Reinstalling W7 on Laptop From Friend - Not Sure Which Install Type

Will it even unlocking the Pro OEM Version or do I need an OEM W7 Disk Image to start with?

Or will the key on the bottom of my laptop work for any W7 Pro installation?


Thx,

Mike

You can Order Lenovo Recovery Disks from here:
Lenovo Support - How can I get a Product Recovery CD or DVD?

Rightclick scan the ISO with Malwarebytes
and your AV.

Run this tool on the iSO: Unlock any version eicfg removal tool

Then burn unlocked ISO to DVD using ImgBurn or write to flash stick using Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

Choose your licensed version to install, insert Product Key during install.

Reinstalling Windows 7

I just want to do a complete clean install with the media I have. I read I can change the 'Chanel' to OEM but I assume this doesn't matter because I'm deleting the file that I would need to alter.

Will I have the option to do a W7 Pro OEM install after deleting ei.cfg?


Thx

I deleted the ei.cfg file, I just need to be sure my OEM key will work if I select pro.

I'll just give it a shot now...

Thx

Rex32 said:

I just want to do a complete clean install with the media I have. I read I can change the 'Chanel' to OEM but I assume this doesn't matter because I'm deleting the file that I would need to alter.

Will I have the option to do a W7 Pro OEM install after deleting ei.cfg?


Thx

Yes, but stay away from illegal downloads.

There is no OEM channel with Win7 or Vista. ANy retail installer can install all versions including OEM. Only the key determines the version which will activate.

From what you told us about the COA sticker, your OEM key will only work with Pro.

You need to boot the installer. If it's a flash stick ISO must be written to the stick using the tool I gave you. Copying the files on will rarely work. Removing ei.cfg from Sources or running the ei.cfg removal tool on the iSO will either one work.

I don't normal use 'illegal' software, but I am just using it as I don't have the original media to create a disk image. I booted from the USB Stick and I can select W7 Home Basic, Home PRemium, Professional, and Ultimate... There is no mention of any OEM stuff, does this matter?

If I just select Windows 7 Professional, and format my HDD, and install it, will the key on the COA sticker work? I'm really worried that I am using a Retail Disk and an OEM Key...

It is not illegal if you own a WIn7 license you are installing it for.

Vista and Win7 retail installers install OEM the same as retail.

Use Custom install Drive Options to Delete all partitions and give some thought to how you want your partitions laid out - OS and data, one OS partition, multiple partitions? Then create and format each, install.

Accept the 100mb boot partition as it places the Repair Console on F8 Advanced Boot options. Follow the steps I gave you to get a perfect install.

Yeah I saw that post, but shouldn't I be selecting an OEM version from the installer? Or do you mean that there is no difference between the OEM & Retail versions of W7? Sorry to be a pita, I just want to make sure I do this right before formatting my drive...

Like shouldn't I be able to choose:

Win7 Home Basic Retail
Win7 Hoem Premium Retail
Win7 Pro Retail
Win7 Ultimate Retail

and

W7 Home Basic OEM
W7 Home Premium OEM
W7 Pro OEM
W7 Ultimate OEM

Or will selecting W7 Professional just work?

** OKAY ** I think I re-read your post right, Win7 Pro is Win7 Pro and OEM or Retail will be activated when I input my key, correct?

I checked the ei.cfg file before I deleted it and the channel said 'Retail' not 'OEM;...