Want to reinstall Windows (or "wipe" my system) no disc, have key

[werm111]

Want to reinstall Windows (or "wipe" my system) no disc, have key

I am hoping to completely wipe my system, so that it runs faster and has less clutter. Frankly, I enjoy the process and love the peace of mind that comes with having a completely new and clean system. My system is a DIY (built by myself). I have a key for Windows 7 Enterprise (that I validate through my university). I do not have a Windows ENterprise CD.

• Does anyone have a suggestion on how to achieve my goals here?
• Can I make my own reinstintall CD from my current system? I think probably not.
• Is there any way I can buy a Windows 7 enterprise disc (without a key)? Any place online. Ebay was sellling one a few weeks back but now it's gone.

Thanks very much for the input. I might need to spend $90 on a Windows 7 Home edition (I dont care which version of windows I get).

 

[AddRAM]

You can download the iso file from here, but I don`t think you can activate it.

Try Windows 7 Enterprise | TechNet Evaluation Center

Why can`t the University help you ?

Enterprise is designed to be used in a work computer provided by an employer.

Found this:

http://getintopc.com/softwares/oper...7-enterprise-free-download-iso-32-bit-64-bit/

 

[ShoTTaS]

you can download here: Windows 7 Direct Download Links, Official Disk Images from Digital River

 

[AddRAM]

ShoTTas, we use that link all the time. Enterprise is not on it and probably never was.

If it was, I would have posted it


Werm111, I would just buy 7 Pro 64 bit

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com

or Home Premium if you never intend to go over 16 GB of memory

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com

 

[gregrocker]

You'd need to contact your University to obtain reinstall media and inquire about using the key again.

Otherwise we see Home Premium on sale regularly at Tiger Direct for $89, Professional for $120. Most consumers only need Premium.

 

[werm111]

Found this:

Windows 7 Enterprise Free Download ISO 32 Bit 64 Bit

Downloaded it. Does it work? Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

[gregrocker]

It is a trial version which I dont' think can be activated with the MAK key from your institution even if they provide it. It is time-bombed to deactivate after a trial period.

Have you contacted your IT dept to see how they want the OS reinstalled in order to continue using the MAK key?

 

[werm111]

It is a trial version which I dont' think can be activated with the MAK key from your institution even if they provide it. It is time-bombed to deactivate after a trial period.

Have you contacted your IT dept to see how they want the OS reinstalled in order to continue using the MAK key?

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like you're rather sure about this. If you're not, let me know, or if anyone eslse knows let me know.

Looks like the answer my question is "no" --- i can't find an iso file.

Aren't there people on ebay selling these without keys for like $15? There should be. Anyone know?

 

[gregrocker]

I'm only unsure about why you won't answer which institution owns the key that you are using and whether you've contacted them about this so that it isn't considered piracy.

The trial version of Enterprise has always been time-limited because it is a trial version, with no way I've seen to use it otherwise. This may have come up about once a month since WIn7 beta or whenever the trial version was offered and it has always been this way with no notice that it has changed.

 

[werm111]

I'm only unsure about why you won't answer which institution owns the key that you are using and whether you've contacted them about this so that it isn't considered piracy.

The trial version of Enterprise has always been time-limited because it is a trial version, with no way I've seen to use it otherwise. This may have come up about once a month since WIn7 beta or whenever the trial version was offered and it has always been this way with no notice that it has changed.

ok thanks again for the info. it's nice to know.

lol you want me to tell you the university i attend? it's weird that you're asking this. haven't contacted them again. it's a rather arduous process to do this with them.

 

[AddRAM]

I gave a site, in fact 2 sites to download an iso file. Did you not even try the 2nd one ?

You have to download and install it to see if it will work, how are we to know ?

You were told Windows Enterprise is installed on pc`s by employers for their employees, and not for a custom built/home built pc.

If you have some VLK through your University you have to talk to them about that. Why is that such a problem ?


"Aren't there people on ebay selling these without keys for like $15? There should be. Anyone know?"

Did you even look ?

Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles, Coupons and More | eBay

You can either buy Windows or install Windows 10 for free.

Download Windows 10 Technical Preview ISO - Microsoft Windows

 

[SIW2]

You can get Pro for $45.

If he has a legit Enterprise license, he can just get the iso from the link you posted earlier.

 

[werm111]

I gave a site, in fact 2 sites to download an iso file. Did you not even try the 2nd one ?

Thanks very much for the links. I appreciate it. I downloaded the ISO from the 2nd link. I'm skeptical about my ability to use either ISOs based on the immediate feedback given in this thread by another replier. That replier said that the trial versions---like the 2 you linked to---will stop working after 90 days even when I have a way to verify/validate them. That’s why I haven’t concluded that they will work. To borrow your tone for a moment: “You were told that your links did not work for my purposes.”

You have to download and install it to see if it will work, how are we to know ?

Sometimes people in forums have first-hand experience so they can tell someone whether or not something will work properly BEFORE that person tries it. Or sometimes people in forums have enough knowledge that they are able to infer that something will work or not. I’m going to do reinstall on a new SSD. I’d like to know if I have a viable Enterprise DISC before I unplug my old SSD, etc.

You were told Windows Enterprise is installed on pc`s by employers for their employees, and not for a custom built/home built pc.

I’m totally confused by this statement. Windows Enterprise is a software that my university offers to employees (including grad students like me). To my knowledge they don’t install it for you---they loan out a disc for 24 hours. Each university is different. About your claim that it is “not for a custom built PC” --- what a crazy thing to say. Of course, you can install it on a custom-built PC. I’m running Win Enterprise right now on my custom-built PC.

