You can reinstall Windows from scratch using the product key that came with your PC, but you’ll have to find installation media yourself. Microsoft offers free ISO files for downloading; you just have to know where to look.
There area few ways to do this, but they’re all on the straight and narrow–you won’t have to visit a shady BitTorrent site to download ISOs that may be filled with malware. Instead, you get official installation media straight from Microsoft.
NOTE: Depending on the OEM version of Windows that you are running, you might run into an issue using the OEM key with a retail version of Windows. If it won’t activate, you can always install and then call Microsoft to get them to straighten it out and allow your copy to activate. The most important thing is that you have a valid license key.
Download the Windows 10 or 8.1 ISO Using the Media Creation Tool
If you’ve got access to a Windows machine, the official method for downloading ISOs for Windows 8.1 and 10 is the Media Creation Tool. The process for using the tool is largely the same for both versions of Windows, so we’ll be using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool for our example. We’ll just note where anything differs.
RELATED:How to Find Your Lost Windows or Office Product Keys
One caveat you should be aware of up front is that you can no longer download an ISO for Windows 8–just 8.1. And the product keys are different for Windows 8 and 8.1, so if you have a Windows 8 product key, you can’t just use it to install Windows 8.1. Instead, you’ll have to install Windows 8, then do a free upgrade to 8.1. After you do the upgrade, Windows will assign the new product key to the installation. You can find that product key in a number of different ways and save it for the future. After that, you should be able to do a clean installation of Windows 8.1 using the new product key and won’t have to worry about installing Windows 8 first and going the upgrade route.
Start by downloading either the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool or the Windows 8.1 Media Creation Tool. Once the file has downloaded, just double-click it to start the tool and then click “Yes” to give it permission to make changes to your PC. When the tool starts, click “Accept” to accept the license terms. Note that the Windows 8.1 version of the tool does not ask you to accept license terms.
(If you don’t want to use the Media Creation Tool and just want to download an ISO file directly, just change your browser’s user agent to a non-Windows browser like Apple Safari on iPad while you’re viewing the download page. Microsoft will offer you a direct download of the Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 ISO file instead of the standard Media Creation Tool, which only runs on Windows.)
When the tool asks what you want to do, select “Create installation media for another PC” and then click “Next.” The Windows 8.1 version of the tool also does not provide this option; it just defaults to creating installation media for another PC (which is what we want).
The tool will suggest a language, edition, and architecture for Windows based on information about the PC on which the tool is running. If you’re going to use the installation media on that PC, go ahead and just click “Next.” If you’re planning to install it on a different PC, clear the “Use recommended options for this PC” check box, select options that are more appropriate for the license you have, and then click “Next.” Note that if you’re using the 8.1 version of the tool, you actually start with this screen. The tool also won’t recommend options; you have to select them yourself.
Remember, your license will only work with the correct version of Windows–if your license is for 64-bit Windows 10 Pro, you can’t install 32-bit Windows 10 Home with it, so ensure your selections here match what’s listed on your product key.
Next, select whether you want the tool to create a bootable USB flash drive with the installation media, or just create an ISO file that you can use or burn to a DVD later. We’re going with the ISO file in this example, but the process is much the same either way. If you go with the USB option, you’ll need to provide a USB drive with at least 3 GB of space. Also, the USB drive will be formatted during the process, so make sure there’s nothing on it you need. Select the option you want and then click “Next.”
Choose a place to save the finished ISO file (or point the tool toward the right USB drive if that’s the option you chose).
At this point, the Media Creation Tool will begin downloading the files and assembling your ISO, which can take a fair bit of time depending on your internet connection. When it’s finished, you can click “Open DVD Burner” if you want to go ahead and create a disc or just click Finish if you don’t want to make a disc right now.
Now that you have your new ISO saved, you’re ready to make use of it however you see fit. You could go ahead and perform a clean installation of Windows (which technically you don’t even need a product key to do), use the ISO to create a virtual machine, or just save it for when you need it down the road.
Download the Windows 7 SP1 ISO Directly From Microsoft’s Website
Microsoft makes the Windows 7 SP1 ISO available for direct download through their site. The only catch is that you’ll need a valid product key in order to download the file–and OEM keys (like the one that came on a sticker under your laptop) won’t work. If that’s you, proceed to the next section.
If you do have a valid retail key, head to the Windows 7 download page, enter your product key, and click “Verify” to start the download process.
After your product key is verified, select the product language you want to download and then click “Confirm.”
