Solved Re-install help.

[rebel angelus]

I currently run Windows 7 Home Premium x64 on a Toshiba laptop . I had recently used Acronic Disk Director (The only disk utility I trust) to resize the two HDD partitions I had .
The C: drive is about 351 GB and the second drive is about 113 GB .
The main problem is that I had purchased the laptop last year and I need to do a clean install to avoid future problems (I have been having mysterious BSOD while playing Civilization V ) .
So can I again re-size the partitions allocating more space to the second drive and move all of my important data to the second drive and then do a clean install only wiping out the data on C: ?
When I accessed the windows repair menu that Toshiba had provided me with the utility only states that all data will be erased on C: .

Also since the manufacturer has not included a Windows install CD with the laptop I presume it to be an OEM version .

 

[gregrocker]

It's factory OEM if it came preinstalled.

You can find an installer for your version or unlock all versions in any retail installer to clean reinstall with the Product Key on your COA sticker. Reinstalling Windows 7
This method assures you will not lose your data on its separate partition as long as you don't touch that partition during Custom install. However it's best to back up data anyway.

Running Factory Recovery not only reinstalls all of the factory bloatware and useless utilities which have better versions built into Win7, but it cannot be determined with certainty that your files won't be touched or that the Recovery won't fail. For this reason you should definitely back up your files externally, and make your Recovery Disks as a backup method to running the partition from boot, which is the most stable method.

 

[rebel angelus]

UMMMM ... Is the COA sticker VERY IMPORTANT .. I removed it and stuck it inside a book because the words and numbers written on the sticker were gradually becoming impossible to discern (they were being rubbed out by friction ).

 

[Britton30]

UMMMM ... Is the COA sticker VERY IMPORTANT .. I removed it and stuck it inside a book because the words and numbers written on the sticker were gradually becoming impossible to discern (they were being rubbed out by friction ).

YES, you will need a valid COA to activate the version you will reinstall. Otherwise you will have to buy a new one.
As Gregrocker advised BACKUP your important data and files on an external device, USB stick, DVD's, HDD. Do a reinstall with the Toshiba supplied factor restore. Hopefully it will allow you to only work with your chosen partition. At any rate you will have a back up of your files and bits.

 

[rebel angelus]

I mean when I go to computer-properties .. My product ID is given ... does that help ?
I left the book in India and I am stuck in frigging Saudi Arabia for a while now .

 

[Britton30]

No, sorry the COA is a different animal. You may go ahead and reinstall and don't enter a COA until later. You will most likely have to call Toshiba for help since Micrsoft doesn't support OEM's.
Possibly call someone to retrieve the COA?
Can you save your data? If so do that and use the built in reovery. You may not need a COA with that route, check your documentaion though.

 

[rebel angelus]

Thanks for your help . I am going back anyway in a month . I will re-install then and there itself .
Why can't these COA's be issued like driver licenses ? Can carry it easily with care and prudence .

 

[Britton30]

Thanks for your help . I am going back anyway in a month . I will re-install then and there itself .
Why can't these COA's be issued like driver licenses ? Can carry it easily with care and prudence .

LOL, who put it in a book??
I know they wear on a laptop base, I put some clear tape over mine. You could also tape the COA sticker in a less wear-prone area. Under the battery or memory compartment are two good places.

 

[Britton30]

And you are welcome rebel, hope it works out for you.

 

[DocBrown]

I always make a text file of the computer Key Code in NotePad & then print out two copies to keep in safe places

 

[Britton30]

I always make a text file of the computer Key Code in NotePad & then print out two copies to keep in safe places

In a sealed mayonaise jar under the porch?

 

[rebel angelus]

I always make a text file of the computer Key Code in NotePad & then print out two copies to keep in safe places

Nice idea ..... so the Product key is the important thing right . Anyway I will make sure to laminate the COA and keep dupes of it in a gazillion secret places .. never thought I would need it so direly even in a hell-hole like Saudi-Arabia

 

[rebel angelus]

I always make a text file of the computer Key Code in NotePad & then print out two copies to keep in safe places

In a sealed mayonaise jar under the porch?

I would have asked Osama bin laden to keep it with him since he was un-catchable (almost ) .As he ain't tech-savvy my key would have been safe but now that he is as dead as a dodo I will just keep it in my desk drawer . Damn USA , does both good and bad things simultaneously .

 

[rebel angelus]

Okay .. instead of resorting to negotiations with Afghanistani cavemen why don't you all tell me of some good ways to postpone a clean install for about .. I dunno another year or so .. At least six months .

 

[DocBrown]

Check out this tutorial

:ar: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/875-activation-trial-period-extend-up-120-days.html

 

[rebel angelus]

Thanks DOC , but I think I have the Product key . Just need to move all the important data to another partition and clean install windows only on the C: .. Anyway , the tutorial you have posted here will come in handy for the Windows 7 install I have planned for my XP machine . Thanks !!

 

[Britton30]

Good news!

 

[rebel angelus]

Problem solved . Used the inbuilt recovery software to clean install W7 on C: drive . The other drives were untouched by the utility much to my dismay . Had I known that earlier I would not have to run around for back up sources .

 

[DocBrown]

Thanks for updating us on your success

 

[theog]

Now you are up & running use Toshiba Recovery software to make your Recovery disks.
How to use the Toshiba HDD Recovery Utility

You can order Toshiba Recovery disks from here:
https://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/serviceUnitVerification.jsp