reinstalling Windows on a HP laptop using the laptops product key?

[HAVOC]

Can I install Windows from a download (DigitalRiver) and use the product key that's on the bottom of the laptop so I don't have all the HP bloatware? I'm trying to do a restore using HP's tools but it isn't looking good (doing a startup repair now). I went to HP's site and found the drivers I need, just have to save them to a thumb drive.

 

[MilesAhead]

Can I use Windows 7 OEM Key with a non-OEM disc? - Microsoft Community

 

[jimroad471]

in my experience, as long as its the exact OS you should be ok. i have downloaded many many OS ISO but its critical you use the SAME OS. good luck

 

[derekimo]

Can I install Windows from a download (DigitalRiver) and use the product key that's on the bottom of the laptop so I don't have all the HP bloatware? I'm trying to do a restore using HP's tools but it isn't looking good (doing a startup repair now). I went to HP's site and found the drivers I need, just have to save them to a thumb drive.

What you are asking is the exact reason for this tutorial,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

Unfortunately the ISO's have been taken down by Microsoft so you would need to find another disc if you haven't already downloaded an ISO previously.

 

[HAVOC]

I haven't. Is digital river down for good? The laptop is giving me an error when I press F11 after restarting the computer. It should bring me to a restore menu.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I haven't. Is digital river down for good? The laptop is giving me an error when I press F11 after restarting the computer. It should bring me to a restore menu.

Apparently for good, as far as anyone knows. You need to borrow an install DVD or take your chances on an ISO from another source.

 

[AddRAM]

To answer your question, Yes you can use your key. That`s what it`s for. If you can`t find a disc, you`ll have to order Recovery discs and just remove the bloatware yourself. It`s no big deal. Or take it to a shop and have them re install windows for you.

Or better yet, buy an oem copy from Newegg etc.

Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows - Newegg.com

Whatever you can afford and think is best

 

[HAVOC]

I'm going to check and see how much the recovery disks are. I have Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit discs (Retail and OEM) that I used to install Windows on my computers. Can I use those and when install asks for the key just use what's on the bottom of the laptop? The laptop currently has Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit edition. I don't want to run into any activation issues.

They have more crap installed onto this machine that it takes forever to load and pop-ups are non stop. There are blank icons in the notification center that you can't click on and pop-up windows that are blank. I finally made it into safe mode after three attempts.

While on HP's site I saw a little something about a power cord recall. I checked the one for this laptop and the recall does apply. I ordered the cord and the site says not to use the cord until the replacement arrives.

I can't take it to a shop, I am the shop.

 

[MilesAhead]

I saw an article someplace, maybe on Softpedia, that MS has taken down the Digital River ISOs and set up their own server. You have to submit your product key before it will let you download.

I found it:
Windows 7 ISO Downloads Now Possible Only with a Product Key - Softpedia

 

[DavidE]

I have Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit discs (Retail and OEM) that I used to install Windows on my computers. Can I use those and when install asks for the key just use what's on the bottom of the laptop? The laptop currently has Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit edition. I don't want to run into any activation issues.

Yes, you can use the discs you have now with the key on the COA sticker.
The discs are Home Premium and the COA key is Home Premium.
If one of the discs is newer and has SP1, use that disc.

 

[HAVOC]

I downloaded all the drivers I needed from HP's site. I also downloaded MSE and Malwarebytes. I have an OEM version of Windows which I'll use to do a reinstall on the laptop. The OEM version I have and what's on the laptop are exactly the same.

 

[DavidE]

Sounds good.
After you have everything installed and working the way you want, consider creating ISO Image files from your optical discs.

Optical Discs can get scratched/corrupted over time, so it's good to have a Backup ISO file stored on HD.
Then you could create a new bootable Optical Disc or Flash Drive if you ever need to.

ImgBurn can create an ISO from a disc.

 

[alphanumeric]

Don't panic if it doesn't activate online. I've had to do a phone activation in the past when using the code on COA sticker on a pc that originally had a factory OEM install. It's all automated with voice recognition etc. For future reference, If you had got stuck with miss matched install media, there is a way out. Just remove the ei.cfg file from the install media. Doing that will unlock all editions on the DVD. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html?