Windows 7 re-install without original CD.

[SomethingSomething]

I've been given a laptop from 2007 that has Windows 7 Home Premium edition installed on it, however is now so laden down with 3rd party software from the owner's previous exploits that it is now suffering. We no longer have the original installation CD that came with it, however I have a .iso of Windows 7 Home Premium myself on a CD. My question is whether the product key on the Genuine Product sticker on the Laptop itself will work with the .iso version I have as opposed to the hellspawn version originally installed on it before shipping. Just to clarify, I'm doing a complete format of the HDD and re-installation so I'd rather be confident that the key will work.

The sticker reads (if this helps):

Windows Vista Home Premium OEMAct
DSG Retail Limited

~

Product Key: *Key goes here*

 

[clutchc]

As long as you have a legal copy w/product key, you can download the Win7 ISO here and burn a bootable installation disk.
http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

When it comes time to activate (reactivate as it is in your case), just enter your product key like with a normal Win7 install disk.

 

[SomethingSomething]

Thanks, that's all I needed to know. Hopefully this laptop will get a new lease on life now!

 

[clutchc]

Thanks, that's all I needed to know. Hopefully this laptop will get a new lease on life now!

That's the best way to do it. Start new.
I'd still make a back up image to a HDD just in case something goes wrong. Or there's some unknown reason you'd want to go back.