Windows 7: New Hardware Fresh Install

I have just completed building a new system for a friend.
My friend is purchasing a new windows 7 pro package shortly.

In the meantime I would like to get her new machine up and running.

Can I install Win 7 with my copy but not enter a key thus allowing her
to enter her own OEM key once she receives the new computer?

I would like to at least get the updates installed for her and configure
the new machine prior to her receiving it so that she only has to put in
her key to activate windows and everything else will be ready to use.

Receives the new computer? or the new installation disk? Installation without entering a key is always possible while going for updates is a different matter there.

With any fresh install of 7 you first have to pass the WGA validation as well as the installation of the Windows installer used to put the updates on once downloaded. That requires an activated Windows however leaving you in a dilemna. Once the new disk is in perform the clean install at that time and get ready for the load of updates once that is activated.

For simply running 7 for 120 days without activationm, Activation Trial Period - Extend Up to 120 Days

Thank you muchly

That should get you started ok. Once the new disk is in you simply go into Control Panel>System and click on the change product key option to enter the new key and get 7 activated. The rest will simply be going for all of the updates afterwards. Have fun!

Sometimes it will let you Update before activating. Check and see.

It wouldn't hurt! Most likely the only things you would see however are some optional hardware updates for video and sound as well as the chipset. As for the regular MS updates for Windows you will run into a snag on those if you are able to get a few at this time.

At least with the 120 day extension you could have 7 on now while waiting to see how that runs and what will be needed later. Let us know how it goes.

Follow Up:

Yes I skipped the key entry and activation option during install everything went nicely
Then I immediately went to the update section and started an update, during the 1st round
I got 2 critical updates, those were installed flawlessly.

After the reboot I got a second round of updates 21 in all. The drivers for the video card
were downloaded and installed in the first round and other essential updates were installed in
round 2.

The system is being shipped out via UPS tomorrow and my friend already picked up her
copy of Windows 7 so she is ready to plug in her windows key as soon as she gets her new machine

Good job, KK.

Have her put in her activation key by rightclicking Computer>Properties, scroll down to Windows Activation.

Apparently MS is making things quite a bit easier with 7 then seen with XP and Vista where the WGA was more or less stuck on you until Windows was activated.

If you don't have the Computer icon shown on your desktop simply open up the Control Panel>System and click the Change product key link at the botton under Windows activation there. That goes quick!

Once activated the prompt to install the Windows installer will still likely be seen at the update site however before you can get any other remaining items. Well that's MS for you!

Yep sure is Thanks for all the help

I also included instructions for my friend on finding the
Activation function via the Control Panel / System route

Cheers