Need computer help

Topgunben · #1 07-13-2019, 12:24 AM

Looks like my HDD has died, windows won't fully load, can't get to login screen. I'm certain it's the HDD, as I've had warnings of its pending demise.

Anyway, the good thing is, every thing important is backed up on SSD's. The bad news is, I can't find my windows 7 CD, it probably got thrown away. So I don't have the CD key or disk, and I need those to do a fresh install on to my new SSD.

I'm considering downloading a pirated copy of windows 7 on a separate computer and writing it to a disk or jump drive if that will work? Id prefer to do this another a more legitimate way, but I can't figure it out.

Auvdar · #2 07-13-2019, 01:57 AM

If your copy of Windows is legit and registered, you should be able to download a new OEM copy from Microsoft. (Or a Windows 10 upgrade copy. That would work) And Windows 10 upgrades don't require a key, just a registered earlier version. Or that's how it was, maybe it changed.

edit: Win 10 may require a generic key to install. (Won't register, but it will get it up and running) Should be able to find one online for whatever build you have. Same with Windows 7.

Mead · #3 07-15-2019, 02:33 AM

Saving 100 bucks is actually going to make you richer

Hope this helps

Jaxon · #4 07-15-2019, 03:39 AM

If you can read the windows registry file from your hard drive you can find and export the product key, and if the product key is for a retail(not OEM) version of Windows 7 you can download a disk image from Microsoft.

Find the software registry hive on your bad HDD located at %windir%\system32\config\software and load it up using a registry editor. I haven't done this myself, but there are some tips for doing so here https://www.raymond.cc/blog/recover-...egistry-files/

Once you can search the registry you need to find the key named HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion and read the value named "DigitalProductId" and decode it using the tool at http://www.ed.scherer.name/Tools/Mic...IDDecoder.html

There are instructions on the page, but you need to change the offsets for Windows 7. Instead of grabbing the bytes at offsets 0034 through 0042 you need to get the 16 bytes at 0044 through 0052. Copy those hex bytes and use the tool on that web page to decode them and get your product key.

Once you have your key go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...nload/windows7 and input your key to download an installation ISO.

Cecily · #5 07-15-2019, 07:02 AM

Over at my friend’s house and his oven is beeping really loud with F11 displayed on the panel. Google says it’s glue on the circuit board. I’m going back to sleep.

So anyways. 3 different offers to move elsewhere atm. This friend and his wife offered me a room and that gives me access to a better college for nursing clinicals. Another friend did the same earlier with a place in downtown Frederick and easy access to that waiting or salon job I’m considering. This would make making money easier / better (any) nightlife / further from a pretty well regarded nursing program / hospital for clinicals. Finally, two other friends want me to go to LA or Seattle with them, which would probably mean no school for a year at least... but better coast and everything. I just made irl friends with a makeup artist from LA who looks amazing in a bikini, too. Unfortunately LA is located in Los Angeles. Need advice please.

I really want to have a degree before I go to the west coast, but I’m afraid I’m gonnna get stuck here in Maryland if I wait to do that. Which wouldn’t be the end of the world because Hopkins and University of Maryland Schol of Nursing here and I wanted to do one of them for graduate school...

Auvdar · #6 07-16-2019, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cecily [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Over at my friend’s house and his oven is beeping really loud with F11 displayed on the panel. Google says it’s glue on the circuit board. I’m going back to sleep.

So anyways. 3 different offers to move elsewhere atm. This friend and his wife offered me a room and that gives me access to a better college for nursing clinicals. Another friend did the same earlier with a place in downtown Frederick and easy access to that waiting or salon job I’m considering. This would make making money easier / better (any) nightlife / further from a pretty well regarded nursing program / hospital for clinicals. Finally, two other friends want me to go to LA or Seattle with them, which would probably mean no school for a year at least... but better coast and everything. I just made irl friends with a makeup artist from LA who looks amazing in a bikini, too. Unfortunately LA is located in Los Angeles. Need advice please.

I really want to have a degree before I go to the west coast, but I’m afraid I’m gonnna get stuck here in Maryland if I wait to do that. Which wouldn’t be the end of the world because Hopkins and University of Maryland Schol of Nursing here and I wanted to do one of them for graduate school...

My advice, don't move to Seattle.

Auvdar · #7 07-13-2019, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptooth2 [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Why dont you spend 100 bucks on a legit copy of windows 10 and register it properly?

also you dont use SSD for backups they are unreliable, are you poor or something?

your asking for computer help to pirate windows, someone ban this dirt poor idiot

Uses the wrong *you're, but calls someone else who is just asking for advice an idiot. Seems legit.

Topgunben · #8 07-13-2019, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptooth2 [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Why dont you spend 100 bucks on a legit copy of windows 10 and register it properly?

also you dont use SSD for backups they are unreliable, are you poor or something?

your asking for computer help to pirate windows, someone ban this dirt poor idiot

Says the guy with 142 posts in less than a month.

I did end up buying a copy of windows 10 today, I just didn't want to spend the money on something I already bought.

Tenderizer · #9 07-13-2019, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptooth2 [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

someone ban this dirt poor idiot

poor people have a place in this world too.

are you a fascist?

Wonkie · #10 07-13-2019, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tenderizer [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

poor people have a place in this world too.

are you a fascist?

woah buddy don't you think you're overreacting? spitting on the poor doesn't make someone a fascist.

he very well could be a capitalist, you know. bet you feel pretty silly right now huh?