Disgusted with OS re-install problems. Looking for suggestions.

Hi All,

I'm helping a relative. You know how it goes. Skip to tl;dr to avoid my rant...

I typically use custom-built PCs are Dell laptops. I just realized exactly how spoiled I've been.

So this laptop needs a new hard drive. No problem. It's installed. It was purchased with a pre-install Windows 7 Home Premium. The product key is on the bottom side of the case.

I was hoping I could use my own personal Windows 7 Home install CD but I received an error stating that the key I entered is for use with an install from the manufacturer (or something like that, sorry, I didn't record the message since I figured it was just a little hiccup at the time).

I tried downloading Windows 7 Home Premium from Microsoft's site using the product key but, once again, no luck. I see that their older download options are no longer available.

I've spoken with Asus support several times and this experience is enough to convince me to stop using their motherboards. Not because I don't like the motherboards but simply because I now hate the company. While the quality of their products may be decent, they make me feel the same way Packard Bell did once upon a time.

Support first advised that system restore / images / etc should have been made prior to the hard drive crash. Sure. But whatever. It's 2015 and downloads of ISOs are an everyday thing. I realize my anger may more properly be directed at Microsoft but Microsoft is not the one who bounced me between 4 different support techs, an e-store which wanted me to pay for Windows 7 and back to another tech who wanted me to pay and wait for the computer to be "repaired" by Asus. For crying out loud. Repaired? It needed a new hard drive. Sigh. I apologize for my attitude. I never expected this. I liked Asus. I stay away from things I dislike for a reason. I get irritated.

tl;dr

So, first question: If I use a Windows 7 Home Premium product key to download from Microsoft Software Recovery is there any chance that I would have more luck installing on an Asus laptop (I have only used Windows 7 Home and received a pre-install error when attempting to activate) — BUT — Asus support advised using a retail copy "should" work.

Second question: Do you have any suggestions on how I might proceed in installing a legitimate copy of Windows 7 (other than just biting the bullet and paying for a new copy)?

Thanks.

 

The key on the bottom of the computer must be used with an OEM version of Windows.

If you have a Windows 7 HP key and use that same version of Windows install media then it should work.

Basically the key you are trying now is not the same version of Windows, thats why it wont work.

 

If it's their support that has you apt to rebel against them, just remember to each their own experience. You may not find other major OEMs shine where Asus leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

I don't quite understand your first question (phrasing is throwing me), but to answer both as directly as I can conjure up here: No, a retail copy will not work with an OEM key. You will either need an appropriate copy for the license provided, or you'll have to bite the bullet─or try Linux (which Asus will not support).