Windows 7 Won't Start

[PupsterDad]

Hi, My dad wiped all the data off his HP computer - including most of the Windows 7 because it won't start - just keeps going round in a Windows/HP repair loop that can't find the files it needs. I use a Mac - can I download a boot disk (my Dad hasn't got the one that came with the computer) or do I need to buy Windows 7 all over again?

 

[Fouchey]

You can download the .ISO and burn it to a disk or make a bootable USB to reinstall Windows 7. Your product key should still work, if not you can call them to activate it over the phone. If you need help with either of those let me know.

Edit:Not sure what version you have but here is the Windows Ultimate .ISO
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/where-can-i-download-windows-7-iso-i-have-a/7d964b05-2be9-4800-bc7f-3ca30356fc3d

Here is Home premium
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/where-can-i-fin-the-iso-of-my-windows-7-home/76b67b99-da0e-4085-b944-3c2e94ab9fc3

 

[thicks083]

You can download the .ISO and burn it to a disk or make a bootable USB to reinstall Windows 7. Your product key should still work, if not you can call them to activate it over the phone. If you need help with either of those let me know.

Edit:Not sure what version you have but here is the Windows Ultimate .ISO
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/where-can-i-download-windows-7-iso-i-have-a/7d964b05-2be9-4800-bc7f-3ca30356fc3d

Here is Home premium
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/where-can-i-fin-the-iso-of-my-windows-7-home/76b67b99-da0e-4085-b944-3c2e94ab9fc3

I totally agree, this is going to be your best bet. Wipe your hard-drive and do a fresh install of Windows on it.

 

[PupsterDad]

Hi Guys,

Really appreciate the suggestions but they don't seem to work: I downloaded the ISO file and unpacked it onto a USB then made a system Recovery disc and get to the second page where it asks if I either want to use recovery tools and asks for an operating system to repair - but there's no operating system listed - or to "restore computer using a system image I created earlier" and when I click to use that it says it can't find anything. So it seems to be saying it can't see any operating system or can't read the system image I created from the ISO files. I think I'm boned and have to buy a new Windows 7........

 

[thicks083]

Hi Guys,

Really appreciate the suggestions but they don't seem to work: I downloaded the ISO file and unpacked it onto a USB then made a system Recovery disc and get to the second page where it asks if I either want to use recovery tools and asks for an operating system to repair - but there's no operating system listed - or to "restore computer using a system image I created earlier" and when I click to use that it says it can't find anything. So it seems to be saying it can't see any operating system or can't read the system image I created from the ISO files. I think I'm boned and have to buy a new Windows 7........

You must download a program that turns your USB into a "bootable" USB with the Windows ISO on it. You can't just put the Windows ISO on it and use it like that.

 

[Fouchey]

Hi Guys,

Really appreciate the suggestions but they don't seem to work: I downloaded the ISO file and unpacked it onto a USB then made a system Recovery disc and get to the second page where it asks if I either want to use recovery tools and asks for an operating system to repair - but there's no operating system listed - or to "restore computer using a system image I created earlier" and when I click to use that it says it can't find anything. So it seems to be saying it can't see any operating system or can't read the system image I created from the ISO files. I think I'm boned and have to buy a new Windows 7........

Yes you need to use a program to make the USB bootable. Basically when you restart your PC you will go into the boot menu and select your USB. This will bring up Windows so you can install it.

http://www.wintobootic.com/
Download, connect USB, there would be a spot to insert the windows ISO you downloaded, start the program, connect the USB do the computer you want to install windows on, go into boot menu, select the USB, Install Windows.