New hard drive, no install disk


  1. madkiwi
    Posts : 36
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       New #1

    New hard drive, no install disk


    I have an Asus UL80Vt notebook. Asus does not believe in supplying a disk with a full installable version of Windows 7 with the computer- I got two disks with my system- "Windows 7 Recovery Media for Windows 7 Product" and a disk with Asus drivers and utilities.

    Immediately upon starting the computer I was advised to create system restore disks, and 3 hours later I had 4 DVD-Rs with a complete rebuild on them. Also the factory hard drive has a hidden restore partition with about 9 GB of space.

    I just purchased an OCZ SSD, and I want to remove and replace my factory Maxtor. From what I understand about SSDs it is not a good idea to clone a standard disk drive on to them, you should do a clean, fresh install of the OS.

    Riddle me this- with what I have is that possible? Can I ask Microsoft to supply me with an install disk? Should I ask Asus? Am I supposed to get one with a system purchased from an authorized vendor (I do have the hologram sticker on the bottom of my laptop)?

    I had one guy tell me to buy a copy, Newegg has OEM licenses for $105. WTF? I don't think so, I paid for the damn license already, not just a plastic box full of electronics.

    What do I do now?

    Thanks
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  3. Saltgrass
    Posts : 1,031
    Windows 7 x64
       New #2

    I can't speak to the SSD aspect, but Windows has a backup and restore utility. If you create a system image to an external drive, or another internal drive, you might try restoring it to the SSD drive.

    I have replaced a normal SATA drive and used the image restore to get my system where it was prior to the drive change. I do not have an SSD drive, but I think if I did have one, I would make sure I was keeping an image backup.
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  4. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #3

    You are facing the dilemna that tech enthusiasts have battled since Vista release when increasingly manufacturers started enforcing sponsor's bloatware by refusing to provide a clean-copy install DVD.

    If you're happy with your current install then try Saltgrass's suggestion to save a Win7 backup image to reimage to SSD. Or find a Win7 installer to use for clean reinstall.

    Fortunately, all versions of the installer are included in every DVD and can be unlocked by extracting ISO files, deleting ei.cfg in Sources folder, then recompiling ISO into an All-Versions DVD: Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files You can then install using your stickered COA license key.

    You might want to take a look at the way MS made good on failing to provide installers for Student Downloads: Microsoft Fixes Windows 7 Student Edition Upgrade Problems - Windows 7 student edition - Gizmodo
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