Windows 7: Re-Install Windows 7

The time has come after 18 months to re-install Windows 7 as the wireless networking is broken.

The install I have is pre-SP1 upgraded to SP-1 via Windows updates. I downloaded an .ISO of Windows 7 which I understand was authorised or at least condoned by Microsoft. That .ISO includes SP-1. It came from River Media as I recall.

Am I able to install the downloaded .ISO with the key I have for my original retail copy ? This would avoid my having to install Win 7 followed by SP-1.



Are there likely to be problems, or would I be safer just to use the retail copy I have?

I'm reasonably sure you are OK to use the downloaded ISO with SP1 integrated and then activate with your existing key. The key works on Win 7 alone or on Win 7 with SP 1 integrated.

I've done a similar download with SP 1 integrated from Digital River and burned a disc from that ISO--but I have not yet installed with it.

If you are anxious about it, you could use your original pre-SP 1 disc and then download the SP 1 standalone ISO.

I think the latter would be the best way forward, but the standalone SP-1 .ISO I have downloaded is entitled "windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe". My system is Windows 7 Professional 64-bit and that .ISO appears to be a 32-bit.

Windows 6.1 ? X86 ?

I also downloaded and saved the 64-bit version of the SP1 standalone.

It is named windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe.

Based on that, I'd guess you have the 32 bit version. Go back to MS and look for the file I got.

You can get the x64 here,

Download: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (KB976932) - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

Yes, thanks both. I now have the correct version.

It's much easier to install the latest official download which has SP1 baked into it:
Official ISO Downloads Windows 7 Professional x64 English

Burn to DVD or write to flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

Then boot to clean reinstall following these steps to get a perfect reinstall of factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

Too late, I've reinstalled it from the retail DVD, followed by the SP-1 CD. Seems to have worked. At least the wireless networking now works. Reinstallation is very much quicker than doing this with XP.

I'd get the SP-1 download you suggest above for future use, but the link is broken.

I'll look for the broken link. Many thanks.

The link is OK from here.

Working now !