Need assistance with restoring Windows? Have questions about the process.
Need assistance with restoring Windows? Have questions about the process.
My computer was originally built with Windows 7 without an installation disc. After upgrading to Windows 10, it became very slow. I performed a full reset, used the clean drive option (though unsure if it helped), and waited until about 10% of the installation process started. It restarted itself and eventually displayed the Dell logo before going black. After six hours, it restarted repeatedly, showing the same error. Now it boots with the Dell logo but then immediately goes black and restarts after a few seconds. I suspect the OS was completely wiped.
I’m assuming I lost my original Windows 7 installation media. I can find someone with a Windows 7 install disc, but I can’t burn anything onto my old 2005 PC. I tried Windows and Dell support sites, but they didn’t provide an install disc for my machine. I read online that upgrading to Windows 10 invalidates the Windows 7 key, and since I have an OEM key on a sticker, it might still work. Also, I learned that deleting partitions won’t remove the original OS if it was never saved there. If everything works out and I install from the Windows disc, would using my genuine license key make it appear as a bootleg or legitimate system? Thanks for any help, I’m trying to understand this as best as possible without spending money on a new OS.
Windows 7 DVDs are available from various online platforms. One example is the link provided: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0...sp=sharing Upgrading to Windows 10 doesn’t render the old Windows 7 key useless. After removing partitions, the key remains functional. Reinstalling with a proper DVD and using an authentic key is not classified as bootleg.
I haven't purchased a ready-made system since Windows XP. Do they still include a physical key on the case?
Sure thing! Here’s a clearer version of your message:
Hey everyone, thanks for the responses. I ended up with MS Support, who suggested using a USB drive and installing Windows 10 on it instead of risking a potentially fake W7 install disc from Amazon. I’m just looking for another perspective since this is my first time doing it. If I download the ISO to the USB, could there be any issues with my computer? Will the clean driver setup I did on my PC cause any problems? Also, do I need any additional software to transfer the ISO to the USB, or can I just drag and drop it? Appreciate your help again—thanks for all the questions.