Digital River Win7 ISO servers taken down again

David I cannot tell from that link if they're referring to Factory OEM or only System Builder. But we need to find out to update the inoperable ISO links in several tutorials here.

Greg, are you referring to the wording here ?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

Replacement OEM or system builder software media

In most cases, you should contact the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or the system builder directly to replace Microsoft software that was distributed with your computer. However, an exception is made for operating system service pack media*, for which you can contact us directly.

• For computer manufacturer contact information, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Please Verify your Location
• If the product was distributed by an OEM or by a system builder, the product ID will contain the letters "OEM." Visit the following Microsoft Web site, select the appropriate product family, and then follow the steps to locate the product ID: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=notsureoem
• For OEM software, the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) lists the computer manufacturer's name under the software version name. For more information about the COA, visit the following Microsoft Web site: How to Tell - Home
  If you have system builder software, the COA lists "OEM Software" or "OEM Product" under the software version name.

They seem to say it's for OEM or System Builder, but i could be wrong ...

Yes. I'm wondering if OEM and System Builder are the same there. They seem to want to leave the consumer at the mercy of the Factory OEM to provide media, even though the point of the COA sticker providing a Product Key is to be able to do the Clean Reinstall.

Yea, i see your point, and agree.
MS needs to clarify what works with their latest change, and what the user needs to do.
Seems they want to "offload" replacement media requests to someone else (OEM/SB) ... and offer a "last ditch effort" by requesting media from MS.

But, will they really answer and support all possibilities needing replacement media, or make it too confusing for most folks ???

ThrashZone said:

Yea I checked some time back for one from Acer I believe and they wanted 150.00 for another oem on a disk,
I laughed and said you realize they are 106.00 at TigerDirect right

Thrashzone, something tells me you got the wrong person, who didn't understand want you wanted. Oems are giving two choices provided either a restore disk or re-installationd dvd for small fee. So you should of asked for a Reinstallation Disk and a driver disk if you need one, not an oem disk. If they didn't have that then you could ask for a factroy restore disk in this case you wouldn't need a driver disk.

I got one from dell (shown) and I also got a driver disk (Not shown).

How much did Dell want for that Reinstallation DVD? Dell is the only maker who I understand provides them, and only on some models.

There is only self-activation and a Dell Logo added, no Dell-specific drivers which should come first from Windows Update before importing from the Dell Downloads page for your tag number (not the disk). The drivers disk may come in handy to get online if needed to install all Windows Updates.

But the disk can be used on other PC's if there is a Product Key to activate. This is because it is a standard Win7 installation DVD with two tiny add-ins.

Step 1 now edited here to reflect these apparently permanent changes: Clean Reinstall Windows 7

gregrocker said:

How much did Dell want for that Reinstallation DVD? Dell is the only maker who I understand provides them, and only on some models.

There is only self-activation and a Dell Logo added, no Dell-specific drivers which should come first from Windows Update before importing from the Dell Downloads page for your tag number (not the disk). The drivers disk may come in handy to get online if needed to install all Windows Updates.

But the disk can be used on other PC's if there is a Product Key to activate. This is because it is a standard Win7 installation DVD with two tiny add-ins.

Step 1 now edited here to reflect these apparently permanent changes: Clean Reinstall Windows 7

gregrocker,

There was some issues slowing down my computer and dell couldn't figure out why. Since they couldn't do remote access, they sent me a Re-installation DVD and a driver disk at no charge. Which seems to fix the problem. It wasn't totally fixed, I never notice it. Then once I got a new motherboard under warranty, my computer is a lot faster. That Re-installation dvd still works and it didn't need reactivated. It was pre-activated after installation and it never was connected to the internet in anyway. I was surprised it didn't need activated with a new motherboard but I know how it is done, I watched the tech.

I did read that you can order the disks even after the warranty has expired but it cost. I don't know the cost.