Next, choose whether you want the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7. When you click whichever version you want, the download will begin. Note that download links generated by the site are only valid for 24 hours. Of course, you could always come back and walk through the verification and selection process again to generate new links.
After downloading the ISO file, you can burn it to a DVD by right-clicking it in Windows Explorer and selecting “Burn disc image” to burn it to a disc. If you want to install Windows 7 from a USB drive, the best way is to use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to put that ISO file onto a USB drive.
The downloaded ISO you’ll get from Microsoft includes Windows 7 with Service Pack 1. When you install Windows 7, you can avoid the hassle of downloading and installing the hundreds of updates that came out after SP1 by installing the Windows 7 SP1 Convenience Rollup. Even better, why not take a little extra time and slipstream the Convenience Rollup right into your Windows 7 ISO? That way, whenever you install Windows 7 in the future, you’ll have one ISO with all the updates (at least up through May 2016) already included.
Download Any Windows or Office ISO Using a Free Third-Party Tool
Microsoft used to make all these ISOs available through a site called Digital River, but it doesn’t anymore. Instead, they’re stored on its TechBench site. The ISOs can be hard to find, though, and for versions of Windows other than the most current, the site tries really hard to push you into using the Media Creation Tool instead. Enter the Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool. This free utility provides a simple interface that lets you select the version of Windows you want, then downloads an ISO for that version straight from Microsoft’s download servers. This includes various builds of the Windows 10 Insider Preview. You can also use the tool to download ISOs for certain versions of Microsoft Office.
First, head over to HeiDoc.net and grab the Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool. It’s free and it’s a portable tool, so there’s no installation. Just launch the executable file. In the main window, choose the version of Windows or Office you’d like to download.
Click the “Select Edition” drop-down menu and then choose the edition you want. Note that in addition to the regular editions of the product (such as Home or Professional), you can also download regions specific editions such as Windows N (which is sold to the European market and does not include multimedia apps like Media Player and DVD Maker) and Windows K (which is sold to the Korean market).
After you select the edition you want to download, click “Confirm.”
Next, use the drop-down menu that appears to choose the product language you want to download and then click the “Confirm” button under the language drop-down menu.
Finally, choose whether to download the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the product. Clicking either download button will initiate the download using the ISO download tool, so you’ll need to keep it open until the download finishes. Alternatively, you can use the “Copy Link” buttons to the right to copy the direct download link to your clipboard and then download the file using your browser. Either way, note that most links generated by the tool are only valid for 24 hours, though you can always come back and generate new links.
And that’s all there is to using the Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool. Yes, you could accomplish some of this by digging around the TechBench site, but using this clever little utility is quicker and saves a lot of hassle. Plus, for some products, like Windows 8.1, finding the direct download on the site is next to impossible.
Microsoft also provides other software via the TechNet Evaluation Center. For example, you could download a trial version of Windows Server 2012 R2 and enter a legitimate product key to get the full version. Just click the “Evaluate Now” header on the site to see what trial versions of software are on offer. You will need to sign in with a Microsoft account before downloading.
Image Credit: bfishadow on Flickr
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The built-in backup utilities in Windows are pretty solid. Let’s take a look at how to create a full backup image of your PC without the need for a third party utility.
- Open the System Backup Image Tool. In Windows 10, head to Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) > Create a System Image.
- Choose where you want to save the backup image.
- Select the drives to back up.
- Start the backup.
- Optionally, create a system repair disc that you can use to start your computer and restore a backup image.
Normal backup programs, like CrashPlan or Windows’ built-in File History feature, essentially copy your files to another location. A system image backup, on the other hand, is like a full snapshot of an entire hard drive. The advantage of a system image is that if a hard drive crashes, you can replace it, restore the image, and have your system right back to where it was when the image was captured. No need to reinstall Windows or your apps.
The biggest disadvantage with system image backups—other than taking a bit longer—is that you can’t restore the backup to a different PC. You’re creating an image of your full Windows installation and, since Windows is set up specifically for your hardware, it just won’t work as-is in another PC. It would be like trying to plug your hard drive into another PC and expecting everything to load well. With that in mind, though, image backups can still be really handy.
Third-party apps like like Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image—at least, the paid versions—do offer some advanced features you won’t find in the Windows system image backup tool. For example, both support incremental backups, password protected images, and the ability to browse backups for individual files. But free is free, and if you don’t need the extra features, the Windows tool offers a solid way to perform a full backup of your system.
