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The following only applies to Windows 10, 8.1 and 8. With the launch of Windows 8 on October 26, 2012 Microsoft introduced a new method of activating Windows. This was achieved by embedding the product key into the computer's BIOS chips. The was done as many product keys were on paper or stickers on the COA and many got damaged lost or even stolen. Using this new method the COA and product key will never get removed or destroyed and the product key will always be associated with the OEM system. If your system was made by a large OEM manufacturer like Toshiba, Lenovo, Dell, Alienware etc... then you will not need to type in a Windows serial number to activate or install it, Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 will automatically retrieve it from the computer BIOS and active it.
For Windows 7 and older your product key will be printed on your COA. A Certificate of Authenticity will look similar to the picture below.
An ISO file is a single file that contains all the data needed to create a physical DVD or CD. These files are easy to download and are supported by many CD DVD writing software vendors. More information on lifewire here.
We think CDBurnerXP is the best free multi language ISO burner available. It is compatible with all Windows operating systems from Windows 2000 onwards.
CDBurnerXP is a free application to burn CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It also includes the feature to burn and create ISOs, as well as a multi-language interface. Everyone, even companies, can use it for free. It does not include ad-ware or similar malicious components.
Key Features:
Burns all kinds of discsAudio-CDs with or without gaps between tracksBurn and create ISO filesData verification after the burning processCreate boot discsMulti-language interfaceA bin / nrg - ISO converterSimple cover printing and much moreOperating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista/2008/Win7/Win8/Win10 (x86 / x64).
This very good article shows you how to make a boot USB using a free app called "Rufus". With lots of pictures and a step by step guide this is by far the fastest and easiest way to make an operating system recovery USB How to make a Windows boot USB from an ISO. Its worth noting that we now also have many operating systems and drives available pre-written on USB memory sticks.
Alternatively you can use the Microsoft Windows ISO to USB Converter. Lots of detailed information on how to use and install the tool is on the linked page. The tool will convert all versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Its worth noting that you can NOT extract an ISO file to a USB key and use it to reinstall your operating system. The USB to ISO conversion software actually changes the file format and the way the data is handled on the USB stick. You have to use this tool from Microsoft if you want to convert an official Windows ISO into a boot-able USB Key.
After payment you will be redirected to the download page, you will also receive an email with links to the same page. Downloading is as simple as clicking the pictures of the disks, exactly as the image below.
For ease of use,and so that you can use the instructions on something like your smart phone, while repairing or recovering Windows 10, we have linked all the instructions to .pdf files that can be downloaded to any device.
For ease of use,and so that you can use the instructions on something like your smart phone, while repairing or recovering Windows 8 and 8.1, we have linked all the instructions to .pdf files that can be downloaded to any device.
For ease of use,and so that you can use the instructions on something like your smart phone, while repairing or recovering Windows 7, we have linked all the instructions to .pdf files that can be downloaded to any device.
For ease of use,and so that you can use the instructions on something like your smart phone, while repairing or recovering Windows Vista, we have linked all the instructions to .pdf files that can be downloaded to any device.
For ease of use,and so that you can use the instructions on something like your smart phone, while repairing or recovering Windows XP, we have linked all the instructions to .pdf files that can be downloaded to any device.
