Re-install Windows 7

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I want to re-install Windows 7 Ultimate with the upgrade method. I have the disk and the key, but I am unable to do the re-install because SP 1 is present. I have gone to Control Panel/Programs and Features gotten the list of up dates but was unable to uninstall SP 1. Is there a way to uninstall SP 1?

I understand the problem with uninstalling SP 1 may be because files are missing or corrupted in SP 1. If there is no way to uninstall SP 1 is it possible to return to Microsoft Update and re-install SP 1. Would that then allow me to uninstall SP 1?

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This should have been in the W7 forum. That being said, you cant do an upgrade 1/ because you are actually trying to do a downgrade and 2/ If you uninstall Windows, there’s nothing to upgrade. Its possible to uninstall SP1 unless you have run Disk Cleanup at some time in the past and inadvertently removed the SP1 uninstaller files in the process, which may be your problem. See here for instructions

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/uninstall-sp1

If you cant uninstall it, you will need to do a clean install and then download SP1 and reinstall it (and all the other Hotfixes). Alternatively, download the W7 with SP1 ISO from MS and create a new installation disk, then do a repair installation.

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

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I would love to create a new installation disk with Windows 7 with Sp 1 included. I think that would solve my entire problem. The re-install, upgrade method would then be an upgrade and not a downgrade. Could you give me more specific instructions on how to get to the site where that is. Sorry to be so inept.

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I would love to create a new installation disk with Windows 7 with Sp 1 included. I think that would solve my entire problem. The re-install, upgrade method would then be an upgrade and not a downgrade. Could you give me more specific instructions on how to get to the site where that is. Sorry to be so inept.

http://www.rt7lite.com/rt-se7en-lite-features-and-information/

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You can try entering your product key into http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery to see if it will validate to allow you to download the SP1 version.

From another thread on the forum I believe MS has admitted that the site does have problems, so if it doesn’t validate your key then use the Contact Support link in the article.

Calimanco has given you the site as I have – just scroll down the page to where you enter the key then click on the Validate button.

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Dear Sudo15,

I have tried several times and my key was not validated. I looked for, but could not find the “Contact Support Link. Where is it?

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Dear Sudo15,

I have tried several times and my key was not validated. I looked for, but could not find the “Contact Support Link. Where is it?

It’s just to the right of where you enter the product key – underneath the picture of that lass in the yellow top.

Scroll down to global offices and give them a bell http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worldwide.aspx

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Dear Sudo15,

Thank you for your help. I have a local phone number and the tech chat desk. The phone I will try on Monday, the tech chat desk first thing in the morning. You can’t get anyone at this time, they are obviously backed up. Thank you again.

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Let us know how you get on and ask why it wouldn’t validate your product key.

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Will do.

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Let us know how you get on and ask why it wouldn’t validate your product key.

Dear Sudo15 and Calimano,

Thank you both for your help. This is my report on what happened (shortened). I got a phone number that was local and they gave me an 800 number that did not involve help. I got some conversation about my product key, but the person I was talking to had English as a third language and most of the conversation involved me saying, “I’m sorry what did you say?”. I finally was connected with a chat desk, I thought for tech help. It was not that. In fact that individual or the previous one told me I had used up my product key re-installs. The last guy qualified for his position, I believe, after many years as a used car salesman. I was offered a one year contract under some Microsoft plan for $149.00, covers my computer and my wife’s laptop or alternatively I could get Windows 8.1. I could take my computer to the Microsoft store where they would fix everything (after, undoubtedly, selling me a new Windows 7). I explained that I could take my computer to Microcenter, a computer store, where they would do everything that Microsoft would do for a lot less (and in English). High pressure all the way. I asked if in fact he was going to answer my question. I had, by this point, resolved that I was not going to be able to download Windows 7 with SP 1. The question was, can I go to the Microsoft Upgrade Site and reinstall Service Pack 1 on my computer? I understand that the reason I can’t uninstall SP 1 is because files are missing or corrupted. His answer was that I will get the same error message because I have used all of my down loads. I believe him. Regardless if it was true before the phone calls, I am sure it is true now. They can do this, it is Microsoft and it is a computer. I would still like to know if re-installing SP 1 over my existing Windows installation is a reasonable solution. I would not like to re-format my hard drive and re-install my Windows 7 disk. That would involve re-installing all my files, not as big a deal as you would assume since most are on SD cards or flash drives, and re-installing all of my programs. I have the entire HD backed up on an external HD with Macrium Reflect and maybe I could selectively reinstall programs and files without the operating system. As far as being able to re-install Windows 7 after what he said about having used up my re-installs, I’ll wear a mask. Thanks to you both again.

