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‎03-23-2017 05:36 PM

HP Recommended
Product: Compaq Presario CQ56
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit)

After the last hard-drive completely died without a boxed Windows, a system image, or recovery media to reinstall the Windows 7 Home Premium that came with it (retail) to a new hard-drive, I'm left wondering if it is possible I can use a downloaded Windows image to burn an install DVD and install using just the key/details that are on Windows Certificate of Authenticity sticker on the bottom of the laptop. Never really tried - is it all you need? I've read something about activating it by phone etc? 

 

If it is possible, can someone point me to the correct Windows image to burn/install from? The CoA states "Windows 7 Home Premium OA", and I can say with certainty it's a 64-bit version.

 

Thanks.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions

‎03-23-2017 06:00 PM

HP Recommended

 

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1

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4 REPLIES 4

‎03-23-2017 05:45 PM

HP Recommended

Yes, it is possible to install & activate using your license key. The problem lies in getting a safe reliable download since MS doesn't offer Win 7 downloads like they do Win 8 and 10. The Windows ISO downloader here offers a workaround to download from MS servers.

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

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‎03-23-2017 05:59 PM

HP Recommended

Thank you for the answer and helpful link.

 

My next question would be, providing the information I gave above was helpful, which image should I choose from the below list? Beyond SP1 (which  I recognise as Service Pack 1) these letters are unknown to me:-

 

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1
Windows 7 Home Premium N SP1
Windows 7 Home Premium K SP1
Windows 7 Home Premium KN SP1
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 COEM
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 COEM GGK
Windows 7 Home Premium N SP1 COEM
Windows 7 Home Premium K SP1 COEM
Windows 7 Home Premium KN SP1 COEM

 

Thanks again.

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‎03-23-2017 06:00 PM

HP Recommended

 

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1

**Click Accept as Solution on a Reply that solves your issue**
***Click the "YES" button if you think this response was helpful.***
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‎03-29-2017 05:56 PM

HP Recommended

Thankyou for your help, Cheryl. The OS has been re-installed and activated successfully. 

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