Windows 7: Proprietary Files on Laptops

There was a thread on here about two months ago where a couple of you (can't remember who) more knowledgeable guys were having a discussion about whether you could download the Digital River ISO and do a clean install or if some laptops had proprietary files in the Recovery Partition and would not allow the clean install. I don't remember what was decided. If any of you remember this thread, I would like to know how this discussion turned out. Thanks,

Hi Bigmck.

I wondering if you are talking about this thread:
cant install windows 7 in the preinstalled windows 8 laptop

With great follow up by Gregrocker:
Secure Boot Arrives

Is this the one?

As I recall, and I am a bit foggy on the thread at this point, I don't think it had anything to do with Win 8. == Let me just pose the question then. Has anyone run across an instance where the Digital River Win 7 ISO would not install in a Win 7 OEM for some reason? Maybe I am just dreaming up a problem when none exists. Thanks,

There should never be a problem, especially if you delete all partitions before installing.

Agreed. I would personally use a live CD/USB to accomplish this.

A great one that recently got removed from my "Do not use this since it has pirated stuff in it" list is Download Hiren. It's pretty great especially with all the freeware tools bundled with it.

However, from my understanding, you would legally have to own a Windows XP license to legally use the MiniXP function of the Live CD.

Thanks for everyone's reply.