quick question- lost Windows disc

claypigeon101 · 21 May 2014 at 16:52

Hey all,
really quick question that I know you'll all know the solution to.

I have a legit copy of Win7 with working product key (I'm using it now) and I've lost my disc but want to do a clean format of my whole system.

It's an upgrade version so I had to do the double install thing to get it to work... but it's been flawless for years and I want to re-do it with a blank drive now.

I really can't find the disc... what are my options?
Thanks

Swordfish · 21 May 2014 at 16:55

You should be able to get a windows 7 disc easy enough on the web.

I take it you have an upgrade key only key? If so install using the full install disc and then follow the instructions here :

http://winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-128512

Method 2 works for me every time.

Hagar · 21 May 2014 at 17:04

Make an install DVD from digital river ISO file

http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

claypigeon101 · 21 May 2014 at 17:09

Wow, great responses thank you so much.

But what about the key issue, I meant to state more clearly that I have no key, it's stuck to the disc which is lost. But my software is genuine.. can I extract the key from the depths of my current Win7 registry or something?

Swordfish · 21 May 2014 at 17:11

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Produkey is your friend !

claypigeon101 · 21 May 2014 at 17:18

Wow! So I use that guy to extract the key, remove and format my drives (use my MBP for that) burn the iso, stick it in and off we go?

Swordfish · 21 May 2014 at 17:21

Use Produkey to find your key and print it out/save it/write it down.

Download the correct ISO for your licence (Home Premiun etc)

Burn ISO

Install windows - the installer will format the drives for you.

Remember you will need to install all your drivers so make sure you have at least your Ethernet drive so you can get on the web to download the latest ones for your system.

claypigeon101 · 21 May 2014 at 17:35

Thank you. Last time I wiped this system the Ethernet ran plug & play and I updated it via motherboard website to a more recent driver.

Thanks Swordfish, solved my issue. Now to invest in a little SSD to put my new clean system on!

Swordfish · 21 May 2014 at 17:35

No probs.

IanAG · 21 May 2014 at 18:09

Alternative to burning a CD would be using the MS Windows 7 USB tool, I find it much easier now to not bother with CDs!

claypigeon101 · 21 May 2014 at 19:29

Yes I've used that before with a friend's PC. Should have realised!