Step One: Open System Image Backup
The process of finding the System Image Backup tool is different in Windows 7 than in Windows 8 and 10, so we’ll show you to find the tool in all versions, and then explain how to create and use the system image.
Open System Image Backup in Windows 10
In Windows 10, hit Start, type “backup,” and then select the entry.
In the “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” window, click the “Create a system image” link.
Open System Image Backup in Windows 8
In Windows 8, hit Start, type “file history,” and then select the “File History” entry.
In the “File History” window, click the “System Image Backup” link.
Open System Image Backup in Windows 7
Hit Start, click the arrow to the right of the “Getting Started” item, and then click “Back up your files.”
In the “Backup and Restore” window, click the “Create a system image” link.
Step Two: Create a System Image Backup
Once you’ve opened the system image tool, the steps for creating a system image are the same in Windows 7, 8, or 10.
When you first open the tool, it will scan your system for external drives. You can then decide where you want to save the image. It can be to an external drive, multiple DVD’s, or on a network location. Select where you want to save your backup and then click “Next.”
By default, the tool only backs up your system drive. You can include other drives if you want, but remember that this will add to the size of the final image. Typically, we like to create separate image backups for each drive.
At the confirmation screen, notice the amount of space the image may take. If anything doesn’t look right, you can still go back and make adjustments. If everything looks okay, click the “Start Backup” button.
You’ll see a progress meter as the tool creates the image.
It can take a while. In this example, we’re backing up a drive with about 319 GB of data. It took about 2.5 hours when backed up to an external hard disk connected to our PC via USB. Your time will vary depending on your PC and the type of storage to which you’re backing up.
Step Three: Create a System Repair Disc
RELATED:How to Create and Use a Recovery Drive or System Repair Disc in Windows 8 or 10
How to delete mods from ark mod. When the backup is complete, Windows gives you the option to create a system repair disc. You can use this disc to start your PC and restore from your image backup in the event you ever need to replace your hard drive and can’t start Windows. We highly recommend you go ahead and create the disc, then label and store it in a secure location.
Select the drive you want to use to create the disc and then click the “Create Disc” button.
When it comes time to restore the image, you can start your PC from the recovery disc to get access to a number of recovery tools—including “System Image Recovery.”
RELATED:How to Restore System Image Backups on Windows 7, 8, and 10
Creating an image backup can take some time, so it’s best to do it when you won’t need your computer for a few hours—or even overnight. And should the need ever arise when you need to put that backup to use, be sure to check out our full guide to restoring image backups in Windows.
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HomeHow ToHow To Create a Bootable USB For Windows 7, 8 or 10
If you have lost your Windows installation disc or the manufacturer of your PC didn’t provide the disc (most don’t provide now), then you still do have an alternative. You can just create a bootable Windows USB drive to install Windows 7, 8 or 10 by plugging in that USB drive. It is actually quite easy and free to do, all you need is a USB drive, Windows ISO image and a dedicated software.
However, the process and tools are actually different for the installation of each version of Windows. The source to get the Windows ISO file is different and the tool required to create a bootable USB drive is also different (or at least the process is). So it is important to know which tools you require and how to create a bootable Windows USB drive for your particular Windows version (7,8 or 10).
In this tutorial, we are going to show you how to get Windows 7, 8 and 10 ISO image (Legal and Free) and create a bootable USB drive out of it to install Windows in any PC (if supported).
Create a Bootable Windows 7 USB Drive
Windows 7 is Microsoft’s most used Windows right now, so its quite obvious that many people still want to know how to create a bootable USB drive of it. Although, Windows 7 is the most used Windows version right now, but Microsoft’s focus is still on Windows 8 and 10 as the represent the future of Windows. So Microsoft doesn’t offer any easy to download or bootable USB creation tool for it.
However, it will still let you download the ISO file separately, but only if you already own Windows 7 product key, not for testing purposes. So getting Windows 7 ISO is not a problem if you are already a owner and just want the ISO for future installations. Otherwise, you will have to install Windows 7 using a DVD disc, which you can borrow from your friend if they have one.
There is no official (legal) way except these two to get a Windows 7 ISO image. You can download the Windows 7 ISO from Microsoft’s software download site by providing a valid product key.
Microsoft also offers a separate tool to create a bootable Windows 7 USB drive, which you can download fromCodePlex.
