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media creation tool for windows 7

Anonymous
2015-10-12T16:35:42+00:00

I recently lost my hard drive on my desktop.  I was running Windows 10, but the machine came with OEM Windows 7 and did not include the DVDs.  I don't have a copy of Windows 7 to reinstall when my new drive arrives today.  I had hoped there was a Win 7 version of the media creation tool, but have been unable to find one.  Recently had to do this with my laptop running Windows 8 and it was a breeze.  Am a little hesitant to go back to Windows 10, but am not sure what my options are for Win 7 seeing I have no install media.  I do have the product key on the machine.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-10-13T10:35:24+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for posting your query to Microsoft forum. I will certainly help you with this.

    Are you able to boot to Windows 10?

    You can get an Installation Disk created from the link below:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/home

    Now initiate custom installation of Windows 7: Installing and reinstalling Windows

    There are two options to choose from during the Windows 7 installation process:

    • Upgrade. This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, and keeps your files, settings, and programs in place on your computer.  

    • Custom. This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, but doesn't preserve your files, settings, and programs. It's sometimes referred to as a clean installation for that reason.

    You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder. We recommend using Windows Easy Transfer to back up your files and settings.

    Let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to help you further.

    ____________________

    Thanks & Regards,

    Isha Soni

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-09-01T01:56:19+00:00

    The provided link accepts my w7 key and then asks to select a language from the dropdown. But the only languages are French and Korean! I am in USA.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-10-13T11:19:16+00:00

    Hi,

    You have been given incorrect information by the Support Engineer.

    Those Windows 7 download links (Digitalriver) in the Answers link that was provided are no longer available as Microsoft stopped them ages ago.

    I have explained it below and how to get Windows 7 back.

    Windows 7 download (for Retail ONLY) is different to Windows 8.1 and windows 10 downloads which are for OEM and Retail

    The only legal Windows 7 download available is now from Microsoft, as Microsoft has stopped DigitalRiver Windows 7 ISO downloads.

    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery

    But Microsoft only provides these downloads for Windows 7 Retail Product Keys, not OEM preinstalled Product Keys (Dell, HP, etc).

    As you have a preinstalled OEM License (Dell, HP, etc), contact your Computer Manufacturer to order Recovery Media which they should supply for a small cost.

    Or you can also borrow the exact same Retail Windows 7 Edition DVD and use your Product Key to reinstall.

    Cheers.

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