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How many times have you reinstalled and activated Win 7 SP1 ?

If you only have the original Win 7 disk then I think he’s talking a load of BS

While they would now only allow one copy of the SP1 – MS are freely supplying a download to those with a valid retail product key.

I’d phone up again – you could get someone else or ask to speak to a supervisor – or even phone another branch and tell them the recovery site wasn’t accepting your valid key.

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Thank you again for your reply. Consider this, if you will, I have already spent as much time as it would take to re-install windows 7 and all my files and programs. Any more time spent is really a waste. If I wasn’t obsessive-compulsive (alright so I’m neat) I would have given up some time ago.

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It was MS that hadn’t got it right first time around that Win 7 needed SP1 and if MS hadn’t pulled the Digital River downloads, it would have been job done by now – as you have said and you need SP1 to repair SP1 or face the long job of backing everything up and starting afresh with a clean install of bare bones Win 7 – I’d have another go at them and that your key should have been accepted for a SP1 download that was once freely available to everyone.

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Try 800-642-7676 for MSFT Customer Service and explain your situation.
— I just tried it and it sounded like it was a valid customer service phone number.
— Maybe you could also discuss the lousy experience you went through especially since you were using what appeared to be a valid Microsoft help phone number
Good luck

HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)

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Dear Sudo15 and cmptrgy,

I will give this a little thought before I decide,but as I said before I am getting a little bored with the whole thing and don’t look forward to any further confrontations. My three choices; Call the 7676 number for a further confrontation, Re-install everything, Stay with what I have now. My computer is not disabled, it runs slow at times and some web sites don’t respond the first or even the second time or more and a few other things, but after all it still is faster than an abacus.

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It’s the principle of the thing and you never know when you may need a bootable SP1 – if you try cmptrgy’s number, it doesn’t have to be confrontational (initially ) if it gives you a different helpline.

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Since I replied to Sudo15 and canoscano the two other people who were very kind in helping me, I remembered that I have two other Product keys. One from a small laptop (11 inches) that I use for something not entirely related to computers and another that I bought on the Internet. Now that I think about it, I remember that the computer I now use was a replacement for a computer that was destroyed by a power surge from the local electric company. (They claimed it wasn’t their fault, a tree branch fell on a power line.) I replaced that computer by going to a good local computer store, selecting and buying all the parts and having the techs at that store assemble it for me. I think I used the Windows 7 that was in the destroyed computer as the operating system in the new computer so I guess it is, as you say, an OEM operating system In the next day or two I will try another download with one of the two other mentioned product keys, or maybe both. This has been like going to a shrink, not that I have ever done that, but repeating the story that I just told in this letter reminds me that the computer that was destroyed was an in-store-brand from that store. Being obsessive I kept all of the paper work from that computer purchase…..until about two or three weeks ago when I decided to clean out that file. If they have records they may be able to find them and get me the disk I need. Thank you for this very useful post that caused me to remember. I may get back to you about other psychological problems, if I discover that I have any.

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Hi Miv may I make a suggestion? Take a break for a couple of days; I’ve done hat a couple of times.
Then you use your System Repair disc to get into the Windows Recovery Environment and try a Repair Install
— If unsuccessful then select then Restore it back to factory condition
— I don’t recall the exact terminologies but see what you can do
— If I can find those items in my notes, I’ll post back with their links
Naturally back up your data first
Make sure you know the correct 25 character product key for the installed version of your Windows 7
— You can run http://www.belarc.com advisor as it will include the 25 character product key in the software license section
— Once you’ve completed each process create a backup system image onto an external hard drive
— You can use the Win7 built in utility
— You can also use Macrium Reflect Free

HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)

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Thank you for your help. I got several ideas during the night. If they work out I will let you know. If they don’t I will take a break from this and stop thinking about it. Thanks again. You and three other people have been very generous with your time and help. I know that and appreciate it.