Using Windows USB Download Tool
Now, that you have both Windows 7 ISO and Windows USB Download Tool, it is time to create a bootable Windows 7 USb drive. The tool we are using doesn’t offers much customization options or extremely fast processing, but it is very easy to use. Anyone can easily use this tool and create a bootable Windows 7 USB drive. If you are a bit tech savvy and want some more control, we have also reviewed a tool below that offers everything.
Attach the USB drive to your PC and make sure it has at least 4 GB storage space on it. There should also be no important data on the USB as any other data on the USB will be deleted in the process. Now, just launch the Windows USB Download Tool and in the interface, click on “Browse”. Here, select the Windows 7 ISO that you downloaded and click on “Open”.
7 days to die tutorial feather. Now, all you need to do is go to the next page and select the USB drive you attached. After that, just start the process and you will have bootable Windows 7 USB drive when the process ends.
Use Rufus to Create a Bootable Windows 7 USB Drive
Rufus is another great tool for creating a bootable USB, but it is a bit complex, perfect for advanced users who need more control. For using this tool, the requirements are same. You will need a Windows 7 ISO file and a USB drive with at least 4 GB space and no important data on it.
Download Rufus and launch it. Don’t get confused by all the options, they will auto-fill according to the provided files and USB drive. Make sure the USB is attached and click on the “Drive” icon under “Format Options” heading. Now select the Windows 7 ISO file and click on “Open”.
If both USB drive is attached and ISO file is provided, all the options should automatically fill according to the requirement.
No need to touch anything unless you know what you are doing. However, you may like to change “File System” to “FAT32” if your PC as UEFI bios. Now, make sure last three options are checked under the heading “Format Options” and click on “Start”. After that, confirm the prompt and the process will start. It will take few minutes to complete the process, but it will be faster than the above tool.
2. Create a Bootable Windows 8 and Windows 10 USB drive
Windows 8 and Windows 10 are supported by Microsoft, so they offer media creation tool for both of the Windows. This tool can download both the Windows and also create a bootable USB drive in the same process. You will not have to provide any product key and can use these Windows for testing purposes.
The process is exactly same for both Windows 8 and Windows 10, only difference is the media creation tool download link. So we are only going to review the process for downloading and creating a bootable Windows 10 USB drive, you can follow the same steps for Windows 8.
If you already have an ISO image of Windows 10 or 8 from any other source, then just use the tools mentioned for Windows 7 to create a bootable Windows USB drive. Otherwise, just follow the steps below.
Creating Windows 10 bootable USB Drive
Download Windows 10 media creation tool from Microsoft’s official website and launch the program. Now, select the option “Create installation media for another PC” on the first page and click on “Next”.
On the next page, you need to select Language for the Windows, Edition of the Windows and architecture (select 32-bit or 64-bit depending on your PC type) and click on “Next”.
Select “USB flash drive” on this page and click on “Next” again. On the next page, confirm the USB drive you have attached by clicking on “Next” and the process will start. It is a 3 GB file so it will take some time to download and create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive. Once the process finishes, you can just use the USB to install Windows 10.
For Windows 8, you can download the media creation tool from Microsoft’s website and follow the steps above to create a bootable Windows 8 USB drive.
SEE ALSO: 9 Windows 10 Settings You Should Tweak
If you have any questions or would like to add any further information, let us know in the comments below.
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Hi, I'm attemping to do a clean install on my ASUS UX32VD-DB71. The problem is that there is no disc drive on the laptop, and all 3 of the USB ports are 3.0. But as you guys may know, a USB 3.0 port isn't loaded until Windows has booted. Still, the bootable 2.0 USB was able to boot, but after a few clicks 'Next', a window appeared saying 'A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB flash drive, please insert it now.' It seems like the installer doesn't detect my 2.0 USB.
Any help please! I have an external DVD drive, but I also want to learn how to solve the problem.
Any help please! I have an external DVD drive, but I also want to learn how to solve the problem.
Recovery your Computer (Windows) by using the Manufacture's 'Recovery Partition' or
contact the PC manufacture (see support links included below) and order recovery media.
contact the PC manufacture (see support links included below) and order recovery media.
Note: Activation is not required when using the recovery partition or recovery media but you will need to re-install all your applications.
Also backup your documents to external media (if possible) before you start the recovery process.
Once completed your PC will be effectively back to the state when you first purchased it and turned it on for the 1st time.
To access the Recovery Partition, start your computer and then pressing the appropriate function key. This can be either F1, F2, F9, F10, F11, F12, DEL or Tab key. Check the list below or your User's manual for your make and model.
