How to retrieve an older Windows OS software of OEM recovery disk

nash04 · 19 Oct 2011

Hi
On my older Gateway pc had Vista 64 installed and purchase the WIN7 Ultimate upgrade but now I built a new pc and installed the WIN 7 OS on my new system but am getting some hiccups with the software (i.e. access denied when I try to change the parameter of a process>even though I'm login as an admin, or updating drivers>MS states their drivers are better even though they are older and a few critical errors in even viewer>DCOM, NTFS file structure)so spoke to MS and they stated to do a clean install of WIN 7, either I resinstall the earlier OS version (Vista) then upgrade it to WIN7 but if I just want to install the WIN7 then I need to purchase the full version of it which if at all possible I would rather not since the upgrade cost me $240 in february. I know there used to be away to retrieve the OS of the OEM CD and install it without the OEM apps/drivers/junk software.

On my 2 recovery DVD, there are some WIM files starting with Base.dat thru Base5.wmi files. Can I just copy/burn those files onto a dvd and install it or is it more complex nowadays?

Thanks for the help.

seavixen32 · 19 Oct 2011

I'm not sure I fully understand what you're after, but if you want to do what I think you want to do, please check this tutorial.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key

theog · 19 Oct 2011

You can not transfer the old Gateway Vista licence to your new PC.
As this would a breach of the terms of use
License Terms

MilesAhead · 19 Oct 2011

At this point you may want to download an .iso of the full Windows Seven install DVD. Install with no product key for 30 day evaluation. By then you should be able to tell if you're going to get everything to work. If you need another 30 days see this tutorial:
How to use Windows 7 for free for 120 days, legally

After you get everything working, assuming you do, you can make a decision as to what to buy.

nash04 · 19 Oct 2011

Thanks for the info, from what I read; would be better to do like MilesAhead stated.

TJG · 19 Oct 2011

I would have thought he got a COA with the retail win 7 upgrade he paid $240 for. I thought he could move that to another machine as long as he only has it on one machine. ?

TJG :)

EDIT: He could also do a clean install with the upgrade disk, he doesn't need that vista on the new machine.

**cluberti** · 20 Oct 2011

TJG said:

I would have thought he got a COA with the retail win 7 upgrade he paid $240 for. I thought he could move that to another machine as long as he only has it on one machine. ?

Pay close attention:

nash04 said:

Hi
On my older Gateway pc had Vista 64 installed and purchase the WIN7 Ultimate upgrade

The OEM license for Vista 64 from that Gateway was required to make the ultimate upgrade license valid, and technically using upgrade media places both licenses "in use" at the same time - that Win7 ultimate upgrade was then "tied" to a Vista OEM license. To make the upgrade license available for use again on another machine (assuming it was a retail license - if it was purchased from Gateway, it can't be moved at all), the OP would have to remove Win7 and reinstall Vista on the Gateway - however, that Win7 Ultimate upgrade license isn't meant for a clean install. Using upgrade media (and an upgrade key) to install without installing over an OEM or retail version of a lesser OS (or Win7 version) would also be in violation of the licensing agreement, even if it technically works.

nash04 · 20 Oct 2011

I purchase WIN 7 thru MS store and they sent me a hard copy of it which is not for resale. It was install on my Gateway for awhile but when I built this pc this past weekend, I format the Gateway HD and reinstall Vista but that's it. Then I perform a clean install of WIN 7 on my new pc and did have to get a new product key from MS since the old one was not working anymore and did explain to them what I was doing and they had no problems with that. When I have some extra $$$, I will purchase the Full install version but since the Holidays are coming soon, kids/wife have priority over the money, lol!!

TJG · 20 Oct 2011

Thanks cluberit
I understand it now.

TJG :)