How do you install Windows 7 when recovery disks are not available?

[Pepsigirl78]

I upgraded from the pre-installed Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 when the free version was available, but I have had many problems since and dearly wish to go back to Windows 7.  I have no recovery disks or system recovery option on my computer and recovery disks are not available for my computer from the HP downloads page.  I was looking into downloading an iso off the internet, but the microsoft page just sends me back to the manufacturer (HP) and I've seen comments on other pages that the versions they offer will not work for a fresh install with a pre-installed product key.  What can I do?

Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

You can make a plain W7 x64  Professional installation disk, and see if you can install W7 that way.

The product key should work just fine on either the Retail or COEM ISO file version.

The COEM version is what HP would have used (OEM).

Click on the Windows ISO Downloader.exe link to download the tool to create the W7 ISO file download.

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

I have zipped up and attached the Microsoft utility below, that will allow you to either put the file on a USB flash drive or burn it to a DVD.

Then you can install the drivers and available software you need from your PC's support page.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-dv7-7000-Entertainment-Notebook-PC-series/5226224/m...

[Pepsigirl78]

Thank you sooo much!!  I'll try it today and let you know how it goes!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[Pepsigirl78]

Well, I downloaded the files and put the iso on a USB disk with the Downloader program you linked.  It said it completed successfully, but when I try to boot with it it starts up, does the “loading windows files” screen and starts the logo screen for a few seconds, but then a blue screen pops up saying “A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.”  I’m attempting to install it on a new hard drive because my old one was starting to fail.  Could that be the problem?  Or have I done something wrong?

[Pepsigirl78]

Ooo!  Hold that thought!  The third time I tried rebooting it seems to have decided I really want to do this and I’m at the installation screen!  Fingers crossed 😊

[Pepsigirl78]

It worked! Thank you sooo much!  It’s not letting me accept your post as an answer for some reason though.  Is there a way to fix that?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.