Vista CD key, But no CD. HELP!

im fixing a HP pavillion dv9723cl, and the person lost the CD and there is no recovery drive either. the entire computer is wiped clean. i went to hp.com and it says i need to order a recovery disc that will take 5day. is there anyway i can download vista (any were) and use the key that's on the back of the laptop?

 

not legally........

 

I think that you can download the RTM still from this site.

 

do you have the link?

 

okay, it doesn't look like that they have it on this site anymore. I would recommend that you download the Windows 7 RTM 32bit from: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=428068 and the CD key from: http://cgi.ebay.com/Windows-7-Professional-Key-Full-Retail_W0QQitemZ220584695875QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item335bdf5843

Make sure you follow the guide in the first link. I recommend that you do the ISO method and burn 7 on a disc. I also recommend that you go ahead and buy the CD key. The key is for Professional and make sure you install Professional.

 

No don't do that, most of the cheap ebay keys are technet or MSDN and therefore are illegal to sell/purchase.

At the OP, yes you can download and burn an ISO of Vista to use with your key provided you have the right version.

 

where can i find this?

 

Hmm I'd have to check considering they removed the thread on NBR, but I'm sur there's a legal place where you can get them without being subscribed to MSDN or Technet or any other thing.

It might be easier to simply borrow a DVD mind you.

 

okay let me know.. i have a vista cd but its for my alienware computer and i tried installing it and using the key on the back of the HP computer and it wouldn't take it

 

MS has a replacement program of some sorts, you can get a CD for like $10. I'll try to find the link and post back.

EDIT: Got it...
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

 

You can still download Vista from MyDigitalLife. You will have to use your key as you indicated and call Microsoft to activate the install.

Edit: URL removed, links at URL were invalid, sorry.

P.S. The link I posted wouldn't be any more illegal than the Windows 7 download information posted here on NBR which also includes links to the MyDigitalLife site.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=428068

 

when i clicked the files its says "DENIED"

 

Sorry, I should have checked to see if the links were still valid. The only choices I see for you now are what Greg Ross suggested or borrow a copy from someone you know.

 

but it can't be a dell copy or hp copy right? it has to be a retail or no altered copy right?

 

HP doesn't distribute OS disks with their systems. The only disks from HP or the ones customers make on their own are Restore Disks. No, they will not work.

I think Dell provides OS disks in some cases but am not sure, hope someone else responds about Dell. I was originally thinking "retail disks".

You might be ahead of the game to just order the "Restore Disks" from HP. You mentioned 5 day delivery. If you had ordered you would only have 3 days left to wait. I still think that would be your best choice. Once you restore, the system should be ready to use immediately as all drivers, etc. will already be installed. Potentially that could save you a day right there trying to find all the correct drivers you need.