need ISO for Windows 7 x64 to repair startup problem

self | 2/22/18 | NewJerseyJoe

[NewJerseyJoe]

Howdy folks. A few years ago, I purchased a refurb Dell PC through Staples. Today, I'm stuck in the infinite startup-and-repair loop.

With the refurb PCs, they don't supply physical media. I made a bootable USB on my laptop, but that doesn't work. I can repair only if I have an installation disc.

Now, if I had purchased this software directly from MS, MS would allow me to directly download the ISO image after inputting my product key on the website. I have the product key -- the refurb company put a new label on the side of the PC. When I tried that, the MS site informed me that because my installation was done by a reseller, I have to go through the reseller. I called the company that did the refurb installation -- but since MS stopped supporting Windows 7, they no longer have the software. (I doubt that's true, but that's what I was told.)

Does anyone know of a legitimate download link where I can get the Win7 Pro x64 ISO image? I have only my own product key, so obviously I can't use this for piracy purposes.

My answer is not to buy a new computer -- I have to get into this PC in the next 24 hours or so. Hoping one of you has an answer. Thanks

[E. Pluribus Unum]

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

You need a valid key to download.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Didn’t read your whole post before I posted the link. Sorry.

[deoetdoctrinae]

PINGING a couple of FReepers who might be able to help you.

[Little Pig]

You say you need to get into the computer within the next 24 hours. Do you have to be actually logged in to Windows, or do you just need access to some file on the computer? If the latter, you can create a Linux boot USB using the same computer you created your USB Windows repair disk from. Boot into the Linux USB and you should be able to get to the files on the hard drive from there.

[gattaca]

Wish I could help. I had the same problem with win 7 stuck in a start up loop, so I just decided to get a refurbished win 10.

[smokingfrog]

I had the same problem a few weeks ago. I ended up going to Fry’s and buying a USB drive with the WIN7 iso on it.
You’ll still need the valid key code that came with the Dell to activate with Microsoft.

Cost $20

https://www.frys.com/product/9344190?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[z3n]

Does anyone know of a legitimate download link where I can get the Win7 Pro x64 ISO image? I have only my own product key, so obviously I can’t use this for piracy purposes.

~~~~

Doesn’t matter anyway. The ISO or installation files are not protected. It’s the serial key that you purchase, and you should already have those.

I don’t know where you can download one, but I would caution to beware of sources. Shady folk like to sneak things into their downloads. You’re better off calling family and friends and seeing if anyone has an old win7x64 disc they can dust off for you

[smokingfrog]

I also tried this but it didn’t work for me.

https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool

[BipolarBob]

Another alternative is to ditch Windows altogether and go with Linux.I went with Zorin. It’s very Win 7 like. Just an idea.

[SgtHooper]

I am staring at a unopened version of Win 7 Ultimate right now, that I never installed. If has the distribution as well. How may I help?

[wildbill]

I had the same problem with a refurbished Dell Inspiraon with Win 10 installed. I got into the unending startup loop afte a big download stalled out at about 75% installed.

Have tried several fixes without result including resetting the computer and then making a USB with Win 10.

I’m at the point where I’m wondering if I could fix it by just buying a new hard drive for the laptop. Or buy anoher computer and write this one off as an expensive doorstop

[butlerweave]

I thought there was no Key required now , Win 7 , 8 and 10 are locked to your motherboard like a Virus

[NewJerseyJoe]

SgtHooper, another FReeper sent me a private message with the info I need. But thank you anyway!

[SgtHooper]

Great!

[dayglored]

FReeper help request -- Win7 Pro .ISO ... PING!

You can find all the Windows Ping list threads with FR search: just search on keyword "windowspinglist".

Thanks to deoetdoctrinae for the ping!

[dayglored]

I've generally used .ISOs I downloaded using my MSDN subscription -- haven't had to actually get a retail copy in years...

Something to watch out for -- each source/site for a "Windows 7 Pro" ISO may have a different ISO file. They are almost always "customized" per the vendor, reseller, OEM, etc. Even Microsoft distributes different ISOs.

And guess what -- as a rule, a key for one does not work on another. For example, an MSDN key doesn't work for a retail copy from Microsoft, or a copy from HP, or Dell, etc.

So be aware you may have to try a number of sources before you find one that matches your key. The reseller would have been your best bet, sorry to say.

[SgtHooper]

Did you go here and download the latest files?

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=1709

You could reset to even earlier versions such as 1511 and then let updater carry through to the latest xxx.248 version.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

Thepiratebay.org

Use microtorrent

[i_robot73]

You can even call Microsoft, talk to their support and they may give some hints.

If you only need files off the drive, use a Live CD and a thumb drive. Or, slap in another HDD and load Linux on it (quick) and transfer files from the original HDD.

If you got a valid key, torrents for the ISO (search for manufacturer, as it may be locked in the BIOS) [IE: Dell Win7 ISO]. Reload w/o wiping and you’re golden. Not using anything but the image to build the system (IE: not ‘cracking’)