Laptop has a COA but I don't have the Windows 7 install disk..?

Virdi · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:02

Hi all,

Some help / advise please.

I have a laptop that has Windows 7 installed and the machine has COA stuck underneath.

Now I don't have the original Windows disk or restore CDs for this laptop..

If I want to do a fresh re-install of Windows 7 - do I have to have the same original disc? or can I use 'any' Windows 7 CD and then just enter the COA stuck on the machine?

Thanks

True_Scotsman · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:05

Most if not all laptops will not come with the windows 7 dvd, the prompt you to make a back up dvd after starting it for the first time.

If you want to install windows again you will need the same version of windows that is mentioned on the COA (most likely windows 7 Home Premium OEM).

smithy83 · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:06

download whatever you want from here

http://techdows.com/2011/07/downloa...h-sp1-iso-official-direct-download-links.html

dont worry its all legal as its from digital river

burn to dvd or make a usb disk

edit: ah yes my last laptop never came with backup media it was all on a different partition

Meatball · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:19

Just use any generic, unbranded Windows 7 DVD that matches the version you have a licence for. Dont worry about whether it's OEM or Retail. If you have a 64-bit compatible CPU and more than 2GB of ram install the 64bit version of Wibdows 7

.

edscdk · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:22

Meatball said:
Just use any generic, unbranded Windows 7 DVD that matches the version you have a licence for. Dont worry about whether it's OEM or Retail. If you have a 64-bit compatible CPU and more than 2GB of ram install the 64bit version of Wibdows 7 .

the serials are interchangable, I installed a 32bit version from 1 disk, and used a COA from a 64Bit OEM pack...

(well at least you can use a 64bit serial on a 32bit setup so I assume it works the other way round)

Virdi · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:24

Thanks

I will give it a try.

RJC · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:50

When you activate you may need to phone to activate rather than it trying to do it over the web.

I have todo this in the past.

Dirk · 13 Feb 2012 at 12:57

edscdk said:
the serials are interchangable, I installed a 32bit version from 1 disk, and used a COA from a 64Bit OEM pack...

(well at least you can use a 64bit serial on a 32bit setup so I assume it works the other way round)

By versions he meant Home Premium/Ultimate etc. Each version was sold with both 32Bit and 64Bit install disks so either works with the same key. Keys are specific to version though.