Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc

Jonno2006 · 12-03-09, 01:03 AM

So my dad bought a compaq computer (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...gon=&langid=EN)

And i'm setting it up for him since Best-Buy is asking 120$ to do these stupid tasks i think i can do.

So everything works fine and all and Windows 7 runs great but it's pre-loaded in the computer and there's no installation disc. That's all nice and dandy for now but if i ever need to format or whatever how can i re-install windows 7 without a disc? I have the license sticker on the tower so it's officially purchased but no disc.

How can i make a legal Windows 7 installation discs for future use?

Thanks!

DaveWadding · 12-03-09, 01:19 AM

1) there should be a recovery partition on the HD

and under the accessories tab on the toolbar, there should be a file called "PC Recovery Tools" that has a program to make a recovery disc if you need it.

sherm42 · 12-04-09, 06:52 PM

I just bought a new HP and it was the same thing. I had to make the discs myself. Took 3 DVD+Rs. Pretty lame if you ask me.

Dr Mabuse · 12-04-09, 07:04 PM

I'm surprised they still do this type of crap, they(HP) lost a big lawsuit over it.

jfoobar · 12-05-09, 10:13 AM

My new Gateway from about a month ago was the same.

SonOfAStu · 12-08-09, 08:52 PM

I just bought a new Gateway today, and wanted to do a clean Windows 7 install before I do any other customization and what not.

Will the "recovery disk" that I can make with "PC Recovery Tools" be what I need to do that? Or will it reinstall Windows 7 with all the crapware it came with originally?

Thanks....

glassdragon · 12-08-09, 09:10 PM

I'm pretty sure according to MS's terms with the OEM manufacturers if you want a disc and request it from the manufacturer they HAVE to ship you a disc. It will be OEM, but at least a hard copy.

chino77 · 12-08-09, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glassdragon

I'm pretty sure according to MS's terms with the OEM manufacturers if you want a disc and request it from the manufacturer they HAVE to ship you a disc. It will be OEM, but at least a hard copy.

for free? i have a sony vaio laptop and they want $20.

fumanstan · 12-08-09, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonOfAStu

I just bought a new Gateway today, and wanted to do a clean Windows 7 install before I do any other customization and what not.

Will the "recovery disk" that I can make with "PC Recovery Tools" be what I need to do that? Or will it reinstall Windows 7 with all the crapware it came with originally?

Thanks....

I'm pretty sure the recovery tools just create an image of your current system, so that it restores your machine back to the way it was when you created the disc.

SonOfAStu · 12-09-09, 10:30 AM

Let me ask you this. Is the Windows 7 uninstall utility good enough to just wipe them off the OS?

TheBigDave · 12-09-09, 10:49 AM

In the past I've used PC Decrapifier to get rid of all the crapware. Don't know if there's currently something better out there.

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/

SonOfAStu · 12-09-09, 10:57 AM

Interesting. I like it!

mattysemo247 · 12-10-09, 03:40 PM

Wish I would have seen this thread a couple of days ago. My co workers thought I was nuts when I said my new HP lab top didn't come with back up discs for Windows 7. It took some seaching but I found out about that recover option under the start menu. It also took 3 DVDs to back up and said at the very end that it was a one time option. Meaning that if I lose the disc or they don't work in the future I'll have to order a set from them. Pretty stupid if you ask me.

12-03-09, 01:03 AM	#1
Jonno2006 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 461	Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc So my dad bought a compaq computer (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...gon=&langid=EN) And i'm setting it up for him since Best-Buy is asking 120$ to do these stupid tasks i think i can do. So everything works fine and all and Windows 7 runs great but it's pre-loaded in the computer and there's no installation disc. That's all nice and dandy for now but if i ever need to format or whatever how can i re-install windows 7 without a disc? I have the license sticker on the tower so it's officially purchased but no disc. How can i make a legal Windows 7 installation discs for future use? Thanks!

12-03-09, 01:19 AM	#2
DaveWadding DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Phoenix Posts: 3,243	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc 1) there should be a recovery partition on the HD and under the accessories tab on the toolbar, there should be a file called "PC Recovery Tools" that has a program to make a recovery disc if you need it. __________________ 360 GT: DaveWadding

12-04-09, 06:52 PM	#3
sherm42 DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Sacramento Posts: 2,938	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc I just bought a new HP and it was the same thing. I had to make the discs myself. Took 3 DVD+Rs. Pretty lame if you ask me.

12-04-09, 07:04 PM	#4
Dr Mabuse DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 75 clicks above the Do Lung bridge... Posts: 18,951	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc I'm surprised they still do this type of crap, they(HP) lost a big lawsuit over it. __________________ "The moral order is inverted. The criminal class is in power. We are the prey. Bradley Manning, in a just society, would be a prosecution witness against war criminals. Those who committed these crimes should be facing prison. But we do not live in a just society." - Chris Hedges

12-05-09, 10:13 AM	#5
jfoobar DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 31,724	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc My new Gateway from about a month ago was the same. __________________ If you can’t say something nice, don’t say something nice.

12-08-09, 08:52 PM	#6
SonOfAStu Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 3,070	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc I just bought a new Gateway today, and wanted to do a clean Windows 7 install before I do any other customization and what not. Will the "recovery disk" that I can make with "PC Recovery Tools" be what I need to do that? Or will it reinstall Windows 7 with all the crapware it came with originally? Thanks....

12-08-09, 09:10 PM	#7
glassdragon DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Somewhere out there... YES THERE!!! Posts: 7,935	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc I'm pretty sure according to MS's terms with the OEM manufacturers if you want a disc and request it from the manufacturer they HAVE to ship you a disc. It will be OEM, but at least a hard copy. __________________ Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrification is only outmatched by your zest for kung-fu treachery! Psn - glsdragon

12-09-09, 10:30 AM	#10
SonOfAStu Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 3,070	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc Let me ask you this. Is the Windows 7 uninstall utility good enough to just wipe them off the OS?

12-09-09, 10:49 AM	#11
TheBigDave DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: USA Posts: 5,589	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc In the past I've used PC Decrapifier to get rid of all the crapware. Don't know if there's currently something better out there. http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/ __________________ Speedy thing goes in. Speedy thing comes out.

12-09-09, 10:57 AM	#12
SonOfAStu Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 3,070	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc Interesting. I like it!

12-10-09, 03:40 PM	#13
mattysemo247 DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2,915	Re: Computer didn't come with the Windows 7 disc Wish I would have seen this thread a couple of days ago. My co workers thought I was nuts when I said my new HP lab top didn't come with back up discs for Windows 7. It took some seaching but I found out about that recover option under the start menu. It also took 3 DVDs to back up and said at the very end that it was a one time option. Meaning that if I lose the disc or they don't work in the future I'll have to order a set from them. Pretty stupid if you ask me. __________________ 56’’ Samsung DLP 1080P HDTV • 7.2 Pioneer Elite SC-05 THX Certified Receiver • 320 GB GOW3 360 • 320 GB Slim PS3 X Box 360 Gamertag: Skillz 247 LP • PS3 ID: Skillz 247 LP • Wii Code: 3960 3828 1411 7474 My Blu Ray Collection