Need bootable copy of Win 7 Ultimate 32bit

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  1. Posts : 7
    Windows Ultimate x 32
       #1

    Need bootable copy of Win 7 Ultimate 32bit


    I have a clone that has a genuine, at least the system information page says it is genuine and I get now messages about it not being genuine, OEM copy of win 7 Ultimate x 32 bit but no disks. I have no idea who originally purchased the OEM package so I do not know how to contact them.

    I need to obtain a bootable DVD to use to reinstall the OS after I replace the HDD with a larger one. I would prefer detailed instructions on how to download the needed software through MS and then create the DVD so that I know that the software is genuine. I would also prefer to have one that I can reinstall if I change the CPU or other hardware.

    I have the product key that displays in the system information page. Please be as detailed as possible in your instructions as I have never done anything like this.

    Thank you for your assistance.
    Last edited by DonJones; 01 Sep 2010 at 01:30. Reason: Clarification
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 519
    Windows 7 Ultimate (64)
       #2

    What do mean by "clone"? Is the box built by a local shop or individual, or purchased via Dell, HP, or another on-line manufacturer. The on-line guys will provide either disc, a recovery partition, and an application to build a recovery set of OS disc. Additionally they'll be a sticker with a valid Windows key somewhere on the box. A home-grown builder is required to do the same yet that doesn't mean they do.

    If you purchased the box with an oem version of Windows installed, then the key must be displayed on the box via legitimate MS sticker. Just because the system info displays a key and states that it's genuine means nothing as all cracked/pirated versions of win 7 do the same.

    Where ever you purchased the machine, contact them and insist they provide you with win 7 disc, recovery disc, or an software option to create the disc yourself. If the box has an oem version and does not have the MS sticker with the key on it, there's good chance it's not a legitimate copy!

    Additionally, if it's not a legitimate version then having set of oem disc is irrelevant and the key you see in the system is bogus and will not authenticate when you reinstall.
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  3.    #3

    Product Key doesn't show in SysInfo. You need to audit it from HD using Belarc Advisor.

    Like w7c says it likely isn't legit if you don't have an official COA sticker affixed to machine with Product Key on it. This sticker will also tell you what version of Win7 is licensed so you can locate an installer to use to clean install.

    We are unable to link to Win7 ISO downloads as it encourages piracy, however you can borrow or obtain an ISO of your version to burn to DVD or write to USB flash stick. All versions can also be unlocked in any version installer using this method: Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

    You can also try cloning the old HD to the new one using free cloning software which comes with a WD or Seagate HD. Or use built-in Win7 backup imaging to save an image you can restore to the new HD using Win7 Repair CD. If Win7 imaging doesn't work right, free Macrium Reflect offers more flexibility.

    WD Support Free Acronis cloning/imaging app
    | Seagate Free cloning/imaging app
    Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
    System Repair Disc - Create
    http://download.cnet.com/Macrium-Ref...=dl&tag=button
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  4. Posts : 7
    Windows Ultimate x 32
    Thread Starter
       #4

    By a "clone" I mean a non- OEM machine built out of components. I don't know if it was assembled by a shop if if someone assembled it themselves. I purchased the machine used at a pawnshop.

    If the version isn't Genuine, then what does copying it to a repair CD or cloning it to the new HDD accomplish?

    Won't I still have problems validating it to make it run, or does the repair CD include the validation process already accomplished?

    What about the cloned HDD -- will it have to be validated?

    It is beginning to sound like I need to purchase a valid disk with a valid COA and be done with it.
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  5. Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       #5

    Try this:

    Start CMD enter type slmgr /dlv

    Post a screen snip
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  6.    #6

    Let's hope it's Geniune as your SysInfo says. Going on that I suggested you consider cloning, or create a System Image of your HD to reimage to the new HD. This will almost always hold it's activation if the drive letter doesn't slip during cloning, which is rare.

    However, knowing for sure whether your Windows is truly Geniune would allow you to breathe easier as you'd only need to reinsert the Product Key if requested after reimaging, and could clean reinstall if you want a fresh start anyway.

    You can always call MS Customer Service to find out if a Product Key is Geniune. Audit it from HD using Belarc Advisor. Others may have better ideas.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7
    Windows Ultimate x 32
    Thread Starter
       #7

    gregrocker,

    Thank you. How do I determine if it is genuine or not without loosing its functionality while I'm trying to get the reinstall disk made up?

    If it is Genuine, then do I use the product ID that shows in the System Information or do I still need a key off of the COA?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #8

    DocBrown said:
    Try this:

    Start CMD enter type slmgr /dlv

    Post a screen snip
    Have you done this?

    DonJones said:
    gregrocker,

    Thank you. How do I determine if it is genuine or not without loosing its functionality while I'm trying to get the reinstall disk made up?

    If it is Genuine, then do I use the product ID that shows in the System Information or do I still need a key off of the COA?
    This Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit suggested by gregrocker will give you the product key that is also on the COA.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 7
    Windows Ultimate x 32
    Thread Starter
       #9

    No I haven't done anything else yet. The Win 7 machine is NOT connected to the internet at the present time.

    Thank you.
      My Computer

  10.    #10

    DonJones said:
    gregrocker,

    Thank you. How do I determine if it is genuine or not without loosing its functionality while I'm trying to get the reinstall disk made up?

    If it is Genuine, then do I use the product ID that shows in the System Information or do I still need a key off of the COA?
    I personally would call MS Customer Service at (800) MICROSOFT, tell them I bought the computer with the OS and want to know it is Geniune (as it says) and the Product Key is reusable for reinstall.

    They will probably ask for the Product ID and Product Key, although it is only the Product Key you use to activate a reinstall. Audit the Key with Belarc so you have it ready along with PID.

    The reason I would do it this way is that if it is cracked then it might say Geniune (as it does) even though it isn't due to some BIOS modification simulation file on the HD somewhere.

    Once MS tells you its a valid Product Key, then I think you have enough to feel safe to reinstall and reactivate. Get a case number because the company policy is that if you have a validated Product Key and it won't activate, they will open a tech support case to help you get it activated one way or another.

    Others may have a better approach.
      My Computer


 
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