Replacing Probook 4520s HDD. Reinstalling Windows 7?

LenSatic · ‎09-20-2012

The hard drive failed on my Probook 4520s after only 18 months. Did a Windows disk come with the computer? If not, how does one reinstall Windows when a HDD fails? (I know how to buy and install Windows, I'm more interested in how it is recovered when it is stored on the failed drive rather than removable media.)

The reason I'm not sure if a disk came with the computer is that we recently moved to a new state and the disk may be in one of the, still, unopened boxes.

Thanks

Patrick Mc.

UXsci · ‎09-20-2012

I am working on this for you! Just give me a few minutes or so.

Thanks

I am an HP employee

UXsci · ‎09-20-2012

I have a question for you. Do you have the product key for the version of Windows 7 that was installed on your harddrive?

I am an HP employee

UXsci · ‎09-20-2012

Okay,

This may fix your issue.

If you have the product key for the version of windows 7 that was on your computer, you can go to: http://www.mydigitallife.info/download-windows-7-iso-official-32-bit-and-64-bit-direct-download-link...

wherein in you can download the appropriate windows 7 ISO (be sure the version is the same one that was previously installed on your computer). Burn the ISO to a disc and then install it from the disc & activate it with your product key.

I hope this Helps!

I am an HP employee

LenSatic · ‎09-20-2012

Yes, I found the produck key on the bottom of the computer. It reads Windows 7 Home Prem OA.

I'm not sure if it was 32 or 64 bit, though. Is there a way to tell?

Thanks for the quick response!

Pat

UXsci · ‎09-20-2012

After researching your product, there is no certain conclusion as to what bit your operating system was (32 or 64).

I think your best bet is to try the both, starting with the most likely.

If you remember how much ram your computer had, this may be a clue as to what version of windows you had. If you have less than 4GB of ram it is likely that you had the 32-bit version. If you have more than 4GB it is likely you had the 64-bit. This may help you decide which one you try first.

Good luck

I am an HP employee

LenSatic · ‎09-20-2012

I'll check the memory when I open up the computer to put in the new drive.

I'll go ahead and mark this problem as solved.

Thanks again.

Pat

p.s.: My wife wife is an HP employee, too. Former EDS employee in Airline Services.

dbdivabolden · ‎09-24-2017

What if u don't have a product key and don't know much about laptops what's the easiest way to reinstal my windows 7 on my laptop