Reinstalling OS Using Windows 7 disk

[cheezit]

I have a Windows 7 computer. I have tried every repair I can find to get it to accept Windows updates, but NOTHING works. So, I've decided that the best way to fix this is to buy and reinstall the OS. Due to this problem, my computer does NOT have SP1 on it. But all the copies of the OS available HAVE it. Will that make a difference?

 

[Boozad]

Not if you're doing a fresh install, it will save you downloading a lot of updates.

 

[Damian Adelle]

I have a Windows 7 computer. I have tried every repair I can find to get it to accept Windows updates, but NOTHING works. So, I've decided that the best way to fix this is to buy and reinstall the OS. Due to this problem, my computer does NOT have SP1 on it. But all the copies of the OS available HAVE it. Will that make a difference?

Your PC didn't came with an OEM partition?, like a rescue partition?

 

[cheezit]

Your PC didn't came with an OEM partition?, like a rescue partition?

Yes it did, but frankly, I have no idea how that works.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

So, I've decided that the best way to fix this is to buy and reinstall the OS. Due to this problem, my computer does NOT have SP1 on it. But all the copies of the OS available HAVE it. Will that make a difference?

If you have the sticker with a Product Key somewhere on the PC, you don't need to buy anything.

You're entitled to download a Windows 7 ISO that matches the Product Key, burn it to a disc, install with it, and activate with the Product Key from the sticker. All legally.

 

[whs]

What is the make of your PC. The procedures using the recovery partition are slightly different depending on the manufacturer.

Another option you have is this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[gregrocker]

You don't need to buy anything as you already own a license that came with that PC which can be reinstalled as often and in any way you please.

Just run Dell Windows 7 PC Restore or do the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 making sure you read the Special Note to Dell Owners at the end. The ISO provided in Step 1 will have SP1 which you need for the OS to operate correctly at all.

So be sure if you run Recovery to first off enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) and then run all Important and Optional Windows Updates, with requested reboots, until there are no more. Eventually it will deliver SP1 and if not you should download and install it manually.

 

[Boozad]

I didn't see the OP mention buying a copy, I thought he meant downloading an ISO. I need to read more carefully.