Need Dell Win7x64 ISO

SOHOtechRob

SOHOtechRob

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Location
Columbus, Ohio USA
I'm working on a customer laptop to replace a failed hard drive (the dreaded Inspiron N5010 with 47,000 screws). I've copied as much data off the drive as possible and installed a new SSD. I want to reinstall Windows 7 Home (64 bit) from scratch (cloning failed, obviously due to disk damage). The customer didn't provide the original OEM disc. The product key sticker on the bottom is valid, but smudged and I'm obviously guessing wrong for some of the 8s and Bs, or Os or 0s, etc.

Is there anywhere to download the Dell ISO for this?

Many thanks,
-Rob

EDIT: Super thank you to @Porthos for saving me!!! You rock, man! Next time you're in Columbus, your favorite beverage is on me!
 
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I wanted to follow up on this as I was stuck with this same issue earlier today. Windows 8 with downgrade rights to 7. Hard drive failed. Needed to reinstall.

After looking up the item by its Dell service tag, I noticed something I have not seen before in Dell driver listings - "Download Dell Recovery Image"!

So I did the following for anyone interested:

1) Installed Windows 7 on said Dell computer (without any key code)
2) Then clicked on the Download Dell Recovery Image option from the driver page
3) This prompts you to download and install "Dell System Detect"
4) Once Dell System Detect is downloaded and installed, go back and click on the Download Dell Recovery link again
5) This now allowed me to download a Dell Windows 7 Pro 64 ISO which you need use Microsoft's Windows 7 USB tool to create a bootable USB drive (drive must be larger than 4GB)

Poof, finally, a real Dell Windows 7 installer. I just installed and Windows is activated without a key code required.
 
Every time I've needed Dell Media, they have been more than willing to send media (1 time per machine), unless they have recently change their policy, Of course, you would need to allow a couple extra days.
 
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Really? I am putting out information that other members are obviously seeking out and require and you insult me? This was an instance where there was no Windows 7 product key due to a Win8 downgrade. Others have also noted issues with worn out key stickers. So here I come across something new that Dell is offering to bypass both these issues in terms of activation - wow! How helpful! An actual downloadable and reusable Dell Windows 7 ISO! Why don't I or anyone else *need* Dell Media for these situations when that is exactly what is required.

High horse it much?
 
DonS said:
Really? I am putting out information that other members are obviously seeking out and require and you insult me? This was an instance where there was no Windows 7 product key due to a Win8 downgrade. Others have also noted issues with worn out key stickers. So here I come across something new that Dell is offering to bypass both these issues in terms of activation - wow! How helpful! An actual downloadable and reusable Dell Windows 7 ISO! Why don't I or anyone else *need* Dell Media for these situations when that is exactly what is required.

High horse it much?
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Fair enough I edited my post and I apologize.

But, I wasn't addressing you, I posted before I read your comment on this, but you need to read what I posted. The method I outlined doesn't need any stickers. It is creating the SLP environment on a machine. It puts the SLP keys on the machine and properly activates it. It does exactly what a manufacturers' disk does without having to acquire one. It addresses all of your problems exactly and it works on multiple brands of machines.
 
This method also lets me use slipstreamed media that has the latest updates or images that I can put on the target OEM machine and then activate using the SLP tool. That saves me time and makes for faster turnarounds.
 
remember guys, this method is against EULA. So be careful how much you post about this. I was knee deep in Microsoft **** about this, but was able to prove it was not with intent to sell (in bulk).
 
Knightsman said:
remember guys, this method is against EULA. So be careful how much you post about this. I was knee deep in Microsoft **** about this, but was able to prove it was not with intent to sell (in bulk).
Click to expand...

Yes, they do keep an eye out. But was this because of used machines you were selling or paid repairs?
 
Markverhyden said:
Yes, they do keep an eye out. But was this because of used machines you were selling or paid repairs?
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this was long before the refurbisher program, but this is for repairs. I think what raised the flag, is we found good sources for recovery disks, and we were reselling them. We ended up coming across a distributor that was buying OEM packs, and selling the individual disks, which is a huge issue for Microsoft. We ended up giving a testimony to their lawyers. was a stressful couple of weeks, yeesh, I remember being on the phone with them for hours.
 
Knightsman said:
I think what raised the flag, is we found good sources for recovery disks, and we were reselling them.
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That is what Microsoft will have an issue with. I have NEVER heard Microsoft have any problem with a company that is reinstalling Windows on a legally purchased machine and returning them to operation status. If Microsoft had a problem with it then they would have never put Product keys on the side of the machine. It is perfectly reasonable of Microsoft to require end users to contact the OEM and get SLP locked media from them. And they could have made this the ONLY way to do so. But Microsoft doesn't do that because even the OEMs wanted ways to provide end users with quick methods to get back operational. So they put OEM keys on the side of the machine and any windows disk can be used to install it.

I don't make media for my clients or use the system to provide pirated upgrades. (People can use the SLP files in conjunction with bios hacks to pirate windows by tricking it into thinking it is running on OEM system). Providing something new without paying Microsoft for it will get you into trouble. Microsoft gets a small payment for every OEM SLP disk made. They also are certain of the validity of such disks (no back doors in them and so on.) While I am certain that you were not putting keyloggers on the disks you made Microsoft can't be certain of that and will put a stop to it.
 
nlinecomputers said:
That is what Microsoft will have an issue with. I have NEVER heard Microsoft have any problem with a company that is reinstalling Windows on a legally purchased machine and returning them to operation status. If Microsoft had a problem with it then they would have never put Product keys on the side of the machine. It is perfectly reasonable of Microsoft to require end users to contact the OEM and get SLP locked media from them. And they could have made this the ONLY way to do so. But Microsoft doesn't do that because even the OEMs wanted ways to provide end users with quick methods to get back operational. So they put OEM keys on the side of the machine and any windows disk can be used to install it.

I don't make media for my clients or use the system to provide pirated upgrades. (People can use the SLP files in conjunction with bios hacks to pirate windows by tricking it into thinking it is running on OEM system). Providing something new without paying Microsoft for it will get you into trouble. Microsoft gets a small payment for every OEM SLP disk made. They also are certain of the validity of such disks (no back doors in them and so on.) While I am certain that you were not putting keyloggers on the disks you made Microsoft can't be certain of that and will put a stop to it.
Click to expand...

This isnt entirely true, im not sure on current HP equipment, but any HP computer always required a recovery disk from HP. If you tried to install an OEM disk it would fail, or would pop up the Purple code error which required a DMI disk.

Yes this works great with Dell, lenovo, ASUS, but ive had issues also on Toshiba and the other random manufacturers.

Call up dell and ask them if you can use the recovery disk on multiple machines, or an OEM disk to recovery the OS for their machine. They will tell you that you have to buy a new recovery disk for each machine and that OEM disk to recovery retial machines is against EULA.
 
While all of you are speaking of product key stickers........

As long as they are readable, I clean the case / cabinet around them and apply some wide clear shipping tape over them - if only to protect them from being further rubbed off. Back when M$ was smarter (really?) they produced much better C.O.A.'s that stood up the to the test of time. But now that EVERYTHING has gone cheaper...................
 
Altster said:
While all of you are speaking of product key stickers........

As long as they are readable, I clean the case / cabinet around them and apply some wide clear shipping tape over them - if only to protect them from being further rubbed off. Back when M$ was smarter (really?) they produced much better C.O.A.'s that stood up the to the test of time. But now that EVERYTHING has gone cheaper...................
Click to expand...

Good ole' XP and Windows 2000 days.
 
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