Ok so my issue is I bought a used laptop that didn't come with the Windows 7 Home Premium disc but has the serial key on the laptop. I was wondering if someone could give me a link to download Windows 7 and also tell me how to install through USB because I don't have a disc burner so I can burn the iso.

My hard drive I think died so I bought a new one

http://www.digitalriver.com/

That doesn't do anything for me

I installed windows 7 via USB

I used this app to put win7 on USB

http://wudt.codeplex.com

also when you install via USB, there will come a point where the installer will look for a driver, and can't find it. all you have to do is take out the flashpen or whatever usb device you're using and plug it into another USB port.

all the best

[edit] USB Tool Instructions

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool#installation

I will give it a shot, thank you.

Get you ISO here: http://www.mytechguide.org/10042/windows-7-sp1-iso-download-official-digitalriver-links/

And transfer to USB with this: https://rufus.akeo.ie/

On bootup you need to tap F8 to bring up the drive select menu. also in some bios's you need to set usb in the bootup menu.

alright thanks

Did you get it installed??

or are you sitting at a blank screen, pulling your hair out lol

Three important steps to perform:


1) Get the proper version of Windows

Make sure you have an "OEM" version of Windows 7 (not a retail or upgrade one) and the proper edition (Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate). Most laptops came with Windows 7 Home Premium. It's written on the license sticker where you can also find the CD-Key. Be sure to get a "64 bit" version of Windows.

Here's a website where you can download all the ISO of Windows 7 (OEM, in different languages):

http://www.techverse.net/download-windows-7-iso-x86-x64-microsofts-official-servers/



2) Create a bootable USB Key with the downloaded ISO

Use "Windows USB/DVD Download Tool", made by Microsoft. It allows you to create a bootable copy of your Windows 7 ISO file on a USB key (and also on a DVD). It can be downloaded here:

http://wudt.codeplex.com/



3) Activate Windows without any trouble

Your laptop comes with an OEMAct CD-Key, and Windows can't be activated normally using it. If you try to activate Windows with this key, Microsoft will reject it and tell you that "the key is not valid for the activation". A little tweak is needed to activate Windows and make it genuine...

You'll need to get first an OEM authentication certificate. It's a small XML file that contains all the informations to activate Windows for a specific brand. You'll need to find the one made for your laptop's brand (Dell, HP, Acer, Sony, Asus, Gateway, Toshiba, etc.). Once you have this file, the activation needs to be performed at the command prompt, by entering two commands:

slmgr -ilc <file name of the certificate>
slmgr -ato

The first command injects the certificate in Windows. Once it's installed, Windows can now recognize your CD-Key as a valid one. The second command activates Windows.

If you have any trouble to find a certificate or activate Windows, send me a PM and I'll give you a hand... I have most of the certificates for the major brands (including the ones listed above).