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Hum... next step was to verify the key, and i get this error message:
Error
The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options.
Does that mean it won't work to get the Disc image?
Now all you have to do is verify which version of Windows you have. Also, it makes a difference if you have the Retail or OEM version when you select the .iso file to download for the repair.
Edit: It looks like you have the OEM version of Windows. You would need an .iso file for the OEM version you have.
OK, let's say that i am downloading and trying to use the wrong version, would it mess up something or just not work?
I could download more than one if needed!
And also in the instructions you directed me to, it says "After the product key is verified, select a product language from the menu.", but if i get an error, then i can't verify it. Where would i get the file/disc image then?
You should be able to download any version(s) that you need.
If you try the incorrect one, it should simply not work.
I guess i'll have to find another method to find the disc image as that link won't let me pass the verification step.
I will get my hand on the original OEM disk used for my computer, so i should be able to do a repair tonight. I'll update you after.
In the instructions for the Windows repair, it states to save all the drivers on an external location.
Silly question maybe but what are they and where are they?
Drivers are the software that works with your hardware. Examples would be software drivers for your network adapter, video display adapter, etc. If you have the driver installation media or files that came with the computer or add-on hardware, then you should be OK.
I am now terrified of doing this. What if...? What if...?
:(
You could always make an image backup of your system drive before starting the Repair Install. That way, you could restore it if anything went wrong.
Good idea... how do i do that?
You can use something like Acronis, which is what I use. I always boot from the bootable media to make my image files, that way no installation is required. Acronis is not free however.
Free imaging tools:
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/fiv...cloning-tools/
Cool, i just bought Acronis yesterday... what a coincidence!
I might no be able to do much today, as the backup seems it will take 12+ hours :(
How much space is used on your system drive? Note that the initial estimate for the backup time is likely to be hugely overestimated.