If you have some VLK through your University you have to talk to them about that. Why is that such a problem ?

Not sure what “VLK” means. I’m able to verify the Windows with my university logon information---which identifies me as a student and employee etc. I’m not sure how it works---I think I’m allowed one license from my university for my work computer (which my home PC is).

You can either buy Windows or install Windows 10 for free.

Download Windows 10 Technical Preview ISO - Microsoft Windows

Very interesting. Didn’t know that. I might try Windows 10. Does it work with popular programs like Firefox or computer games? I’ll look into this.

 

[gregrocker]

Thank you for filling us in further about your key being current and issued by your University. It sounds like you shouldn't have any problem to contact their IT department to inquire how to check out the disk again to do a Clean Reinstall Windows 7 and then reapply the key.

All the steps in that tutorial will still work for you except that instead of using the Product Key on an COA sticker it wll be the key issued by your university, and reapplied in the way that they specify for doing such a reinstall. I'm sure they must have made allowances for those who wish to reinstall, so I'd just ask them to provide the media again so that you don't get hung up with the Enterprise trial version which has always been reported here to be time-bombed and unable to be used for Clean Reinstall.

Rest assured that you are asking the right questions and appear to be acting in good faith. Let's hope your Uni cooperates in that same spirit, and we'll be glad to assist in any way we can to help you get the best possible Clean Reinstall Windows 7 just like more than a million others who have followed that tutorial without a single complaint.

Keep us posted as you go.

Greg

 

[AddRAM]

I’m totally confused by this statement. Windows Enterprise is a software that my university offers to employees (including grad students like me). To my knowledge they don’t install it for you---they loan out a disc for 24 hours. Each university is different. About your claim that it is “not for a custom built PC” --- what a crazy thing to say. Of course, you can install it on a custom-built PC. I’m running Win Enterprise right now on my custom-built PC.

It`s not a crazy thing to say, The reason you state you have Enterprise is because your university offered it to you. You wouldn`t go out and buy Enterprise would you ? And of course you can run it on your pc.
My point is you won`t see it on 99.9 % of the pc`s outside the work force.

 

[werm111]

I’m totally confused by this statement. Windows Enterprise is a software that my university offers to employees (including grad students like me). To my knowledge they don’t install it for you---they loan out a disc for 24 hours. Each university is different. About your claim that it is “not for a custom built PC” --- what a crazy thing to say. Of course, you can install it on a custom-built PC. I’m running Win Enterprise right now on my custom-built PC.

It`s not a crazy thing to say, The reason you state you have Enterprise is because your university offered it to you. You wouldn`t go out and buy Enterprise would you ? And of course you can run it on your pc.
My point is you won`t see it on 99.9 % of the pc`s outside the work force.

if that was your point then you didn't clearly express it.

but thanks again for the links.

 

[werm111]

You can get Pro for $45.

If he has a legit Enterprise license, he can just get the iso from the link you posted earlier.

Where?

 

[werm111]

Thank you for filling us in further about your key being current and issued by your University. It sounds like you shouldn't have any problem to contact their IT department to inquire how to check out the disk again to do a Clean Reinstall Windows 7 and then reapply the key.

All the steps in that tutorial will still work for you except that instead of using the Product Key on an COA sticker it wll be the key issued by your university, and reapplied in the way that they specify for doing such a reinstall. I'm sure they must have made allowances for those who wish to reinstall, so I'd just ask them to provide the media again so that you don't get hung up with the Enterprise trial version which has always been reported here to be time-bombed and unable to be used for Clean Reinstall.

Rest assured that you are asking the right questions and appear to be acting in good faith. Let's hope your Uni cooperates in that same spirit, and we'll be glad to assist in any way we can to help you get the best possible Clean Reinstall Windows 7 just like more than a million others who have followed that tutorial without a single complaint.

Keep us posted as you go.

Greg

I appreciate the response. However, you seem to be talking past my question. Id prefer not to get the disck from my university. It's a hassell and I am not be able to take the disc from campus---which means I cannot do this because I want to install on a desktop.

Please don't write to me and say that "your university can help you" or "that's a problem with your university's policy". I'm asking a specific question --- how can in install Win7 Enterprise online or buy buying some cheap disk without a key. I will THEN verifiy it---by the method my university uses.

So, I'm heading back to my home address (been on the road for 2 weeks) and I guess I'll try the links. I really wish someone with first-hand experience could confirm that they worked. IF they don't work, then I'll uninstall my operating system and be without a functioning computer...and then need to buy Win7 Home for $90 and wait a few days for it to arrive.

 

[Alexandru4562]

Here you go Boss

This is Windows 7 Ultimate 32 and 64 bit both available:
Windows 7 Ultimate ISO (32bit/64bit) Download | Free Download Best Games and Software

 

[gregrocker]

The link redirects to Microsoft Software Recovery which requires a retail key and isn't working for many.

The OP has an Enterprise copy of Win7 which must be administered by the IT department of an organization, and isn't available for individuals to use except in the trial version. Hence we cannot support it further.

The best course is to buy Win7 to do a Clean Reinstall Windows 7 unless you want to advance in the early stages to Win7's logical successor by doing a Clean Install Windows 10 Technical Preview which I have been using exclusively for 5 months without going back. This will be offered within the next year as a free upgrade from Win7, but those who are beta testing it will likely have other offers to come.