Unable to install Win 7 on Z420

[BosseHj]

Unable to install Win 7 on Z420

I've tried the link I received from you, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7, but it's not possible. Simply enter the text "ERROR" The product key you entered appears to be pre-installed by the manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options. "What should I do?

  Hi, have a Z420 with broken HDD that I received from my job. Has mounted an empty HD 500GB. Trying to download Win 7 (64) but getting BOOTMGR missing. Does the missing file or how do I. Grateful for help. Have attempted to load programs on USB memory but get the same resume. Have previously installed OS on other computers without any problems. I have the serial number on Win 7 that was previously installed. However, it is not possible to retrieve from HP when the computer was previously purchased by my employer.

[CF4]

Hi

The HP OEM version of W7 is not readily available, you may be able to purchase a set of Recovery Media from Computer Surgeons.

So you have a bare HDD and a Licenced NON HP Windows 7 OS?

There are places that may have a copy of W7 on the internet, and that comes with a warning.

This First part only works when a valid Recovery Partition is enabled.
If it displays an error message then move onto the Second Part:-
OR if you have data you wish to try and save using the XCOPY command.
Then create your own Repair/Recovery/Rebuild/Re-install media or buy a set from HP.

Turn off the computer.
Disconnect all connected devices and cables, Media Drives, USB drives, printers, & faxes.
Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware.
Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or power cord.

Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second,
until the Choose an option screen is displayed, and then continue.

On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot, and work your way through the screens.

Second Part:-
This may require another PC. Find and Download your .iso from…
(You will need a NON_OEM key for W7);
W8.x and W10 should activate automagically from their embedded licence key.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

For when it’s a NON MS OS ( iOS / Linux ) creating the install media.
www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

A 3rd party site is (Please be careful)...
https://mirror.corenoc.de/digitalrivercontent.net/

Expand/Extract/Burn the iso Image onto a DVD/USB as needed.
Microsoft’s Creator Tool will make the required DVD or USB.

Even though it has NO actual HP software/drivers included, you may be able to
XCOPY the C:\Users\* area onto a ‘large’ USB stick, via the Command Prompt.

You’ll need to try various drive letters; D:..-..Z: until it’s matched - could be G; mine’s S:

C:\>XCOPY C:\Users\* S:\ /e /i /h (then files like those 3 listed below get copied over)

C:\Users\desktop.ini
C:\Users\All Users\agent.1509128044.bdinstall.bin
C:\Users\All Users\HP Deskjet 2540 series\Help\flash\zoom.swf

Then you can try System Recovery Options / Advanced Options shown in the screenshots.

NB:- W7 Try running a Startup Repair more than once for a full fix.
NB: - W10 Begin with the Automatic Repair, then Startup Settings etc.

From either the C:\ or the X:\ prompt try the following

cd boot
bootrec /FixMBR
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /RebuildBCD

If the above FAILS then please try:-
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-master-boot-record-mbr-windows
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/install-windows-7-from-usb
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/install-windows-10-from-usb