Reinstalling OS on a machine that came with Vista and a free upgrade to Windows 7?

[nephifofum]

I bought my HP desktop back in 2009. It was loaded with Vista, but the price of the PC included an automatic upgrade to Windows 7 when it was ready. The upgrade took place online; I received no physical media.

I need to reinstall my machine back to factory condition and start with a clean slate. The problem is, I imagine a reset like that would bring back Vista, and I'd have no way to get my Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium back.

Has anyone dealt with this before?

Thanks!

[lasvegaswireman]

I also purchased an HP computer in 2009 that come with an upgrade to Windows 7 64bit Home Premium. The terms of the offer included sending proof of purchase to a third party administrator for fulfillment. I was sent a HP OEM Windows 7 DVD (with the COA & Windows key on the sleeve) and a HP supplemental disc. To the best of my knowledge; Microsoft, HP, etc. have never made that upgrade offer available online in any form. If you currently have Windows 7 on the computer, you may be able to download a program that will recover the Windows 7 key from the computer. You can also download a Windows 7 64bit Home Premium ISO from Digital River, a Microsoft hosting partner.

Frank

[nephifofum]

i definitely upgraded online, whether it was through a link that HP sent me or through Windows Update. Ordering a disk may have been an alternative, but I imagine I didn't want to wait for the disk to arrive or pay any S&H that may have been necessary.

HP sucks. I called them and explained. They said that they no longer have the upgrade kits available, as it was a limited time offer, but that they will give me $75 off Windows 7. Excuse me?? The only reason I bought my computer when I did, instead of waiting, was because they advertised that I was entitled to a fee upgrade. But now that I'm having problems that require me to reinstall, I won't have Windows 7. That's BS. While they may have explained the time limits, they are clearly violating the spirit of the whole deal. But they don't care.

I will never buy another product from such a dishonest company.

My Windows 7 should be properly licensed. Can't I just get the files I need? I don't, or shouldn't, need a whole new key.

[TheOldMan]

Perhaps you read thru Frank's response with haste.  He stated "If you currently have Windows 7 on the computer, you may be able to download a program that will recover the Windows 7 key from the computer. You can also download a Windows 7 64bit Home Premium ISO from Digital River, a Microsoft hosting partner."  So, I see no reason to be fussy about HP.  The answer is easy to get what you want and still have Windows 7.  Make sure the key is retrieved before the windows 7 install is wiped out.

I would just install the windows 7 OS that you have now instead of messing with the Vista reinstall.  Get the key from the present Windows 7 install and save the certificate on a CD or flash drive, then install Windows 7 from the DVD ( borrow a Windows 7 install DVD of the same version) or get the download from Digital River.

From another thread and a post from Paul, check his post with a link for the Windows 7 iso.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Operating-Systems/clean-oem-os/td-p/1386661

[nephifofum]

#1. Or perhaps things weren't explained very well.

#2. HP still refused to help. And why didn't they know anything about the method Frank proposed? So, it does have a lot to do with HP and their crap customer servive. I wasted a heck of a lot of time with them, getting nothing.

#3. You may be able to download a program that will recover the Windows 7 key from the computer? Where to begin...Do I not have the key readily available in the Windows 7 that's on my computer now? Why would my key be hidden? Is this program spoken of an illegal hack program, or am I looking for something legit. And why can't HP or Microsoft give me the info? Downloading unnecessary programs that I know nothing about is partly why I'm having to reinstall.

#4. Borrow a Windows 7 DVD? Can you please tell me which of my neighbors has one to loan out?

#5. I know nothing about Digital River other than I was able to redownload a PURCHASE I HAD PREVIOUSLY MADE THROUGH THEM.

#6. I imagine Frank can speak for himself. Are you his designated representative or something?

#7. HP truly does suck. I've gone through 3 keyboard/mouse sets in 2 years. Thank GOD I accidentally bought a 4-year warranty. Who knows what will fail over the next 2 years.

[TheOldMan]

This is a user assisted forum, not one that HP gives any info regarding help.  Google is also a self help type of forum.  Perhaps using it to look for the additional help to supliment help already given would be wise.  You might want to check out "Manners" while at Google.

[nephifofum]

And you might want to check out "Talking just to hear your lips flap" or "If I have nothing to add, then why am I posting in the first place?"

Good luck with your pursuits.