Password Protected Laptop

[Gabalicious]

I posted approximately 5 days ago about a password protected Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E431. I'd like to thank all who responded. I researched and tried some of the suggestions given. I was disappointed to find that the original owner of this particular laptop, which was obviously a business, removed the Lenovo one step recovery partition. So, it looks like my only option is to install WIndows completely. Not being all that well versed in computers, I m a little leery about doing this without some guidance. I have the following be questions:

Can I install Windows 10 rather than 7, since this laptop is loaded with Windows 7 pro?

I am pretty certain I can still download a full licensed copy of Windows 10 but I'm not absolutely certain about that until I try. However, I understand that I can still download the OS without a product key. It will not have all of the functions it's capable of, which are mostly cosmetic in nature nor will I be able to get Microsoft support until I purchase a product key. . In this regard, does anyone have a suggestion as to what is a good site to download from?

I began looking around this particular laptop to see what I could find. I was able to access bios as well as a root menu. Since I intend on putting the ISO on a flash drive, I don't know how to have the laptop access the USB. It boots up to the login screen. I looked at the root menu but couldn't find where to designate the drive. This question may not be within the scope of the Forum and I apologize if I'm out of order. And, if so, I should seek assistance from Lenovo correct?

Once again, this question may not be within the scope of the Forum and I apologize if I'm out of order. Will installing Windows 10 give me a recovery partition or is that something I will have to contact Lenovo about?

Thanks very much for any assistance you give. I'm very grateful to receive any help, suggestions or anything that may expand my limited knowledge.

Gaby

 

[Paul Black]

Hi Gabalicious,

Welcome to SevenForums!

I was disappointed to find that the original owner of this particular laptop, which was obviously a business, removed the Lenovo one step recovery partition. So, it looks like my only option is to install WIndows completely. Not being all that well versed in computers, I m a little leery about doing this without some guidance. I have the following be questions:

Can I install Windows 10 rather than 7, since this laptop is loaded with Windows 7 pro?

Yes, as long as you have the Product Key, On a laptop, it will either be on a sticker on the bottom, or in the battery compartment.

I hope this helps!

 

[Megahertz07]

As Paul advised, If you still have the COA sticker with the license key, you can reinstall win 7 pro or install win 10 pro.
Most of us at the Forum, don't like win 10. But that's up to you.

Fist thing you have to do is to download a ISO file.

Download Win 10 (32 bits for 4G of memory or less and 64 bits for more than 4G of memory).
Do a fresh install of Win 10. Use the Win 7 COA key that is under the laptop or under the battery.

How much memory you have on the ThinkPad Edge E431?

Win 10 32 bits

Win 10 64 bits

Win 7 Pro 32 bits

Win 7 Pro 64 bits

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