Windows 10: Windows 7 inplace install 10 vs ?

Windows 8.1 has that same feature. The list is tools like disk management, device manager, control panel, etc. Windows 10 is closer to what Windows 7 is like than 8.1.

 

Just buy one with 8.1 (where can you buy one with win 7?) and update it in situ before or after the 29th. Doesn't matter when you set it up with progs as you will only do that once.

Sometimes we can out think ourselves!

PS You will like win 10 so don't worry about going backwards.

 

If it's Windows 7 there should be a COA sticker with a key on it. The one Windows 7 is installed with from the factory is useless for reinstalls unless you have custom branded OEM install media.

 

Sent to wrong person (me).

 

I thought the ability to backup settings was removed after XP?

Setting backup 'was' just for Office and that left a zillion other application settings lost and, as you say, having to pick away at them (annoyingly) for several weeks as you come across them. Still correct with 'you' backup settings?

Not to ignore some advantage, is there a particular directory that houses all the settings to which you refer? Assuming you're using 8 is the location the same for 7?

 

So the key that Jelly Bean fishes out is the same 'useless' key for a reinstall?

 

Yes, if your referring to Windows 7. It's a different story for Windows 8.

 

This is what I was referring to, http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials...ndows-8-a.html

 

At this point I'm referring to 7. If I remember correctly, I attempted to buy an OS disk at the time of my last Lenovo purchase and couldn't. Although it may not be necessary what is the least expensive route for obtaining a valid 7 OS install disk or download w/key?

 

You can reinstall with the key on the COA sticker. It's unique to that PC and will work with a regular Windows 7 DVD. You'll have to phone activate the first time you use it but it legal. That's what it's there for. The deal with the factory key is it only works via OEM SLP activation and that only works with custom OEM install media from that OEM. Restoring the factory install with a Recovery disk set will also restore the factory OEM activation. You just can't use the factory OEM key with a regular Windows 7 DVD. Windows 7 will install but fail activation with that key. factory Windows 7 OEM installs do not activate online, they activate against the SLIC table in the BIOS. The factory OEM key is blocked from activating online by design so you can't read it out with a key checker and then try to use it on another PC.

 

You can do an inplace repair of Windows 7 without loosing any data. I have done this and it works. You may have to call MS to get it re-activated.

Win 7 nondestructive no reformat re install