bought used computer, Win7 "not genuine", Win7 product sticker on case

Old_Feller, by "made headway" I suppose you mean you succeeded in downloading a Windows 7 ISO?

But Hasher Lite does not seem to have a "scale icon" for me to click. I can look at the values, however, and see that they match.

First, make sure you download the portable version as shown in the following screenshot...

The scale icon is shown below...

Please post a screenshot showing the scale icon is missing.  Follow this tutorial to insert a picture in your post.

And yes, a user can compare the hash himself, however, when the program makes the comparison it eliminates human error and saves time.

Rufus is directing me to go to "Disk Management", but does not tell me where that is. Where is it?

 

In order to choose the file system you need to first know what kind of disk structure is the target system as well as the boot type. There are two types of disk structures, first is the old MBR(Master Boot Record) and the latter is the more advanced GPT(GUID partition table). To know the type of disk of the target system perform these steps

1. Go to Disk management > Right click on disk 0 > Click on properties > under volume table the partition style is shown

Hold on, hold on.  You are getting a little ahead of me.  Please post a screenshot pointing out what you clicked to get that message.

Okay.  I see where you quoted that text from now.  The instructions in the article on how to configure Rufus is very helpful for finding out the type of file system the target computer uses and whether the firmware is BIOS or UEFI.  Forget those instructions for now.  Instead, make sure Rufus is configured as in the screenshot below...

Device - The name of your USB flash drive.  This field will be populated automatically.

Partition scheme and target system type - MBR partition scheme for BIOS or UEFI

File system - FAT32 (Default)

Cluster size - 16 kilobytes (Default)

New volume label - No need to enter any information.  This field will populate automatically when the ISO is detected

Make sure everything under Format Options is the same as above.  Ensure ISO Image is selected in the field next to Create a bootable disk using.  Click the disk icon as indicated by the arrow, and navigate to the ISO and double-click it.  When ready, click the Start button and wait for Rufus to create the bootable USB.  Ready will be shown again when done.

Edited by Agouti, 14 May 2016 - 09:36 AM.

Okay the scale icon is there. I just didn't recognize what it was. But I'm getting a red minus sign. Damn. I guess this means I have to start over. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I've got to take a break as I've developed a massive headache.

Wait....I had unchecked everthing except the one that I was directed to check (SHA1). Now that I re checked all the other stuff, I'm getting a big fat green check.

Edited by Old_Feller, 14 May 2016 - 10:18 AM.

The "big fat green check" means the ISO is okay.  You are good to go.

Old_Feller

There is an old quote from Chester Cadadf which seems appropriate here.

Sure, understanding today's complex world of the future is a little like having bees live in your head. But, there they are.

Okay. I made the disk. Just a couple of concerns. Rufus wanted to upgrade when I downloaded and installed it, so I went ahead and said yes. So I have Rufus 2.8.886.

This Rufus has a few things that are different from the one you sent me a screen shot of. "File System" is defaulting to NTFS.  Cluster Size is defaulting to 4096 bytes.

I notice that Rufus has defaulted back to those defaults, after the disk is finished. I hope it came out right....

Moving forward....

dc3

Sure, understanding today's complex world of the future is a little like having bees live in your head. But, there they are.

Yes, that's precisely how I feel right now. Some of the stuff that Agouti had to re-show me was so clear - like the javascript text file, that once I saw it, I had no idea how in the world I didn't see it to begin with.

Well, once I take a good break, I have to go back over all of this and hopefully, commit much to memory. I've learned a lot from this project, and that was always the goal. When I gave the guy $20 for the used computer, I knew I'd never see him again. lol (and I haven't! He doesn't respond to messages.)... I knew there was no way this computer was in good working condition, as advertised - not for $20. I had no idea what it would be, but I knew this would wind up being a learning experience, which I was looking forward to.

You guys here at BC are great and I intend to make a contribution!

Okay. I made the disk. Just a couple of concerns. Rufus wanted to upgrade when I downloaded and installed it, so I went ahead and said yes. So I have Rufus 2.8.886.

 

This Rufus has a few things that are different from the one you sent me a screen shot of. "File System" is defaulting to NTFS.  Cluster Size is defaulting to 4096 bytes.

 

I notice that Rufus has defaulted back to those defaults, after the disk is finished. I hope it came out right....

Rufus 2.8.886 is the current version, so nothing to worry about there.  Also, NTFS and 4096 bytes is also correct.  Sorry, I had that wrong.  Lol.

When I gave the guy $20 for the used computer, I knew I'd never see him again. lol (and I haven't! He doesn't respond to messages.)...

Let's hope it wasn't stolen.  I wouldn't like to hear the police came knocking on your door!

Old_Feller, none of us came into this world knowing everything.  We all had to learn to get where we are.  I am sure with this experience under your belt, you'd be more prepared going forward.  If you have any further questions, just ask.

Agouti or anyone

For acquiring the urgent drivers, like the chipset drivers;

Should the new copy of Windows 7 be usable as is? That is, can I install my WiFi USB adapter software (on CD) on this computer and then download strait to the new OS, or will I need to copy that stuff to a thumb drive and install it that way?

In stall the operating system and then add the drivers you need to it.

Should the new copy of Windows 7 be usable as is? That is, can I install my WiFi USB adapter software (on CD) on this computer and then download strait to the new OS, or will I need to copy that stuff to a thumb drive and install it that way?

Yes, you can do it that way.  No probs.

Dell .com is not recognizing my service tag number. My betting is that they've flagged me since I called them the other day requesting to register the computer in my name - but didn't have a bill of sale.

I bet they're treating it as "stolen".

I guess I'll call them in the morning. Any suggestions?

pissed

Edited by RolandJS, 14 May 2016 - 10:27 PM.

Dell .com is not recognizing my service tag number.

You're right.  When I wrote the instructions, I used the service tag to lookup your Dell support page and included a link in step 8.  I just tried it again a few minutes ago and got this...

No other manufacturer I know of does this.

You may have to simply re-install Windows and hope everything works.  If something isn't working, we'll deal with it then.  John21_C is quite expert at helping users locate drivers.