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Installation Disk or System Repair Disk?

  • 28-09-2015 11:16pm
    #1
    han2000
    Registered Users Posts: 77 ✭✭


    Hope somebody can help me with this :)

    I accidentally deleted windows 7 from my laptop ( battery went dead during factory reset).
    Now when I turn on laptop it says ' An operating system wasn't found'. I know that a Windows 7 installation disc would do the trick but does anyone know if a System Repair CD would do the same job.


Comments

  • #2
    Joe1919
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,153 ✭✭✭Joe1919


    There is a difference but both might work.

    The installation disk is a DVD of about less than 3 GB and contains a full copy of the operation system. It usually also functions as a repair disc.

    The system repair disk is a CD of much smaller capacity and does not contain the operation system. It allows you to boot up the system and gives you access to the restore points in windows if present, or possibly access to an image in a hidden partition on the drive, or a backup if made. It also allows repair of boot sector (mbr etc)

    There may be differences in terms of re-activation of windows, in that a full re installation may afterwards (within a month?) require the key that is printed often under the laptop where it wears and sometimes cant be read. This is usually not required when restored from its own image.

    Best of luck.


  • #3
    mrtom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 686 ✭✭✭mrtom


    Does a full W 7 reinstall require reinstalling motherboard drivers?


  • #4
    Skatedude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,674 ✭✭✭Skatedude


    mrtom wrote: »
    Does a full W 7 reinstall require reinstalling motherboard drivers?

    Yes, but the old drivers may still be on the laptop, and you can install them after installing windows.
    you should have your windows key on a sticker on the laptop if you get a win 7 dvd.
    win 7 iso are easy enough to find online if have access to another pc, friends mabey?


  • #5
    han2000
    Registered Users Posts: 77 ✭✭han2000


    Thanks Joe1919. A friend is gonna copy windows 7 from their computer and I still have the product key at the back.. Thanks again :)


  • #6
    Joe1919
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,153 ✭✭✭Joe1919


    han2000 wrote: »
    Thanks Joe1919. A friend is gonna copy windows 7 from their computer and I still have the product key at the back.. Thanks again :)

    You normally need the win 7 iso file (burned on a DVD or bootable usb flash drive) to install. Just copying the windows folder (& boot files etc) from another computer will cause problems, as the windows folder is custom built during install to match the hardware. It is possible with similar computers to clone. The windows version ( Home, Pro, Ultimate, etc.) must match your key/label or a new key will need to be loaded.


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