If your hard drive has failed, do not have a recovery partition or the recovery partition is not accessible,
then you should contact the manufacturer's support team and request a 'Recovery disc' which can use to reinstall Windows 7.
How to access/Start the recovery process for the manufactures listed below.
Acer: press and hold ALT + F10 as soon as you see the logo
http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2631
Acer support: http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/
Acer Recovery Media: http://store.acer.com/store/aceramer/en_US/eRecovery
Advent: restart your computer, then immediate start tapping the [F8] or F10 key.
The quickest way to restore your computer is to use the recovery tools on your hard drive. You can access these by restarting your computer then tapping the [F8] or F10 key until the Advanced Boot Menu appears. Use the arrows to select 'Repair your Computer' then press [Enter]. Read the full set of instructions at Advent's web site and make your choice as to what action you want to perform: http://www.adventcomputers.co.uk/restore-or-reinstall-windows-your-computer
Support: http://www.adventcomputers.co.uk/product-support/support-services
Asus: Tap or press the F9 as soon as you see the Asus logo.
http://support.asus.com/Troubleshooting/detail.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=X53E&os=&no=1775
ASUS Support: http://support.asus.com/contactus.aspx?SLanguage=en
Win 7 Usb Creator Utility
Dell: press F8 directly after powering up /booting the computer
Recovery instructions in detail:
http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?docid=DSN_362066
http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?docid=52182
Dell Support: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19?c=&l=&s=
Or: http://www.dell.com/
Emachines: hold down the Alt key and keep pressing and releasing the F10 key
http://techchannel.radioshack.com/emachines-system-recovery-1747.html
Support: http://www.emachines.com/ec/en/US/content/support
Fujitsu: press the F8 key repeatedly directly after powering up
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110406074143AAcx1Zw
Support: http://www.fujitsu.com/global/support/
Gateway:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6297937_restore-gateway-laptop-factory-settings.html
https://support.gateway.com/s/software/microsof/vista/7515418/7515418su531.shtml
Support: http://www.gateway.com/worldwide/support/
HP Notebook: Usually to start the recovery process tap the F10 key when powering up the computer
HP Mini: press F11 directly after powering up / booting the computer
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01867418&cc=us&destPage=document&lc=en&tmp_docname=c01867418
Support: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-contact-us.html
Lenovo (F11): http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail.page?LegacyDocID=MIGR-4UFUYK
and: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail.page?DocID=HT077144
Support: http://support.lenovo.com/en/supportphonelist
How to run Lenovo Onekey Recovery
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=HT062552
Detailed steps: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?&LegacyDocID=127597018499211
You may also find parts of this Lenovo article worth reading:
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail.page?LegacyDocID=MIGR-4VFUDU
LG: press F11 directly after powering up / booting the computer
Support: http://www.lg.com/
Packard Bell: Power on your computer. When the Packard Bell logo is displayed, press and hold the ALT key while pressing repeatedly the F10 key. Release the keys when a message displays that Windows is loading files.
After the system recovery program has loaded follow the prompts to reinstall the operating system.
Support: http://www.packardbell.com/index.html
Samsung: Tap the F4 Key at the Samsung logo when you first power on the computer.
Support: http://www.samsung.com/
Sony VAIO Windows 7: Restart and press 'F10' repeatedly
https://ca.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/35585/p/48903,49902,71663,71664/c/65,67/kw/recovery%20using%20f10
Sony VAIO Vista: Restart and press 'F8' repeatedly until the 'Advanced Boot Options' screen appears.
https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/41931/~/how-to-perform-a-system-recovery-using-the-vaio-recovery-center.
https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/41949/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNDA4MjI2NTAzL3NpZC8qWVBPbCpfbA%3D%3D
Support: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/Support/
Toshiba: Press and hold F12 or the 0 (zero) key on top of the keyboard (not the zero key on the numeric keypad)
and at the same time, press the power button once to switch on your notebook.
When the Toshiba screen appears; release the 0 key.
References: http://www.mytoshiba.com.au/support/items/faq/71
http://forums.toshiba.com/t5/System-Recovery-and-Recovery/How-To-Perform-system-recovery-Windows-7/ta-p/279643
Support: http://www.toshiba.co.jp/worldwide/
Windows 7 - Recovery Partition location and information.
'Recommended BIOS-Based Disk-Partition Configurations'
Note: Check the diagrams in this article
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744364%28WS.10%29.aspx
Win 7 Creator Utility
J W Stuart: http://www.pagestart.com