Need a few bits of advice as i'm in a bit of a jam

[lodimas]

Hey, i need some advice on a few things because I don't know alot about the way the 7 install works as I haven't had any problems with it. Can't say the same for vista and xp. Basically I want to do a clean install-ish. I want a fresh install of win7 64 professional which is what i am currently running but i would like to do it in a way that gives me the windows.old folder so i don't have to go out and buy a second hdd. Problem is i don't really know where to start, i have no discs or anything. I bought the upgrade version online weeks after release, i still have the serial number but nothing else, where can i locate the download/disc images i need to do this and how do i go about it? All help is appreciated.

EDIT: If it's at all possible to do this without burning a disc (I'm pretty sure i've already done this once) that would be very helpful as i don't have any lying around

Thanks
Lod

 

[gregrocker]

Why would you buy an OS software and not save the ISO or disk for repairs or reinstall? You own this for life, it should be safeguarded like any other valuable.

Go back to the download site and download another ISO, burn it to DVD (available 3 for $2 at Walgreens) or write to flash stick using UltraISO trial version.

Then clean reinstall following these tips to get a purrfect reinstall: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

 

[lodimas]

That's where i am having the issue. An ISO was never supplied there was a 30 day download for an executable that updated my OS from Vista to 7. I can no longer locate this as it along with lots of other data went missing when my HDD failed around 6 months ago. I was hoping someone would be able to tell me where i can go to get an upgrade version from the internet

 

[gregrocker]

MS made good on their fulfiller failng to provide ISO files here.

 

[lodimas]

Perfect, thanks for the help. Only thing is, will that install the version i have or only home premium? Or is it just dictated by serial number

 

[gregrocker]

Run this tool on the ISO to unlock all versions then choose your licensed version during install.

If you follow the tips I posted to get a purrfect reinstall and wipe the HD first, then you'll need to leave Product Key blank during install and do the quick registry edit here: to activate Upgrade version on cleaned HD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[DeaconFrost]

I'm saying this for advice and not to sound like I'm being mean, but if the data is important enough that you can't lose it during an install...then you better go get a backup device before trying. If something goes wrong during the install, or you delete the partition by accident, you will be glad you have the data backed up.

 

[gregrocker]

With each Windows Live ID you get 25gb of free storage on MS secure Skydrive - google it.

You can also backup to external, another HD, DVD's, or another computer on your network.

 

[theog]

You can order MS Replacment disks from here:
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