PC question: How to restore a Windows 7 Dell computer without a Windows 7 CD?

[AmilcarCabral]

Hello all, I have a question. I've heard that restoring computers to factory settings makes the computer feel like brand new again. But however I don't have the actual Windows 7 CD which I've heard is needed to restore all Windows 7 computers back to original factory brand new settings.

That's why I am very affraid and doubtful about restoring my computer to factory settings.

My question is: is there a way possible to restore my computer to Factory settings without an actual Windows 7 CD and is there a possibility that the Windows 7 could be totally destroyed and erased by the factory restoration process? Because I wouldn't want to make a mistake like that one of deleting the Windows 7 because I don't have the original Windows 7 CD with me .



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[synthesis]

Hiren's BootCD (http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd)

It's pretty uncommon for people to actually have a Windows installation disc these days. Read this (http://www.pcworld.com/article/248995/how_to_install_windows_7_without_the_disc.html) for more info.

[Sea]

You don't need a Windows 7 CD, you need a Windows 7 DVD.

You can get ISOs for those from Microsoft. Not that this isn't piracy. It's literally on microsoft.com, and digitalriver is MS's distro services. That's as legit as you can get. You do, however, "need" a "valid key".

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/cannot-find-digital-river-download-site/66a8439b-0d16-4b70-92f7-1c8486a46ebf

[tallguy]

Say goodbye to MS windows and say hello to Linux. I would recommend Linux Mint 16 Petra with the Cinnamon desktop as this will give the least GUI culture shock for MS Windows users.

http://www.linuxmint.com/

7TcvdcDCTak

[DDR]

All laptops have a hidden partition called recovery. It restores your pc to the original state (like new out the factory). Search in google something like: [Laptop model] recovery button. Change what it is between [] for your laptop model. In this way you woudn't need any CD, but I agree with tallguy change to Gnome Ubuntu :P

[Leftsolidarity]

Thread moved to Mutual Aid/DIY