laptop needs new windows software.

[Barnaby44]

Hello.

My wife's laptop [IBM Thinkpad] which came to us 2nd hand has started playing up.
1/ querying and asking for the software key, had this for 3 years, no issues.
2/ also now keeps saying no internet access. it is connected but won't reach any sites.

I don't have the key so can't add it but was wondering if a clean install would sort it.
I have a couple of w7 disks but just found out they are OEM and as such are tied to a specific machine even though they are not in use.

Is it fixable [struggle to find any w7 software] or do we just get a cheapo laptop to do her online shopping and banking bits.

I've got her using a tablet but size matters and she keeps asking if we can fix her laptop.

Any suggestions for best course of action.

Many thanks.

 

[Lance1]

Your COA sticker should be at the bottom of the laptop. To download a Windows OS that is the same as your version go to Windows 7 Disc Images You'll need the product key that's on the COA sticker. If you want to do this the easy way!
How to Restore a ThinkPad to Factory Defaults Don't forget to backup all your data! Hope this helps.

 

[Barnaby44]

Cor blimey guv.
Thanks Lance1, even though I'm aware of the product key info on my PC's it's on the top and visible. It never occurred to me to look underneath.
There's loadsa stuff, pact test #, product ID and several more sticky labels with printed information on.

Some of the product key letters are a little washed out ie is it a B or an 8 or a G or a D is there any way to cross ref to check.
Also it looks like it is not OEM if that matters any.

Best

 

[Bat 1]

Ever hear of Belarc Advisor ? http://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor

 

[Lance1]

Ever hear of Belarc Advisor ? http://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor

Sorry Bat 1 but that will not give you the true product key. I've tested that on my systems.

EDIT: Just for the fun of it, I ran Belarc Advisor and the Key for my Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) is the exact same as Internet Explorer. Which is not my true key..

 

[Lance1]

Cor blimey guv.
Thanks Lance1, even though I'm aware of the product key info on my PC's it's on the top and visible. It never occurred to me to look underneath.
There's loadsa stuff, pact test #, product ID and several more sticky labels with printed information on.

Some of the product key letters are a little washed out ie is it a B or an 8 or a G or a D is there any way to cross ref to check.
Also it looks like it is not OEM if that matters any.

Best

Did you look into How to Restore a ThinkPad to Factory Defaults

 

[Barnaby44]

Yes Lance1 but not until after I had posted so now I can see you can verify key.

Thanks again

 

[Layback Bear]

If you have a factory install of Windows 7, programs like Belarc will only show you the factory COA key (OEM/SLP.)

You will need to use the number on the Microsoft sticker to do a Clean Install.
Sometimes with the use of a magnifying glass and a flash light at a angle you can read the Numbers/Letters on the sticker.

Some laptops will have the Microsoft sticker inside the battery compartment.

Jack

 

[Bat 1]

Bat must be running Win 8.* PCs too long, or possibly going by "came to us 2nd hand" from the OP. When I dispose of a PC I'll pull and replace the drive or do a low level format and fresh install.

There are ways to use the Factory Key as well as extending the free trial period but those can't be discussed on this forum.

EDIT: Apparently using rearm can License Information for Windows 7 and What happens if I miss the rearm?

 

[Barnaby44]

Well ok I've got the product key deciphered but I'm stymied with the NO INTERNET CONNECTION problem.
Doing the trouble shooter says download driver and reinstall but I can't get on-line so no can do, a proper catch 22 situation.

It says I'm connected but won't allow me to browse any sites Also a lot of these progs want to update but of course I can't because of no on-line ability.

Should I just give up and by a cheapo w10 minimal lappy suitable for e-mails, FB and shopping something like a Asus E200.
Even if I get the IBM back up it will be old W7 and the W10 upgrade is costly any way.

Thanks all
Best