how to restore the license Windows 7 if there is no ISO.

[Aida_M]

hello. hhd broke on my laptop. I'm going to replace the drive with an SSD. But my operating system key is sewn into a laptop. I wanted to download the ISO of Windows 7 from the Microsoft website, but they write that I should contact HP. How can I recover my license and transfer windows to SSD? I do not have ISO Windows 7.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @Aida_M

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

For the license itself, it is written on a COA sticker which should be under the battery for your PC model.

By the way, I have used very similar PC model for 4 years - excellent choice you have made 

Probably your PC has an OEM version of Windows. OEM are versions which come preinstalled by PC vendors (like HP).

Microsoft does not provide officially URL to download OEM versions, they only provide full (retail) FPP versions. But you need OEM to activte Windows. Thus, the message you got on their website.

A 3rd party free solution exists.

You can (should) use this free utility from Heidoc

>> 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 official legitimate 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/COEM, x64 edition, Home/Pro /Ultimate edition, Windows 7 etc...

When download completes, you will need to write or "burn" the ISO image and boot from a bootable media. You need to use either 1 empty/blank USB pendrive (4 GB capacity or more)  OR  an empty/blank DVD disc (4.7 GB capacity)

** 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 above are for Ubuntu, but you need to use the ISO image of Windows 7. Use Rufus for USB pendrive

When ready with the USB drive or with the DVD:

Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive prepared previously

Power on the PC.

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

This should open a HP Startup Menu

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

- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 7. Perform clean installation/custom installation (not repair).

Delete all existing partitions and install Windows on Disc 0 Unallocated space

 

- After successful Windows installation, install drivers taken from HP web site

- Make sure Windows is Activated by going to Start > Control Panel > System

Let me know if this helps. Provide your feedback/update and let me know if you face difficulties