Erase HDD and reinstalling Windows 7

[pete_777]

Recently was given a HP laptop, a Probook 4330s. It has the valid stickers to indicate it has a genuine Windows 7 operating system.

I wish to erase the hard drive and reinstall the windows 7. I don't have any media at all. Is it a matter of just downloading windows 7, then confirming a valid license online, and then install windows 7 and any service packs and updates ?

I actually want to install Kubuntu after the HDD erase, and then install windows 7 within a virtual machine.

Peter

[pete_777]

The screen/display is broekn, so I use the vga output to a large monitor. I have windows 7 iso on a usb and wish to boot to the usb.

On boot, I have tried esc, f2, f9, f10, f6 , but never 'see' anything , like an option.

I think the problem is that the vga output only works after BIOS ??

Any help please ?

[IT_WinSec]

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@pete_777 wrote:

Recently was given a HP laptop, a Probook 4330s. It has the valid stickers to indicate it has a genuine Windows 7 operating system.

I wish to erase the hard drive and reinstall the windows 7. I don't have any media at all. Is it a matter of just downloading windows 7, then confirming a valid license online, and then install windows 7 and any service packs and updates ?

---

Hello @pete_777

Thank you for posting in the HP Support forum.

If you want to use Windows 7 as a primary OS , you can download the appropriate ISO image, create a bootable flash drive and install it.

You can use this free utility to obtain the OEM image

>> https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%20ISO%20Downloader.exe

>> https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-downl...

The tool will download ISO images from Microsoft and has lots of options for many Windows versions including OEM. If you use it, be careful to select the correct Windows ISO for the OEM, x86 or x64 edition, Home/Pro/Ultimate, etc...

When download completes, you will need to write or "burn" the ISO image and boot from a bootable media.

** How to create bootable ISO on USB device >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows

or

** How to write ISO to DVD >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/burn-a-dvd-on-windows

 instructions are just an example for Ubuntu, but you need to use the ISO image of Windows 7, along with Rufus tool

When ready with the USB drive or with the DVD:

Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive or the DVD prepared previously

Power  on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, keep hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the thumb drive or the DVD as a boot option.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows

Install drivers taken from HP web site when Win installation completes

[IT_WinSec]

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@pete_777 wrote:

I actually want to install Kubuntu after the HDD erase, and then install windows 7 within a virtual machine.

Peter

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If this is your wish, just download the Kubuntu image (ISO), create a bootable media (if you will be doing this from Windows, use Rufus - instructons above), boot from the media (F9) and install Kubuntu.

From the Kubuntu software center or Synaptics, download Virtual Box 5 and install it.

Eventually, download the Windows 7 image from another PC with Windows using the above instructions from Heidoc tool/site and use the ISO image in VirtualBox

[pete_777]

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@IT_WinSec wrote:

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@pete_777 wrote:

I actually want to install Kubuntu after the HDD erase, and then install windows 7 within a virtual machine.

Peter

---

If this is your wish, just download the Kubuntu image (ISO), create a bootable media (if you will be doing this from Windows, use Rufus - instructons above), boot from the media (F9) and install Kubuntu.

From the Kubuntu software center or Synaptics, download Virtual Box 5 and install it.

Eventually, download the Windows 7 image from another PC with Windows using the above instructions from Heidoc tool/site and use the ISO image in VirtualBox

---

Thank you for both of your posts. About a few hours ago, I chatted with Microsoft, as the product key I had would not work when trying to download windows 7 Pro ISO. The person said they fixed something, then I was able to download the ISO.

Then a bit of research and found out how to make the USB bootable with the ISO.It was a tool from Microsoft. Was then able to run that tool, and looking foward to erasing the hard drive and reinstall windows 7 Pro.  However, to change the boot order, I need to get into BIOS, and that is where I'm stuck, see https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Boot-and-Lockup/Entering-BIOS-where-VGA-used-no-screen/td-p/6...

I have previously installed VM on Kubuntu on another laptop, a Dell, and then installed windows 9 within that. I only use the windows 9 maybe once a month for 30 minutes, so the Kubuntu as primary OS, then the VM, then win 9, although a few layers, suits my needs.

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated.  🙂    Peter

[IT_WinSec]

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@pete_777 wrote:

Then a bit of research and found out how to make the USB bootable with the ISO.It was a tool from Microsoft. Was then able to run that tool, and looking foward to erasing the hard drive and reinstall windows 7 Pro.  However, to change the boot order, I need to get into BIOS, and that is where I'm stuck, see https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Boot-and-Lockup/Entering-BIOS-where-VGA-used-no-screen/td-p/6...

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You are most welcome, Peter 🙂

With regards to your other questions and the VGA signal, I merged the two threads (this one and the other one) so that we keep it all in one place - your questions are somewhat related now.

