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zooks

(308 posts)
Tue Feb 18, 2020, 07:40 PM Feb 2020

Question about reinstalling Windows 7 on an Asian HP laptop

Awhile ago I bought a used laptop with software from a neighbour moving back to Korea. I have since lost the software. My question is whether I can pay someone who has Windows 7 software (English) to do a re-install when the laptop is Asian. (the plug is Asian but I have an adapter and the language is Korean.

Totally computer challenged person so any help is much appreciated

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Question about reinstalling Windows 7 on an Asian HP laptop (Original Post) zooks Feb 2020 OP
computers speak 0 and 1 nt msongs Feb 2020 #1
Thanks for the reply. So if someone doesnt know Korean but zooks Feb 2020 #4
Can you change the language MaineBlueBear Feb 2020 #2
I don't have the password so is it possible to get to the settings menu? zooks Feb 2020 #3
Not sure of the specifics MaineBlueBear Feb 2020 #5
Thx for the reply. From research I've done the best way to bypass passwords is to zooks Feb 2020 #6
A couple of things... The Conductor Feb 2020 #8
Thanks zooks Feb 2020 #9
Do you know any computer techs? LuvLoogie Feb 2020 #7

zooks

(308 posts)
4. Thanks for the reply. So if someone doesnt know Korean but
Tue Feb 18, 2020, 07:58 PM
Feb 2020

knows how to install software they won't have a problem?

MaineBlueBear

(457 posts)
2. Can you change the language
Tue Feb 18, 2020, 07:49 PM
Feb 2020

from the setting menu? When setting up the computer the user chooses the language (and sets the time zone; periferals; etc.)

That's where I'd start.

MaineBlueBear

(457 posts)
5. Not sure of the specifics
Tue Feb 18, 2020, 08:12 PM
Feb 2020

But it can be done. Google: how to bypass windows 7 password.

Is this a high performance laptop? If not I wouldn't recommend using an unsupported and obsolete OS. You're better off getting a new rig. A basic non-gaming laptop can be bought for less than the cost of windows 10. Under $100

zooks

(308 posts)
6. Thx for the reply. From research I've done the best way to bypass passwords is to
Tue Feb 18, 2020, 08:28 PM
Feb 2020

do a complete re-install. Money is tight and I want this for my elderly mom to watch dvds and read a few news sites

The Conductor

(200 posts)
8. A couple of things...
Tue Feb 18, 2020, 09:00 PM
Feb 2020

Check if the laptop hardware will support Windows 10. You can get a copy of that directly from Microsoft as a free download. If you have a valid key (check the Genuine Windows sticker), you can upgrade. While the free upgrade has technically expired, I can tell you it still works just fine. I just upgraded a Win 7 system that way last month, and it was very straightforward. Then you'd have a modern operating system that has current updates to keep the problems to a minimum.

The language change shouldn't be a show stopper in this, either.

LuvLoogie

(8,909 posts)
7. Do you know any computer techs?
Tue Feb 18, 2020, 08:59 PM
Feb 2020

Reinstalling/clean installing an OS isn't any easier than using Hiren's on a boot able USB flash drive. You'd want to run the NT password bypass/reset.

Don't run windows 7 unless you know how to tinker with the OS.

Go to New Egg and get your Mom a refurbished Windows 10 PC. It will probably come with a full sized keyboard and mouse. Also get her a monitor at least 23"

A tech would charge you at least 100 to unlock or reinstall. The only worth to that would be is if you have a valid OEM Windows activated key. You could then still get a free upgrade to windows 10. But you're going to want at least 8 GB of RAM, too. So you have to figure the cost of upgrading that too.

Spring for some decent external speakers too. Logitech has a nice set for about 25 bucks on Amazon. About 50 bucks if you want to include a subwoofer.

Most laptop sound sucks for watching movies. Get her a Disney plus account. Don't mess with DVDs.

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