How to get a new OS on a Netbook with no CD reader?

pfpf

Hi.
My netbook has XP on it and I would like W7 on it. (Please leave the W10 debate for now).

Is there a way to upgrade online and then add a key? Or do I need to buy W7 on cd and connect a portable CD reader?

Thanks.

pappa_golf

if you check thru millions of postings , there is no natural upgrade from xp to win 7. (full stop)


don,t play with netbooks ,
1: but the obvious question is , will it boot from a USB stick with an installer on it?
2: you can d/load the win 7 cd from here , https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows7 however you will have to enter a licence key for the download,


with that iso you can burn it to a USB stick or DVD

esuhl

If you buy a Windows 7 licence (either with a physical CD or online), you can download the installation ISO from Microsoft here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

And then you can use the Windows DVD/USB Download tool to start the installation from a USB stick.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

pfpf

pappa_golf wrote: »

don,t play with netbooks

What does "don't play with netbooks" mean?

Ok, when I said upgrade I meant update to or replace.

Thanks.

pappa_golf

I don,t have any dealings with netbooks in my occupation , I play repair and update PCs ,


update = no
replace = yes


as per instructions above

pfpf

Thank you both.

pfpf

Question regarding the OS licence key.
I have a legitimate copy of two versions of W7. If I could get hold of a portable dvd drive could I use one of my existing copies of W7 to do the full install and sort the purchase of a licence key later, is it 30 days to activate?
Both my W7 keys have been used, one is used daily the other is on a pc not used in over a year.
Thanks again.

pappa_golf

why not enter the ser no of the un used pc into m/soft site and see if it allows you to d/load windows?


choose the version carefully , It might let you install on the netbook , it may tell you to buy a licence

esuhl

pfpf wrote: »

Question regarding the OS licence key.
I have a legitimate copy of two versions of W7. If I could get hold of a portable dvd drive could I use one of my existing copies of W7 to do the full install and sort the purchase of a licence key later, is it 30 days to activate?
Both my W7 keys have been used, one is used daily the other is on a pc not used in over a year.
Thanks again.

I think you could do that, just make sure you avoid trying to activate Windows until you have a new product key. Then do this to change the product key before you activate:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/help/genuine/product-key#T1=tab01

pappa_golf

be very carefull with that upgrade , have you checked that the netbook Mfg has released all the drivers needed for win 7?


if you do format and reload and its no go , where do you go?


if you reload win xp (how?) where are you going to get 10 yrs + of security updates from?




"IF" this was an older laptop , that was PC compatible and a removable hard drive , I would try a loading (without key) on the spare drive to check compatibility.

Kernel_Sanders

pappa_golf wrote: »

don,t play with netbooks ,

The misunderstanding lies with your grammar because I expect pfpf thought (as I did) that 'don't' was a verb.