Windows 7 Clean Install

Discussion in 'Software' started by sparkyrhett, May 13, 2018.

  1. sparkyrhett

    sparkyrhett Private E-2

    I inherited a Dell laptop with a windows 7 ios. I can make no changes without an administrator password. I have no idea what that might be because the previous owner can not be found. I have no original window cd. I do have a product number. I want to attempt a clean install and start from scratch. Can i do that with what I have
     
  2. Eldon

    Eldon Major Geek Extraordinaire

  3. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    Please don't write it this way. Windows 7 is an OS.
    ios/iOS refers to the Apple operating system. (Usually something with a small i in the front is Apple like iTunes, iphone, iPad, iMac).

    If you say Windows 7 ios people might think you are dual booting Windows and an Apple operating system.

    and no ios and ISO are not related. An ISO is an image file of almost anything that you "burn" to a disk or a USB stick so it is usable.
     
  4. sparkyrhett

    sparkyrhett Private E-2

    What exactly should i ask for. i want to install a clean windows 7 os. I have no cd so i want to put it on a thumb drive. I cant format the thumb drive without admn permission. I can do nothing without admn permission which i dont have
     
  5. dr.moriarty

    dr.moriarty Malware Super Sleuth Staff Member

    Two options come immediately to mind -
    A. Use another PC to create a password reset disc
    B. Use another PC to download a Win 7 .iso and create a bootable install thumb drive
     
  6. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    Turn the laptop over and check the version of Windows 7 and the serial number.
    Once you have those two critical bits of needed information, download this tool onto a working computer http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/microsoft_windows_iso_download_tool.html
    This allows you to download an ISO for any version of Windows 7. Make sure you select the correct version and bittedness.

    It is useless if you don't have a serial number because it will not install.
     
  7. sparkyrhett

    sparkyrhett Private E-2

    is the serial number and the product key the same thing
     
  8. Eldon

    Eldon Major Geek Extraordinaire

  9. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...key/1ef61a91-99f9-442a-af16-31a8bb8ba3b4?db=5

    The problem with OEM computers, is that the key reported for the install doesn't match the serial number on the bottom/back/side of the unit.
    Using the key retrieved from the "mass" install on all computers might not work for a clean install.
    That's why I generally write down the key on the unit when it is new and before the label fades.
     
    satrow likes this.

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