Can I get Windows 7 Home Premium without having to re-format my pc?

[Mr. Koaliti]

I recently bought windows 7 home premium but for some reason there wasn't a product key on it so I have to return it for a new one. Is there some way I can get home premium without having to reformat everything I have already downloaded?

 

[USAFRet]

Where did you buy it from that did not include the activation key? The answer to this dictates how you should proceed.

 

[maxwellmelon]

you have to go buy a legal copy with an unused, new and legal product key.

 

[Mr. Koaliti]

Where did you buy it from that did not include the activation key? The answer to this dictates how you should proceed.

I got it from amazon, after being unable to find it I researched it and as it turns out there is a clean cut right where it should be. Like the product key was cut off on purpose.

 

[USAFRet]

Where did you buy it from that did not include the activation key? The answer to this dictates how you should proceed.

I got it from amazon, after being unable to find it I researched it and as it turns out there is a clean cut right where it should be. Like the product key was cut off on purpose.

"Sold by Amazon" or by some reseller that happens to go through Amazon?

Get you money back in toto. Do not get a 'new one' from this person.
Then go buy a valid, legal copy.

 

[Mr. Koaliti]

Where did you buy it from that did not include the activation key? The answer to this dictates how you should proceed.

I got it from amazon, after being unable to find it I researched it and as it turns out there is a clean cut right where it should be. Like the product key was cut off on purpose.

"Sold by Amazon" or by some reseller that happens to go through Amazon?

Get you money back in toto. Do not get a 'new one' from this person.
Then go buy a valid, legal copy.

okay, but whether I buy a 'legal' copy or not this still does not answer my original question.

 

[USAFRet]

okay, but whether I buy a 'legal' copy or not this still does not answer my original question.

Given that it is a non-legal install, I would do a fresh install, no question. It 'might' have been a previously used valid install disk missing the license (which you 'paid for'), or it 'might' have been simply something he torrented, burned, and put in a mostly official looking package.

No telling which, so why take the chance?