Computers & Networking

[carly]

Long story short, my Acer Aspire laptop was stolen November 4th, then recovered just a few weeks ago. The man whole stole it completely erased my Windows 7 and replaced it with 'Windows 7 Build 7600' - yes, I know it's illegal. My laptop is still in good condition, and because it's so nice I'm hoping to repair it. What I want to know is -

-How would you delete Windows 7 Build 7600

-Do I have to re-purchase Windows 7

-How do I get my Wifi to work -- [I have a button on my laptop, it won't turn on. No, the button isn't broke. I believe my driver for Wifi was deleted...]

-How much would this cost? Could Best Buy solve this for me?

No, I have no warrenty on it. I got it about 5 years ago, the warrenty is expired. No, I have no reciept, I did not purchase this laptop, my friend's church group bought it for me.

Any advice would be helpful! Thank you!

[xl]

While you are waiting for an answer on Windows 7, I'd like offer some other observation....

• a five year machine has already proven it's worth.  Perhaps it's time to replace it with a new faster machine that comes with new version of Windows 7.
• if you still want to use your old machine, perhaps as a backup.  Go download and install Ubuntu.  Ubuntu is free and works great with old hardware.  I've done this with a netbook and a 7 year laptop.

[carly]

We don't all have unlimited money.

[RealGeorgeW Emerging Expert]

In short, if you don't have the recovery media, your only recourse would be to purchase a copy of Windows 7.

[xl]

Exactly.... Linux and Libre Office is FREE. I don't know how much you know about computers. But if the operating system is to be replaced (or not to be trusted), Linux an option.

If you have free space, you can actually set your laptop to "dual boot" between Linux or the corrupted Windows.

[AaronE]

OP what brand was your computer?

I'll get you the info where you can attempt to order the recovery media. That should resolve the majority of your issues with reinstalling windows 7, having it be valid and have the applications and drivers needed for your wifi.

[RealGeorgeW Emerging Expert]

Quote :Acer

Lol

http://us-store.acer.com/rcd/

Head there and follow the instructions to order the recovery media.

[carly]

What exactly does the recovery media do? Would I just install it into my computer, then everything would return to Windows 7?

Having another product on my laptop, besides windows 7, is not really an option. [aka linux] , plus I don't have internet avaliable to download the product... I'd really just prefer it be back to the original state I bought it in.

My family also purchase Windows 7 today.. hope to get it installed this week [by our 'computer' guy]

[AaronE]

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carly wrote:

What exactly does the recovery media do? Would I just install it into my computer, then everything would return to Windows 7?

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Recovery media is meant to return the laptop to the state it was in out of the box. So it's just like it was when it was new, software wise. Windows 7, applications and drivers are all typically restored.

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carly wrote:

My family also purchase Windows 7 today.. hope to get it installed this week [by our 'computer' guy]

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Did you open it yet? A off the shelf version of windows 7 is more costly than recovery discs and typically would still need to have drivers installed for any hardware it does not automatically recognize and have drivers for.

[carly]

Okay, well that's interesting. The man who works on my families computers told us we would need to purchase Windows 7 in order to get the laptop to work normally again. We haven't opened the package. I'll discuss this with my family.. recovery media seems like the easiest way out. I feel like if everyone has recovery media then all stolen laptops would just automatically work for anyone... I'll look into it though, thank you.

Just another question - if I did pursue the Windows 7, how would I get my wifi back on, since I have no internet - I wouldn't be able to download from off the internet.