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Dear jwoods et al,
I may have a solution, but I won’t know till Saturday. I went to the store where I bought the original computer that had Windows 7. It was a store brand and I told them that they were the OEM and I needed a Windows 7 Ultimate disk with SP 1 on it. Not much conversation, they went and got me two disks, they come together, it was Windows 7 Ultimate with SP 1 and Windows 8 or 8.1. I thought I was all set till I looked at the disk and it was 64 bits. I need 32 bits. They didn’t have any, they couldn’t get one from the home office and there was not one they could copy. They told me no one wants 32 bits anymore. I got a lot of questions answered, but when I left I was ready to throw in the towel. I had gone 2/3s of the way when I suddenly got an idea. It’s cheap, cheaper than I thought, that’s appealing. I will know on Saturday and post the results. I’m not going to be embarrassed if this fails. I will, however, be delighted if it doesn’t.

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Well, they were certainly a gift horse if they came with the product keys ?

Back up your personal stuff separate and then create a full system image as you will need to perform a clean install if you’re going to put Win 7 x64 on and the full system image will be your fall back.

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Dear Sudo 15,

Actually they didn’t offer a product key because I told them at the outset I didn’t need one. I have a full backup with Macrium Reflect. I had thought that if I reformatted my Hard Drive I could re-install all of the files and programs. I just learned that I could have re-installed the files , but not the programs. They offered 64 bit because that was all they had. My solution involves 32 bit. I am not being dodgy, I just want to wait and see if it is going to work out. You and several others have been so generous with your advice and I am so appreciative, I will let you know how it goes, when it goes, if it goes., regardless of how it goes. Thanks again.

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Most likely your computer is 64-bit ready.
— Run the http://www.belarc.com advisor; in the processor section it should indicate that.
— However I do not know whether or not the system itself is a 64-bit system as that report is indicative of the processors capability

“I just learned that I could have re-installed the files, but not the programs”
— That is true
— For example if you use Microsoft Office, you will need the install disc if that’s how you originally installed it
— But if you installed it online from Microsoft you probably only need the 25-character product key
— If you need clarification on what that means let us know how you originally installed whatever Office program you use
— The same principle applies for other programs you use

If you decide to install using the disc you were provided, you should be notified along the way that the system can be automatically “verified” and you won’t have to enter the 25-character product key
— Since the disc you received should be valid I’m hoping the above is true because if you don’t have the 25-character product key for that disc, you will be reminded to enter the valid product key for the first 30 days and chances are after that you will be reminded that you have an “unregistered” product if I remember correct
— Unfortunately I don’t recall the exact terminology but maybe someone else can clarify it
OK if you decide to give it a go and things come together for you, run the http://www.belarc.com advisor again and get the product key Software Licenses section so you’ll know exactly what it is in case its needed sometime in the future
— Also keep in mind you will need to adjust to 64-bit requirements

But while writing this it dawned on me you might have an option if you really want to stay with 32-bit
Go to http://www.restorediscs.com/
Read the information and note you will need the product key that came with your pc when it was purchased
— It appears to me you do know what it is
— If you like what you see, call them 678-715-3329 and verify whatever you need to know so that you order the correct discs and understand how to use them
— I haven’t dealt with them but I have seen them recommended many times
— I don’t know what they charge but if you want 32-bit with a valid Recovery Kit that will put your computer back to the state it was in when the computer was new, I would consider it
— Same principle applies though: you will need the program disc(s) for whatever applications you use

Edit: Run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor even if you aren’t technically upgrading. It will report what your system is upgradeable to and whether or not it’s possible to have 64-bit

HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)

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Well as long as you know whether you are coming or going at the end of it :D:

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