Reinstall Windows

[#1]

Has anybody reinstalled Windows (7) on a laptop from the pre-installed D drive on to a re-formatted C drive.
Sounds straight forward but, is it?
How is done? the manual is online and I currently can't get online with the machine that needs the re-install.
Do it need a product key? If so how is it found.
I have 3 copies of Win 7 but are all single licence, if the best way is to install from disc, then I will bite the bullet and purchase another one.
One of the copies is on my wife's now largely unused laptop. Am I likely to get away with using this copy, its internet connection is through "my" system.

[#2]

Not entirely clear what you mean in relation to the C and D drives - explain a bit more?
Product key is in the documentation supplied when you bought W7. If it's an OEM copy it's normally on a sticker on the case of the computer it is licensed to.

[#3]

Might have found something..  in the program list is there a folder called PC Help & Tools? If so, look in it and you'll probably find a link to the Recovery Manager.

[#4]

@ HP sauce. After some protracted attempts to get my internet working with a lot of help (see the "No internet" thread It seems regretfully that Windows may have to be reinstalled.
I have installed Windows 7 a number of times from disc, but never on a laptop that doesn't have installation discs supplied or apparently the means to record your own from new. I'm asking how Windows can or if be reinstalled (if an attempt at Windows Repair fails) on such a machine presumably from the pre-installed D drive after formatting the C drive should that be necessary first.

[#5]

Quote from: Petlew

Do it need a product key? If so how is it found.

A couple of weeks ago I restored my Sony Vaio to factory defaults before giving it to SWMBO as new.
It was a simple job of running the Restore Complete System from the Recovery Centre. No need to reformat the C drive first as the program did it anyway.
During the procedure it prompted for the Product Key which was found on a label on the underside of the laptop.
Hope that helps you somewhat.

[#6]

Indeed it does Mav, filed for probable use.

[#7]

Quote from: Petlew

I'm asking how Windows can or if be reinstalled (if an attempt at Windows Repair fails) on such a machine

That's definitely a RTFM question as it depends on the manufacturer as to whether or how such a facility is provided. There is NO standard answer.
(It isn't always even possible and may require you to do a full system backup using W7's own tools)
What make and model is it and what does the documentation say about such things? Is there a recovery tool on the main programs menu and a help to explain it?
Is see that Mav has confirmed my answer re the product key label.  

Quote from: HPsauce

..normally on a sticker on the case of the computer it is licensed to.

[#8]

When you buy a new computer and switch it on for the first time you are rarely if ever asked for the Windows product key.  Unless that happened the first time round it won't happen if your restore a computer to its factory-supplied state. 

[#9]

1. Before windows starts up with the "splash" screen tap F8
2. Now select "repair computer"
3. Choose full system restore, a warning about all your data being wiped will appear
4. Choose yes to wipe system, then windows 7 will restore to when you first bought it.
You will at no point have to input your liscence key or reactivate windows.
JOB DONE
(Please note, I do this every day at work, have done it 1000s of times over the last 13 years, this method works)

You will have to probably install the following after the restore is complete:-

Service pack 1
All updates after service pack 1
Internet explorer 9
Uptodate anti-virus and anti spyware

[#10]

Quote from: Al3x

1. Before windows starts up with the "splash" screen tap F8 2. Now select "repair computer"

I'm afraid that is manufacturer-specific misinformation and DOES NOT WORK on all systems.
Please read this MICROSOFT document before doing anything: http://windows.microsoft.com/is-IS/windows7/What-are-the-system-recovery-options-in-Windows-7

[#11]

Quote from: HPsauce

I'm afraid that is manufacturer-specific misinformation and DOES NOT WORK on all systems.

HPsauce is right but unless you have the manufacturer's instructions in front of you it's not a bad thing to try first.  The option to "repair/reset", if it is there, will be an additional option to those listed in the link cited.
if Al3x does this every day at work then he takes the easy way out way too frequently, in my opinion.  I'm in the same line of work and I resort to this option about once a year.
Anyway, didn't Petlew say on another thread that his problem magically resolved itself?  http://community.plus.net/forum/index.php/topic,107290.msg916963.html#msg916963  

[#12]

It did, and I'm using that PC now, I'm still totally mystified. Nothing was actually done to alter any settings. The only really technical options were a couple of cmd commands to get some readings and one cmd addition which didn't work.
That's Windows for you I suppose...

[#13]

You might consider this then. For a while now in all of my PC's my browser has been quite slow to open at start up (I think I mentioned this in the other thread) Since this PC magically "repaired itself" all three machines have resumed their normal speed.

[#14]

Browsers can often "degrade" due to increasing temporary files etc.
For FireFox the SpeedyFox tool is useful. (Google it)
For IE it's worth checking the space reserved for temporary internet files, this is often too large or even corrupted to an implausible value. I use 25MB to 50MB at most.

[#15]

Quote from: ReedRichards

When you buy a new computer and switch it on for the first time you are rarely if ever asked for the Windows product key.  Unless that happened the first time round it won't happen if your restore a computer to its factory-supplied state.

Yup, good old SLIC BIOS.
Best off using the manufacturers install disc. If you're lucky it'll be customised to them, check the SLIC table and you won't be asked for a key or to activate at all.