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8085
October 10th, 2017 17:00
Windows key
I have lost my windows 7 activation key . I need to replace broken HDD on my dell Inspiron but cannot figure out how to re- install and activitate windiws7 . Is it possible to get the activation key from dell some how?
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Philip_Yip
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October 21st, 2017 11:00
It doesn't matter the .iso is effectively the same. What model of Inspiron is this? Install Windows 7 Home Premium without your Product Key. This will initialise a 30 day trial. You can then reapply Dell OEM System Locked Preinstallation using this method:
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/m/microsoft_os/20443565
More details here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-7-sp1-iso-download/
jphughan
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October 10th, 2017 17:00
Assuming this is an Inspiron laptop rather than desktop, the key would've been on a sticker located on the underside of your system or perhaps inside the battery compartment if the system has a removable battery. If it's an Inspiron desktop, it should be on the back or top of the chassis. If you don't see it anywhere, then the only way to get a replacement key would be to buy one; nobody issues free replacements. However, I'm not sure Windows 7 keys are even sold retail anymore, and you would not be able to purchase a Windows 10 license and downgrade to Windows 7. Although Win10 accepts Win7 keys, the reverse is not true, and I think from a licensing standpoint, downgrade rights are not included with retail licenses anyway.
Yinchao
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October 12th, 2017 07:00
Ok, I think I have located the activation key as had writing it down and kept somewhere.. does it mean I can reinstall windows in new HDD. Also wouldn't that key be locked to os recovery provided by dell only?
Yinchao
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October 12th, 2017 08:00
Ok.., great, thanks for the help.
jphughan
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October 12th, 2017 08:00
If the key is correct, then yes you can reinstall Windows 7. The key would NOT be locked to Dell's media only. You can download a Windows 7 ISO directly from Microsoft, then just make sure you install the correct edition for your system's license (Home Premium, Pro, Ultimate, etc.). Worst case, automatic online activation may fail due to the hardware change (and I've seen some OEM keys not activate before), but in those cases you can just use the automated phone activation system and you should be fine at that point.
Yinchao
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October 20th, 2017 08:00
Hi there, received the new HDD today, just wondering which version window is for my computer.
When I run Windows iso downloader it gives me option of either
Windows 7 home premium sp1
Or
Windows 7 home premium sp1 COEM ( under OEM)
Iam not sure as only thing I know that my machine came with windows 7 home premium 64 bit..
Any help ?
Yinchao
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October 21st, 2017 12:00
Hiya, thanks for the reply. It's Inspiron n5010.
Tried to install windows does ,but windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style.
I understand coz it's been formatted and partitioned on other computer and need to convert to MBR.
but for some reason shift+F10 won't open command prompt window for me to use diskpart.
Any suggestions?
Yinchao
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October 21st, 2017 13:00
Forgot to mention I can delete the partitions, but have copied some 100gb data which I want to keep.
Yinchao
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October 21st, 2017 14:00
Wow it works , WINDOWS ACTIVATED,.. you are the best Philip Yip , .. I have been on many forums and either no-one has enough knowledge or they simply don't care.. thanks alot
Philip_Yip
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October 24th, 2017 05:00
Great thanks for letting us know. If you want your Free Upgrade to Windows 10 then use the GenuineTicket.xml method:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/the-initial-clean-install-of-windows-10-using-a-faded-windows-7-oem-coa/