You don't need to permanently change the boot order, you can boot once with F9 option. However, it seems difficult with your screen issue.

Based on my experience, VGA signal  transferrs this way:

- partiallty - once Windows loads - if your laptop is in open condition, screen open,  like > this

- fully - from complete start - if your laptop is closed , like > this

I have tested this with HP Probook 6470b and HP Elitebook 2540p before.

So, basically, I recommend you have an external keyboard (like USB keyboard) to use.

Turn off the PC. Ensure PC is plugged into external monitor. Plug in the external keyboard but don't use it yet. Start the PC (press the power-on button) and even though you do not see anything, beging tapping Esc button repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap).  Wait for a while and press F9 once.

Close the laptop immediately , like this. Once this happens, the signal should be transffered to the external monitor.

You can navigate with the external keyboard now.

Does it work for you ?

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

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@pete_777 wrote:

I have previously installed VM on Kubuntu on another laptop, a Dell, and then installed windows 9 within that. I only use the windows 9 maybe once a month for 30 minutes, so the Kubuntu as primary OS, then the VM, then win 9, although a few layers, suits my needs.

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated.  🙂    Peter

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This is so good - it seems you are aware of the procedure.  I also use GNU/Linux OS - it's good to see someone else who doesn't use Windows as a primary operating system.

I suspct this is some sort of typo but just to let you know - there is no Windows 9 operating system. There is Windows 8 and Windows 10

You are welcome !

[pete_777]

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@IT_WinSec wrote:

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@pete_777 wrote:

Then a bit of research and found out how to make the USB bootable with the ISO.It was a tool from Microsoft. Was then able to run that tool, and looking foward to erasing the hard drive and reinstall windows 7 Pro.  However, to change the boot order, I need to get into BIOS, and that is where I'm stuck, see https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Boot-and-Lockup/Entering-BIOS-where-VGA-used-no-screen/td-p/6...

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You are most welcome, Peter 🙂

With regards to your other questions and the VGA signal, I merged the two threads (this one and the other one) so that we keep it all in one place - your questions are somewhat related now.

You don't need to permanently change the boot order, you can boot once with F9 option. However, it seems difficult with your screen issue.

Based on my experience, VGA signal  transferrs this way:

- partiallty - once Windows loads - if your laptop is in open condition, screen open,  like > this

- fully - from complete start - if your laptop is closed , like > this

I have tested this with HP Probook 6470b and HP Elitebook 2540p before.

So, basically, I recommend you have an external keyboard (like USB keyboard) to use.

Turn off the PC. Ensure PC is plugged into external monitor. Plug in the external keyboard but don't use it yet. Start the PC (press the power-on button) and even though you do not see anything, beging tapping Esc button repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap).  Wait for a while and press F9 once.

Close the laptop immediately , like this. Once this happens, the signal should be transffered to the external monitor.

You can navigate with the external keyboard now.

Does it work for you ?

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Thanks for your help, much appreciated. Good idea to nerge the threads, thanks.

I will just need a few days to purchase a usb keyboard as I don't have one. Then I will follow your instructions above.

Thanks,    Peter

[pete_777]

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@IT_WinSec wrote:

This is so good - it seems you are aware of the procedure.  I also use GNU/Linux OS - it's good to see someone else who doesn't use Windows as a primary operating system.

I suspct this is some sort of typo but just to let you know - there is no Windows 9 operating system. There is Windows 8 and Windows 10

-------------------

Yes, Linux is great and easy to use, plus it is good for tweaking and many free tools. I simply don't need windows. It is only because I need to run some windows based monitoring software about once a month, that the windows is used at all.

Yes, the 'type' was a 'guess' by me, I looked up records and I actually purchased a 'full' win 8.1 a while ago. That was for the Dell laptop.

Thanks,   Peter

[pete_777]

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@IT_WinSec wrote:

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So, basically, I recommend you have an external keyboard (like USB keyboard) to use.

Turn off the PC. Ensure PC is plugged into external monitor. Plug in the external keyboard but don't use it yet. Start the PC (press the power-on button) and even though you do not see anything, beging tapping Esc button repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap).  Wait for a while and press F9 once.

Close the laptop immediately , like this. Once this happens, the signal should be transffered to the external monitor.

You can navigate with the external keyboard now.

Does it work for you ?

---

The USB keyboard/mouse arrived today, so I tried your recomendations above. It worked perfectly, and I now have Kubuntu 17.04 installed. I also noted that now that the external keyboard/mouse are connected to the USB ports, that I can now turn on the power button, close the lid and can see the first screen display, to press ESC. So now I have the oher options if needed.

Down the track a few weeks, I will be able to install the VM and then install Windows 7 pro from a USB boot. Thanks VERY much for all your help, much appreciated.  🙂

Regards,

Peter