Windows 7: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Yes you can use the latest official ISO with SP1 from the tutorial for Upgrade version.

If you have any OS on the HD when you boot the installer, it should see it and allow use of the Upgrade version key during install.

If not wait until after install to activate after doing either workaround in Option Three of Brink's tutorial to Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version.

Is this what you needed to know?

Thanks, that is what I wanted to know. I am not going to attempt the reinstall for a couple of weeks, so I have time to read about it and get ready.

What is the difference between "ISOx86 and ISOx64"? Your step 2 instructs to: "Download the lastest official Windows 7 installer ISO with SPI ***." When I try to do so I get an error code 0x800 80005, then Digital River pops up and says they will down load what I am looking for but gives a list for each Windows version and languages for it; for the english language they give two choices - either ISOx86 or ISOx64 and I do not know which to select, and it takes over 3hrs for them to down load each one. Lost Novice

If it's the HP in your specs we know it runs 64 bit Windows 7 by googling its specs: HP Pavilion dv7-3186cl Entertainment Notebook PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion dv7-3186cl Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download

I wish to sincerely thank you for such a quick response. You are correct regarding the specs. of my computer. I am 68 and know just enough about computers to get myself in deep problems although I purchased my first computer back in the early 80's (Commandore 64). I have been working almost day and night on this computer, reading many of the tutorials, but I feel like a man in quicksand...the more I move, the more I sink further into problems. All I want to do is reinstall my OS because of problems it developed when I let my wife and daughter, both more lost on computers than I. When I got to the 1st instruction in your "How To Clean Reinstall A Factory OEM Windows 7", I downloaded Digital River and tried to get my OS (Windows 7, Home Preminum) and it gave me two choices, either ***X86 or X64*** in the langusge selection of English. Not knowing which, I selected "***X86***", which turns out to be wrong, I think, but when I entered my selection I got an error code, 0x800 80005 (maybe that was 0x80080005, I am not sure), but I got a pop up saying they would open it for me and I selected that. When it started opening it, I seen it was going to take over three hours to do so, and I sent the comment into you, which you responded to. That's it. Sorry my attempts here to explain are so wordy and long, please understand.

Again, thank you so very much for responding so quick. Hopefully, you will assist me further. Regardless, I certainly appreciate you being there. ...Roy Bond

I'm sorry I thought you were past the problem you were having and downloading the ISO now.

Since from your subsequent comments it's clear you are still confused I have updated you with more detailed steps on downloading and burning the ISO below in a new post #110 so you're sure to see it.

I do not understand, the forum seems to be treating me as though I have already attempted to post a thread and I do not think I have. I have worked all morning attempting to load in the SF Diagnostic Tool - Using for trouble shooting, but I am not sure it has been uploaded and sent to Forums correctly. Forums tells me to upload the results and include it in the thread I am supposed to have posted. I do not understand. Please check this out for me and let me know where I can locate the thread or if I ever posted a thread. If I have not, then I should post one, if I have, I guess I need to add to it once I see what it is. Thank you. Roy Bond

Why can't I post a thread? I know my computer has been acting up, but I have not posted any threads that I know of. Please help me determine what the problem is. Thank you. Roy Bond

I'm sorry I thought you were past the problem you were having and downloading the ISO now.

Download the 64 bit Home Premium by clicking Save in your browser. It may take awhile depending upon your connection speed.

While it's downloading install from this link ImgBurn.

When the ISO is finished downloading browse to it (probably in User Downloads folder) from ImgBurn "Write Disk Image" screen by clicking on the File folder icon as highlighted below.


[click images to enlarge]

Once ISO is loaded select 4x Write speed as also shown and insert a new good-quality DVD in drive, then click the Write image button.

Reboot and tap the HP F9 or ESC key vigorously to get a boot menu, choose DVD drive to boot. Follow steps in tutorial to install.

I started the download of X17-58997 ISO which you sent me before I noticed the reviews and time to download, after which I stopped early on during the down load for two reasons: (1) In the reviews contained in the X17-58997 ISO, one of the reviewers said: "Not 64bit version" and appeared somewhat frustrated; another reviewer said "Works great for installing Win 7 home premium 64 bit to a bare drive."; and (2) I noticed it would take over 12 hours on my machine to down load at my location. Question: How do you respond to what the two reviewers said? And for your information, I live in the Florida Everglades where no electrical or hard telephone lines are and must rely on Verizon cell phone for telephone and internet service, and because of the time and Verizon's charges, I must go into town to a cheaper and better internet service provider to download over 12 hours.

Thank you, again, for your great help and assistance. Roy Bond