Is this possible? OEM disk to make USB install drive

[nate42nd]

I have made a USB install drive using my OEM copy of Windows 7 64 bit. I plan to install about 5-7 of the same exact OS (64 bit Pro) in the next 2 months. I used it for the first build but used the disk for the second and noticed the product ID# is different before activation and after. I wonder if it's possible to use this USB install key to install the rest of the systems I'm building. It would sure be nicer o carry around with me. I could just try, but thought there may be someone who would know. Thanks.

 

[kegobeer]

I'm not sure I follow you. Using a USB flash drive to install is the same as using a disc. You can use either to install the OS over and over again - you just have to use different keys (unless this is a volume license version).

 

[gregrocker]

I use the same all-versions RTM on a USB stick to do all my installs. I format the stick primary, then copy the files into the root which allows it to boot. When not using it for install, I keep the RTM in a folder alongside all of my other apps/toolson the same stick. Then when I want to use it to install again, I just spill the RTM files out of their folder into the root. Very cool.

 

[nate42nd]

I'm not sure I follow you. Using a USB flash drive to install is the same as using a disc. You can use either to install the OS over and over again - you just have to use different keys (unless this is a volume license version).

There is a product ID# (right there where activation status is) Maybe the OEM channel IS volume licence.

I'm sure it will be fine. I just don't know if maybe OEM disks all have a unique ID#. Even if they do, Windows should recognize the product key when you enter it.

I will us the USB install drive I made with my first copy and see how it goes. If anyone knows what I'm talking about let me know. I don't know how else to say it.

Can you create and use a USB install key from an OEM version without modification (i.e. extracting and modifying a file)

 

[kegobeer]

VLM isn't tied to the media, it's just the type of key you have. I don't think you have a VLM key. You'd know it, because you can't buy them from anyone other than Microsoft.

What do you mean by "USB install key"?

 

[nate42nd]

What do you mean by "USB install key"?

I mean one of these. It make installing about twice as fast. They're great.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html?filter

I use method 2. It works like a charm.

 

[Snufffed]

I have made a USB install drive using my OEM copy of Windows 7 64 bit. I plan to install about 5-7 of the same exact OS (64 bit Pro) in the next 2 months. I used it for the first build but used the disk for the second and noticed the product ID# is different before activation and after. I wonder if it's possible to use this USB install key to install the rest of the systems I'm building. It would sure be nicer o carry around with me. I could just try, but thought there may be someone who would know. Thanks.

NATE42,
The ? is you say you used the USB install KEY.
There is no Install KEY on USB drive.
The Version you install since you have a ???? RTM on the USB The Produce KEY should be the SAME if they are EXACTLY THE SAME INSTALL.
You ask if you use the SAME USB INSTALL KEY to install 5 to 7 copies.
sounds like you have a PIRATE COPY which includes a
PRE ACTIVATION, or has KEYs and Certificates included.
DUH if this is not TRUE then please explain in DETAIL exactly what you are trying to do....

 

[gregrocker]

I have made a USB install drive using my OEM copy of Windows 7 64 bit. I plan to install about 5-7 of the same exact OS (64 bit Pro) in the next 2 months. I used it for the first build but used the disk for the second and noticed the product ID# is different before activation and after. I wonder if it's possible to use this USB install key to install the rest of the systems I'm building. It would sure be nicer o carry around with me. I could just try, but thought there may be someone who would know. Thanks.

NATE42,
The ? is you say you used the USB install KEY.
There is no Install KEY on USB drive.
The Version you install since you have a ???? RTM on the USB The Produce KEY should be the SAME if they are EXACTLY THE SAME INSTALL.
You ask if you use the SAME USB INSTALL KEY to install 5 to 7 copies.
sounds like you have a PIRATE COPY which includes a
PRE ACTIVATION, or has KEYs and Certificates included.
DUH if this is not TRUE then please explain in DETAIL exactly what you are trying to do....

