Can't find my software

S

spackler

New Member
So I have a Gateway with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. Hard drive died...no recovery disks. I do have my user files backed up though.

I looked for the software in the package it came with and it looks like they don't give you the OS. I have the MS number on the back of the computer but I don't have the OS disks. Is there anywhere I can download the OS?
 
I have the code on the back of the pc. Can I buy the upgrade version of Windows 7? Or do I need to buy a full brand new version?

I think it stinks that I purchased Win XP in 2005 and now it's as if I never owned it.
 
How about this. I have an older version of Windows (2000 Pro). What if I installed that and then upgraded to Windows 7 with the upgrade version?
 
spackler said:
How about this. I have an older version of Windows (2000 Pro). What if I installed that and then upgraded to Windows 7 with the upgrade version?
Click to expand...

You can just purchase the upgrade of 7 and install it from scratch.
 
spackler said:
Ok. How do I get away with that? Use the install number on the back of my Gateway for Windows XP?
Click to expand...

No. Just pop in the copy of windows 7, wipe the drive, and install. Then when it asks for the code, stick in the windows 7 code.
 
Ok. I have the upgrade version of Windows 7 and when I enter the product key it says it's invalid. I quadruple checked it and it doesn't work. Now what?
 
Its a upgrade key.

Do a format and a clean install. When you install the first time, dont put a key in, makes it a trial version and uncheck activate online. After you install 7 boot it up, pop the 7 DVD in and run the install again. Pick upgrade this time. Enter your key this time. After the install Delete the Windows.old folder. Then Activate.
 
Ok. That worked.

The only thing I didn't do was "Then activate" at the end of your paragraph. Do I need to go online to activate?
 
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