Windows 10: Windows 7 Pro w/SP1 x64 won't activate after new installation due to disc drive died.

I have an old desktop computer that has had Windows 7 Pro x64 installed on it for years. I know Windows 7 is no longer supported. I use this computer for backups and data. The hardware is incompatible with newer Windows versions. The discdrive died. I've installed a new discdrive. I have not been able to install any of the image backups I have. I installed Windows 7 Pro w/SP1 x64, but it won't activate. Probably due to too many uses. This installation disc was from when I owned a Microsoft development kit during employment. I am now retired. Any chance I can get my use count reset for this in

:)

 

Looking for Dell OEM Win 7 x64 Pro .ISO or disc

i use these 2 iso's for all the Lenovo and more machines also used them on a couple of dells that had Windows 7 Serial on the side of the machine.

Windows 7 Professional SP1 x86: Personalrabattprogramm für Microsoft-Kund*innen (bisher Home Use Program) – Microsoft Store
Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64: Personalrabattprogramm für Microsoft-Kund*innen (bisher Home Use Program) – Microsoft Store

 

Guide: use Pre-activated Windows 7 OEM License on fresh installation

U can't use this method to "upgrade" ur Windows Home Premium to Pro or Ultimate it simply just backup ur activation key.

 

Windows 7 when to install SP1

This is our procedure

1. Prepare for Windows (prferaby ISO w/ SP1) installation with USB tool or use available media
Windows USB/DVD Download Tool - Microsoft Store

2. Connect boot drive data cable to lowest numbered SATA port .... but don't connect:
-Ethernet cable
-SATA Data Cable for any other drives

3. Install Windows to boot drive

4. Turn off Windows ability to install Hardware drivers
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials...iver-updates-windows-update-windows-10-a.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/82137-drivers-turn-off-automatic-driver-installation.html

5. Install all hardware drivers from original media in boxes See Item 7 below

6. Connect ethernet cable and run Windows Update till it stops doing anything

7. Install latest drivers for ALL hardware from manufacturers web sites. The reason we didn't do this in step 5 is 3 fold:
-Sometimes MoBo CD comes with licensed utilities with product key embedded and these are not on web site versions
-Its advisable to establish a working out of box conditions
-Sometimes newer drivers require latest Windows Updates

If you have a 2nd drive ....

8. Shut down and connect HD data cable to 2nd lowest numbered SATA port.

9. Boot to BIOS and make sure that SSD is the 1st boot device, if not fix it

10. Boot to Windows