I believe Nate is using the term "USB install key" here to refer to a USB flash stick. Key is another way to refer to a stick. Thus, there is no reason to suspect a pirate copy is involved.

 

[nate42nd]

I have made a USB install drive using my OEM copy of Windows 7 64 bit. I plan to install about 5-7 of the same exact OS (64 bit Pro) in the next 2 months. I used it for the first build but used the disk for the second and noticed the product ID# is different before activation and after. I wonder if it's possible to use this USB install key to install the rest of the systems I'm building. It would sure be nicer o carry around with me. I could just try, but thought there may be someone who would know. Thanks.

NATE42,
The ? is you say you used the USB install KEY.
There is no Install KEY on USB drive.
The Version you install since you have a ???? RTM on the USB The Produce KEY should be the SAME if they are EXACTLY THE SAME INSTALL.
You ask if you use the SAME USB INSTALL KEY to install 5 to 7 copies.
sounds like you have a PIRATE COPY which includes a
PRE ACTIVATION, or has KEYs and Certificates included.
DUH if this is not TRUE then please explain in DETAIL exactly what you are trying to do....

No, No, I purchased 3 OEM copies of Windows 7, transferred the files from one to a USB flash drive to do installs with. They clearly state you can make ONE copy of your DVD.

I am just wondering if OEM is the same as retail would be as far as using the DVD (or copy) to do other installs on other new builds, then using the purchased product key for that other new build to activate.

I have 3 copies of OEM 64 bit. I just want to be able to install all of them using the USB flash drive instead of the separate DVD that cam with all the different copies I purchased. NO PIRATED COPIES EVER FOR ME.

Brink calls it a USB install KEY in his tutorial so that confused everyone.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html?filter

 

[sup3rsprt]

I don't think you will have any problems doing this. As the product key is what determines whether or not the install is OEM, not the media.

 

[nate42nd]

I don't think you will have any problems doing this. As the product key is what determines whether or not the install is OEM, not the media.

That was the question. I will work on stating my questions better. I don't want to be accused of pirating Windows again. haha No harm done.

Thanks.

 

[sup3rsprt]

BTW, it was mentioned that the only difference between RTM (Retail) media and OEM media is a file called ei.cfg in the sources folder. If you did happen to run into any issues, all you would need to do is modify that file.

 

[nate42nd]

No worries nate, I didn't have any trouble understanding your question.

Thanks, I will try i out. I am getting 3 more copies of the same version (64 bit Pro) this week so it will be nice to use my USB FLASH DRIVE to do all installs.

I just hope Snuffy understands. He seems to think I may be a pirate.

 

[nate42nd]

BTW, it was mentioned that the only difference between RTM media and OEM media is a file called ei.cfg in the sources folder. If you did happen to run into any issues, all you would need to do is modify that file.

That's what I was wondering. I am familiar with that file. I don't see any problems doing it as long as I buy every copy.

 

[sup3rsprt]

Agreed. It's perfectly legitimate, since all OEM media would be the same anyways.

 

[nate42nd]

I also had almost forgotten about this thread I started a few weeks ago. The question was asked better and answered here too.

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/29986-usb-install-flash-drive-different-versions.html

However, there IS a # just below where it says "Windows is activated" It's the "Product ID #. What generates that #? They are all different on my machines. Even the ones with the same version.

 

[sup3rsprt]

afaik the product ID is based on the product Key, among other things. It would explain why the PID is different on each computer.

When you activate Windows, a hardware ID is thrown into the mix.

 

[nate42nd]

That's what has me wondering. The "product ID#" is there before you activate and it's different. Maybe it generates it based on the HW configuration or something. That could be it. No big deal.....I was simply wondering. I will use the flash drive to install Pro from now on and see if it works okay. Then just enter the Windows key when everything is working right. I'm new to this building, but I have done 5 now and have 5-6 more lined up. I enjoy it.

 

[sup3rsprt]

Yes I would expect the PID to be different even before activating, but I'm not aware of the precise algorithm used. Perhaps someone else could enlighten us on that one