 7. When i was installing Windows i got a message asking if i wanted to install 32 bit version or 64 bit version, at the time i didnt know what to pick so i picked 32 bit. I have now read about about it and now i want to hav a 64 bit. I cant change it without re-installing Windows 7 but i dont hav an install disc as Windows 7 came with my laptop. How do i re-install Windows 7 without the disc, legally and preferably keeping my old files

Thanks,

Simpull5

 

[garysgold]

Hello simpull5,

Welcome to 7 Forums.

You ought to be able to get a disc from the manufacturer. Not sure, but you might be able to get one from MS also. Probably have to pay a bit for S&H etc. As far as keeping old files, if you install on the same partition as 32 bit is now on, it should make a folder called windows.old. Good backups are, of course, always recommended.

Hope this helps.

Gary

 

[richc46]

Hi everyone, i just bought a new laptop that came with Windows 7. When i was installing Windows i got a message asking if i wanted to install 32 bit version or 64 bit version, at the time i didnt know what to pick so i picked 32 bit. I have now read about about it and now i want to hav a 64 bit. I cant change it without re-installing Windows 7 but i dont hav an install disc as Windows 7 came with my laptop. How do i re-install Windows 7 without the disc, legally and preferably keeping my old files

Thanks,

Simpull5

The only method that I know of is to reinstall. You can, however, reinstall with a much cheaper upgrade version of Windows 7. If you decide to go that route, you can return, here, to find out precisely, how. It is not difficult. If your machine came with Windows installed, there is no other viable option that I can think of, other than following the advice of greysgold and try to get some sort of concession from Microsoft.

 

[theog]

Hi simpull5

1) Have made the manufacturer recovery DVD's? (If no, make them before your lose the option)

2) You may get option to reinstall 32bit or 64bit.

3) Backup your files.

 

[gregrocker]

When you buy a new computer, you get tech support and hardware warranty for one year. You should use this to get your money's worth. Acer will mail you recovery disks for free if you call within first 90 days of purchase; others just charge handling.

Windows 7 license allows you to use either 32 bit or 64 bit. You don't have to buy an Upgrade to use 64 bit, as you already have bought Windows 7 with your computer and can legally change to either version 32/64.

theog probably suggested your easiest option which is to make the recovery disks and either use them to reinstall choosing 32 bit, or run the Recovery partition from its location in your programs list or by selecting the F-Key given on first screen at bootup.

Most tech enthusiasts don't use recov disks, instead to overcome the bloatware installed on most machines locate a clean copy Windows 7 DVD of your version which will activate with the license tattooed to your motherboard. Bloatware clogs and slows a machine, even causing corruption when it is uninstalled. Nothing compares to a clean install of Win7.

 

[simpull5]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think i will use my recovery discs as a first option. But what problems can this cause compared to doing a clean install? also how would using recovery discs affect programs that install only on three computers. Would it use up an install?

 

[gregrocker]

Recov disks or any reinstall shouldn't afffect programs which limit install to a certain number of machines.

If reinstalled on the same machine, activation should recognize the same hardware configuration and/or MAC address and realize it is on the same machine. If not, ask to speak with a person and explain you have just reinstalled.

 

[simpull5]

Thanks alot guys, this has been a real good help and i will do system recovery after i backup my files on an external hard drive.