Optiplex 760 reinstalling Windows 7

Question

I have an Optiplex 760 that originally had Windows Vista. I bought another Dell from a friend that had Windows 7 installed. I used it for a long time, but about a year ago, it was struck by lightning. So I used the installation disk for it, which was Windows 7, to upgrade the Optiplex 760. It worked perfectly, with no problems. About 3 weeks ago, the motherboard failed in the Optiplex. I bought another and installed it and it would not boot. I searched the forum for answers and most were the same, that using a Windows 7 OS on a new motherboard is almost impossible, and it is best to reinstall the OS. I did that last night and it works fine. But now it says my copy of Windows is not genuine and I don't know what to do. I no longer have the original PC that had the Windows 7 OS. I don't even remember what it was. How do I make my copy of Windows 7 genuine? Thank you!!

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

Strictly speaking the license is OEM and is not transferable... One might tell you to buy a new license however it is cheaper to buy a second hand OptiPlex 780 (superior hardware) with a Windows 7 Pro OEM license then it is to buy a retail Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 license...

On the other hand the OptiPlex 760 with Windows Vista was sold just before Windows 7 was released and was eligible for a free upgrade,..

The system BIOS revision is A00 (26 August 2008) and was released before Windows 7 was released. If the system has MBR (non-UEFI) BIOS revision A16 (3 September 2013) the Dell Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD will activate on it:

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER01655581M/1/O760-A16.exe

See here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpQxjpRXrjc&index=1&list=PL1RkaknDn7v-Ucth4gt0U3BHVSY7oNkWr

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/updating-the-bios/

You will need to Clean Reinstall Windows 7 after updating the BIOS to A16 or use the ABR program to reapply generic Dell OEM Windows 7 System Locked Preinstallation:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/the-activation-backup-and-recovery-program-windows-vista-7-version/

An alternative route after updating the BIOS to A16 is to use the Windows Insider Build 10130 as a stepping stone to make your system a Windows 10 Pro TH2 Device:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-xpvista-%e2%86%92-windows-10-free-upgrade/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1RkaknDn7v8RDvZUZBKQnuIVM_cqbgs3

beamermt79 · Answer

It should give you an 800 or 866 number to call to activate it and that will transfer your license over to the 'new' computer.

Philip_Yip · Answer

You buy another OptiPlex 760? Does it have the latest MBR BIOS revision. Press [Windows] and [ r ] and type in msinfo32 and press [Enter]. Let me know the model number if its not an OptiPlex 760 and the BIOS revision.

Philip Yip

starduster31 · Answer

It says Optiplex 760 and BIOS version is Dell Inc. A00 or AOO, not sure which, and 9/26/2008. In SMBIOS version, it says 2.5. I called Microsoft and they said without the Windows 7 product key I am SOL. I do not have the product key, it is not on the Dell reinstallation DVD. All I have is the Windows Vista key that was on the computer. The other Dell that had Windows 7 on it has been recycled. I no longer have it. I sincerely hope I don't have to pay for another key.

stdasieuthiduan · Answer

You buy another OptiPlex 760? Does it have the latest MBR BIOS revision. Press [Windows] and [ r ] and type in msinfo32 and press [Enter]. Let me know the model number if its not an OptiPlex 760 and the BIOS revision.

Philip Yip

starduster31 · Answer

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Windows General

Optiplex 760 reinstalling Windows 7

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