Windows 7 Question

[Steeda04SVT]

I bought a used tower from a buddy at work. It did have Vista on it, but he had a crack version of Windows 7 put on it and he said I could update anything on it except Windows 7 itself because then It would take me to a black DOS screen. It has the serial number on the side of the tower for Windows Vista.

At first I wanted to go back to Vista, but I have grown to like Windows 7. Since it's a crack version, is there anyway to convert it to a legit copy? Cuz I'm willing to pay to have it a legit version of Windows 7. Thanks again for any input.

-David

 

[srteach]

I think you can buy a copy of Win7 (same level) and just do a repair install on it. You will have to buy a full version, not an upgrade. Check the MS website on it to be sure.

 

[Jaymz9350]

I would recommend just purchasing 7 and doing a full reinstall. If it has a cracked version you never know what kind of bad things may have been hidden in the OS by the crack makers.

 

[sblake01]

That and the fact that with a cracked version you won't be able to get any of the updates.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

Sweet, thanks guys for the info. Def will look into it. Thanks again.

 

[michowski]

That and the fact that with a cracked version you won't be able to get any of the updates.

Not true at all. I have a side computer I have just as a spare and it has a cracked version on it. Gets all the updates, passes windows validation and everything. Took all of 10 seconds to accomplish.

However the best route to go is to just buy an oem copy of windows 7. Just the dvd and legit key. Dont do the quick format, let your drive get a complete format and your good to go.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Buy an actual copy of Win7 and reformat the drive as well as a clean install.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

How hard is it to reformat?

So would I download Windows 7 or buy the Windows 7 say from walmart first then before I reformat?

 

[Jaymz9350]

Really easy. First I'd find the drivers for your PC (if it's OEM like HP or Dell check their site) and put them on a CD or flash Drive. Backup any files on the drive you want to keep (formatting will erase all data from the drive). Insert your newly purchased Windows 7 disk and chose the drive to install on and format it, the rest is basically follow prompts and click the OK boxes.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

I'll have to put everything I have saved on my external HD then.

 

[sblake01]

Not true at all. I have a side computer I have just as a spare and it has a cracked version on it. Gets all the updates, passes windows validation and everything. Took all of 10 seconds to accomplish.

However the best route to go is to just buy an oem copy of windows 7. Just the dvd and legit key. Dont do the quick format, let your drive get a complete format and your good to go.

I guess I've just reached that 'life's too short' stage of my life to even bother with a cracked operating system. Might do that with some programs/applications, but not the op system. When I was using XP, I ran a cracked version and even though it seemed to work fine for long periods of time, MS would always come up with new 'genuine advantage notification' packages from time to time.

 

[AllanD]

IF Windows Genuine Advantage comes and passes your install... don't worry about it.

Why worry about things that don't matter...

Win7 will be history in another 18months or so because they are already talking
about releasing Windows8 fall next year.

A couple of years ago someone gave my father a computer, it already had XP on it but when downloading updates my father saw WGA being installed and freaked out...

After the fact I told him his reaction is like comming to a door in your own house
with the words "Authorized Personell Only" scrawled on the door in crayon and
turning and walking away...

Not even trying to jiggle the knob to see if the door is locked...

Let updates run and see what happens...




AD

 

[mrfishjosh]

As for your question regauring weather to buy a cd or DL it, you can do either, make sure you buy the FULL version. If you buy it from Wally's world, you get a cool looking DVD. If you DL it you will need to Burn the ISO. either way, the really important part is the KEY. You can also install 7 without a key, if you have the full version disk, and buy a key later. (you have 30 days) If you can get an OEM cd from a friend, you can use your legit key to install. Hope this helps...

 

[sblake01]

IF Windows Genuine Advantage comes and passes your install... don't worry about it.

Why worry about things that don't matter...

Win7 will be history in another 18months or so because they are already talking
about releasing Windows8 fall next year.

A couple of years ago someone gave my father a computer, it already had XP on it but when downloading updates my father saw WGA being installed and freaked out...

After the fact I told him his reaction is like comming to a door in your own house
with the words "Authorized Personell Only" scrawled on the door in crayon and
turning and walking away...

Not even trying to jiggle the knob to see if the door is locked...

Let updates run and see what happens...




AD

If that's directed to me, that 'door' wouldn't exist in my house because my copies of XP and 7 are legit.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

I went under properties under "my computer" and towards the bottom it says "Windows Activation: Windows is activated" Along with a product ID. Is that even supposed to show up with it being a crack version?


EDIT: Update. I just ran the Windows Genuine Advantage and it says it's Genuine, so I'm gonna try to update it. See if anything happens.

Update #2. Updated everything and got all of the Windows 7 updates and Service Pack 1 and not a single problem and Windows 7 is running fine like a champ. Glad now I didn't spend $200 on buying Windows 7.