Thursday, November 27, 2014

reinstall - How to tell if a Windows 7 re-install disk (and subsequent installation) is OEM or not?


How do I tell if a Windows 7 re-install disk is OEM (and subsequent installation) or not?


Can I explore the disk to look for a certain file or setting. And once installed can I go into the control panel and look for an indication or run a utility to detect?


Background


I have a HP laptop which does not come with a full true Windows 7 install disk, instead it comes with recovery disk(s) and partition (i.e. a image of the hard drive partition at factory install).


At some point I would prefer to wipe the laptop disk and re-install cleanly on same laptop Windows 7 from a true Windows 7 OS (re)install disk, available on ebay, and use the genuine COA product serial license key from the label on the laptop. Reason for re-install is to get rid of all the guff (trialware, utils, etc) provided as standard. I would download necessary drivers from online.


I would prefer to obtain a Windows 7 re-install disk that is not OEM. This would be handy for use on other machines later (which have their own genuine COA), hence the preference as OEM is locked to motherboard hardware. I will be looking for an install that matches the Windows 7 edition on the laptop, i.e. 64bit home premium.


Answer



Regular Windows 7 setup disks will accept OEM product keys. I've done this so many times. . .


It's not like under XP/Server 2003.


http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Operating-systems-and/The-Cleanest-Install-Windows-7-Recovery-Discs/td-p/394461



You cannot do it with Recovery discs from HP, you could however use a
standard W7 install disc, then download and install software and
drivers using this page, Select Software and Drivers Downloads
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?product=4041797&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us
W7 ISO downloads here
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2010/04/28/download-windows-7-iso-official-32-bit-and-64-bit-direct-do...



Just in case you need proof.


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