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I have a laptop that came with Windows Vista and I purchased an upgrade to Windows 7. I upgraded the computer to Windows 7. Now I am selling my laptop and would like to restore the laptop to Windows 7 original without my files.

I would also need to wipe all partitions as I dual booted Ubuntu on another partition.

How do I preserve my license? What are the steps I need to take?

Thank you superusers for your help!

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  • Did you happen to make a full disk backup after you upgraded to a clean windows 7?
    – Hennes
    Nov 21, 2012 at 23:40
  • Unfortunately not
    – Karl
    Nov 22, 2012 at 18:07

2 Answers 2

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Use Produkey to record your W7 key.

Re-install Vista "clean" then upgrade to W7 again using the key you recorded using produkey.

Depending on what brand of PC you have there should be factory recovery discs to restore Vista.

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  • Thanks @Moab. So if I use the Windows Vista recovery discs, wont it ask me to add a license?
    – Karl
    Nov 22, 2012 at 17:42
  • Factory recovery discs will have the Vista licence key integrated, you should only need the W7 upgrade key.
    – Moab
    Nov 22, 2012 at 21:17
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You can use a Windows 7 disc of the edition you bought (most likely Home Premium) and enter your upgrade key without having to re-install Vista first.

As Moab mentioned, ProduKey will get you your key back if you lost it, although it should be either in your email or on the sticker in the box you bought.

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  • Should you have lost the disk then see superuser.com/questions/78761/…
    – Hennes
    Nov 22, 2012 at 18:09
  • Could I use the Windows 7 upgrade disc I used to upgrade it? Or maybe could I borrow a copy from my friend and use my product key? @pier-luc-gendreau
    – Karl
    Nov 22, 2012 at 18:21
  • It's counter intuitive, but you can use your upgrade disc and key for a fresh install.
    – Pier-Luc Gendreau
    Nov 22, 2012 at 22:48

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