How to reinstall Windows 7 on a HP Mini when operating system on PC is lost

[LSX]

I upgraded my HP Mini netbook from Windows 7 to 10 some time ago. Since then I experienced a lot of problems and it was very slow. As I found no other way to go back to W7 (HP support assistant was also not working), I decided to do a reset to original factory settings. That process stopped however when it was only 66% complete and a message was displayed that it could not be completed. I was given the option to close down the PC. After starting up again I now get the message "An operating system wasn't found ...."

The issue is not loss of data because I the HP mini is not my primary device.

I tried to download another copy of Windows 7 from the Microsoft website with my product key (I did not have a recovery disc or USB) but got the following message back: "The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options."

I searched endlessly on HP support websites but could not find a solution.

How can I make a Windows 7 bootable USB for my HP Mini using another computer?

[Huffer]

You are going to have to have an OEM copy of Windows 7, not a retail copy which is all Microsoft makes available for download. There used to be a site called Digital River that had all the OEM Windows 7 versions but Microsoft closed it down 2-3 years ago. Mirrors of it still exist out there in places like European University websites but they are all suspect because not a direct Microsoft source. 

Windows 7 OEM disks are also sold on eBay for fairly nominal amounts. You need to determine what version of Windows 7: Starter, Home Premium, 32 or 64 bit (likely 32)? 

Once you get a disk you can make an .iso disk image and use one of the .iso to usb disk programs out there...something like this:

http://www.guidingtech.com/2589/bootable-usb-flash-drive-iso-windows-7/

Post back with any more questions. 

[LSX]

Thanks Huffer. I think my version of Windows 7 was Starter.

I will try to follow your suggestion and find one on eBay but I am dissappointed that HP does not provide this since it was them that sold the original version to me (with the product key on a sticker in the battery compartment) together with the netbook.

[Huffer]

No laptop maker does that. It would be nice but the costs of the bandwidth would be extreme and Microsoft might not allow it. HP does provide an app that will allow you to make a restoration disk from the laptop and you are instructed when you fire it up for the first time to make it and save it. Not one out of 100 people who comes here has that disk to use so most people ignore the message. Best Buy used to make a killing charging people a "setup" fee on new laptops where one thing they would do is make that recovery disk and give it to you. It was free to do if you just realized you could. 

A DVD with all versions of Windows 7 is $6 on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Windows-7-SP1-32-64-bit-Reinstall-Install-DVD-Disc-All-Version-Fast-Shipping...

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[siepo]

I distinctly remember having installed windows7 starter on a HP mini 210-3000sd with a bootable usb stick created form an iso downloaded from Digital River. By removing the file ei.cfg I could select the right edition. Later on it turned out that this windows was not activated, but that was fixed via activation by telephone.

Background: I had replaced the original windows with linux, but decided afterwards I might as well have windows too as long as I did not have to pay for it.