download of replacement (version 8.1) OS for HP laptop

[wpshooter]

Can Windows version 8.1 operating system be downloaded from MS website and used to reinstall on HP laptop as long as I have the original MS key for the OS (7) that was installed on the computer from factory ?

No, it does not have partition for recovery.

Thanks.

 

[sweenish]

You could download 7 and install it with the genuine key.

Not sure why you think 8.1 would work. The current upgrade on offer that uses old keys is to W10.

 

[wpshooter]

You could download 7 and install it with the genuine key.

Not sure why you think 8.1 would work. The current upgrade on offer that uses old keys is to W10.

Sweenish:

Thanks for your reply.

If I can install Win 7 back on it, is it possible to go to version 8, then 8.1, by downloading those ?

Thanks.

 

[sweenish]

Why the desire to go to 8.1 in the first place? And why do you keep thinking that a key for one version entitles you to another?

You can go from 7 to 10 for free until about June. If you want 8, you'll need a key for 8. 8 goes to 8.1 for free, since it was basically just a service pack.

These keys are for specific versions only. I guess there are upgrades, but that's a whole other thing, and I believe they still come with their own keys.

 

[wpshooter]

According to my understanding 8 is better OS than 7.

Don't think the laptop is designed for nor has the resources to properly run 10.

Maybe they will have to be satisfied with 7 or buy a newer machine or send MS some money for version 8.

Thanks.

 

[sweenish]

What makes you think it won't run 10?

10 is much improved over 8.

Given what I've been seeing, I think you're going to be just fine sticking with 7.

 

[Linflas]

I just upgraded my Dell Studio 17 (1645) to Windows 10 and it runs just fine. The only hardware change I made was bumping the memory up to 8GB. This laptop was built originally 11/2009 and the only driver that was not installed was the bluetooth driver but I was able to find it through a support board.