Computers & Networking

[japper]

With the hard drive on my friends laptop locked, we have decided that a new hard drive is the only option.

I am not sure if my friend has a recovery disk that came with her laptop. If she doesn't how can I reload

Windows 7 (legally)?

Her laptop has the MS Windows 7 tag on the laptop but  I am not sure if she has the media...

How can I reload a copy on her laptop, Is there a downloadable version available that we can use her license

tag to activate it?

please advise

thanks

[macrobb]

Most laptops these days have the code built into the BIOS; so long as it came with Windows 7, you can just download a stock Windows 7 image(from Microsoft or elsewhere - here's a good link to the official downloads: http://www.mydigitallife.info/download-windows-7-iso-official-32-bit-and-64-bit-direct-download-link... ) and when you install it, it should automatically use the code that came with the machine.

If not, you should have a sticker on it with the key.

Do note that with Windows 7, the same CD is used for both OEM installs and retail ones, so if you happen to have any windows 7 install disk around, it should install the version your PC is authorized for.

Obviously, if you bought any upgrades after that, they will have to be manually installed on top of the OEM-provided key, but...

[japper]

thanks for the link.

I am not sure if she had Windows 7 home, Pro 86 32 bit or Pro 64 bit.

Will the load tell me if it isn't the correct one?

[macrobb · Accepted solution]

It should. I'd assume home premium, though.

[Xeek]

You will need x64 by the way.

[Xeek]

Also to note. None of these discs will have any of the original Toshiba software or drivers. If you are missing drivers for network (internet), audio, video, webcam, etc. you will have to go to Toshiba for that.

Getting the original recovery discs directly from Toshiba ($20 or so) is your best option.

[japper · Accepted solution]

I borrowed a windows 7 ultimate dvd from a friend and copied to a folder on a good pc and then the sources\ei.cfg file and copied it onto another DVD. Removing that file will give the option to load whatever type

I then booted to his DVD and quit the install and chose to go back to teh comand prompt. I switched DVDs to mine without the ei.cfg file and ran setup,exe.

I entereted the Product ID of fthe tag on the back of the laptop and called in the activation code.

It is true that this does nto have the drives but i am sure they can be found online which is what I am doing right now.

Toshiba has been no help at all and their automated phone system is designe dto wastre people's time.

Best Buy has also been no real help either...

I am getting close to getting it back to her now.

thanks for all of your messages.

[macrobb]

I agree with your statements but disagree with your conclusion: For one thing, the stock OS image *always* contains a signifigant amount of crapware which just slows things down and needs to be removed. Going from scratch and *only* installing the few drivers that don't come from Windows Update is generally the best option.

[japper]

Well it is working now and I don't have to wait around for a recovery disk with an added expense so its all good