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Hi loui,
Instructions for a clean install of Windows 7 SP1 if there is NO Installation Disc
Make sure that you have your Product Key available for the version of Windows that you are re-installing.
On a laptop it will either be on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop or in the battery compartment. If the sticker it is too worn to read or there isn't one then you can find it by either using Belarc Advisor or Magic Jelly Bean. Write this Product Key down and keep it in a safe place.
Download ISO from TechBench
Download the latest Windows 7 SP1 ISO file from TechBench using the following information [obviously change the language and bit type to suit]:
Windows (Final) > Windows 7 SP1 [build 7601] > Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 > English > Win7_Ult_SP1_English_x64.iso
[1] Once downloaded, extract the contents of the ISO to the Desktop for example using something like 7-Zip.
[2] Either delete or rename the ei.cfg file [ISO > Sources > ei.cfg].
This will unlock ALL the Windows 7 versions on the ISO and make them available on the re-installation.
You could also use the eicfg_removal_utility.
NOTE: If the version of Windows you are installing is Windows 7 Ultimate then there is NO need to remove the ei.cfg file as instructed above.
[3] Either burn the ISO [you can't just copy and paste it because it won't work] to a DVD or USB.
To burn the ISO to a DVD you can use the Windows 7 built in ISO burner.
To burn the ISO to a USB you can either use: Rufus 2.18 or Rufus 2.18 Portable.
On the re-installation you can select whatever version of Windows 7 you have a Valid Product Key for. This is also the only version that you will be able to activate.
Download ISO from HeiDoc
Using this method you do not need to delete or rename the ei.cfg file because you will have the correct version of Windows 7 that you have the Product Key for.
Download the Microsoft Windows ISO Download Tool from Heidoc.
The direct download is HeiDoc Download Tool.
Run the tool.
[1] Check the version you want downloaded [Windows 7]. Ignore if it says Windows 10, it is a bug.
[2] Select the edition from the drop down menu and click Confirm.
[3] Select the product language [English] and click Confirm.
[4] You can either Copy the link [on the right hand side for either 32-bit or 64-bit but they are ONLY valid for 24 hours], or click the 32-bit or 64-bit download on the left.
[5] Click Save and save it to the Desktop [it is about 3,425 KB in size].
[6] Once the download is complete, Delete the Microsoft Windows ISO Download Tool from the Desktop.
[7] Either burn the ISO [you can't just copy and paste it because it won't work] to a DVD or USB.
To burn the ISO to a DVD you can use the Windows 7 built in ISO burner.
To burn the ISO to a USB you can either use: Rufus 2.18 or Rufus 2.18 Portable.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that you backup ALL your essential files before you start a clean install. This is because during the clean install process ALL your Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Data Files and any installed software programs will be erased and become irretrievable.
I hope this helps!
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