Windows 7: Where can I legally download Win 7 from?

Starting with Vista all retail installers will reinstall both retail and OEM Windows of your version. If you have a Product Key it will work for the licensed version only, and may require a quick robocall to MS to sort out the key.



We cannot link to downloads as it encourages piracy, so it is best you borrow or find a retail installer (not a branded Recovery Disk). If you cannot find your version, then you can extract the ISO using ImgBurn, unlock all versions using the ei.cfg removal tool, then burn to DVD an all versions DVD to install your version with key.

The product keys are language-specific except in Ultimate which features language packs. The expert on languages here is Kari if you need to ask him directly.

You can use a retail disc to install and activate an OEM key. I've done it several times.
If a local store would burn you a copy, it wouldn't matter what type. The license is what changes/matters. If you use a disc to install, just don't enter your key until after your version of the OS is installed. There is no reason to put the key in during the install anyway, so why bother.

is it true that all installations are the "same", that it is the product key that "tells" the installation what version make accessible? Basically, depending on the product key you enter, will determine if you end up with home, business or ultimate, etc?

No, you still need to pick the version you have a key for, or else the key won't be accepted. However, given that most people remove the ei.cfg file, and install from a flash drive, this isn't a big deal...it is just a matter of picking the right version during the install. No reason not to, to be honest. You are asked to pick your version before you get to the question about the key. There isn't any reason to pop in the key during the install process anyway, yet many reasons for not entering the key.