How to tell which Win 7 disk to which computer?

robertpri · 23 May 2011

I have three computers and two 'full install' Win 7 Pro disks.

It was a frenzied time in my life. Enough said.

Anyway, while sorting out old disks, I realize I don't know which disk goes to which computer. If I ever need to re-do, I would like to know.

I have the product keys on the two disk sets, so can I search the registry for those numbers? Then I would know.

The bigger mystery will be the odd one, the third laptop without disks. I am certain it has some kind of recovery feature, perhaps in Setup. Not sure. First, I have to figure out which laptop does not have disks.

As noted, I bought them during a very frenzied period.

gregrocker · 23 May 2011

Audit the HD using Belarc Advisor for all installed software Product Keys, which is all you need for the specific machine since the retail disks for the same version are identical.

Your factory OEM machine should have a Recovery Partition which can be run from Windows, at boot, and also generate a set of Recovery Disks needed as a secondary backup.

Check also the COA sticker on the machine for the exact version of the OS so you can be on the lookout for a retail installer to clean reinstall with the Product Key imprinted there if need be which is a much better reinstall without the factory bloatware.

seavixen32 · 23 May 2011

Belarc Advisor is an excellent free utility that will scan your computer and display the results in a web page. The inventory includes your software licences (product keys), hot fixes (updates), RAM and such like.

You haven't said whether the Windows 7 discs in question are OEM or retail. If they are OEM the product key should be on a sticker attached to the underside of your laptop (s).

In any event, if you have OEM recovery discs you'll soon find out if you've put the wrong one in the DVD drive as it won't install.

Bare Foot Kid · 23 May 2011

Here's an excellent app that doesn't install, it will run from a USB stick.

SIW System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala

DocBrown · 23 May 2011

The install discs are pretty much generic installers, except maybe certain Mfg OEM Discs.
As long as your COA Key Code matches the version of the Disc, they should work.
Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate, (32bit or 64bit)

Here is another program to view your aready installed Key Code.

Magical Jelly Bean

Print out 2 copies to keep in safe places

robertpri · 23 May 2011

Thanks all!
Those are great downloads and I saved them all. Now I gotta figure out that odd one with no disks. I did make a full Win 7 backup to 6 DVD's, and a bootable DVD, so at least I should be safe. There is probably a recovery process, but I have to find the manual.

thanks again!

seavixen32 · 24 May 2011

You're very welcome, pleased we could help.