Reinstall OEM Copy Without Restore DVD

I have an almost-1-year old Toshiba laptop that came with Home Premium 64-bit. I also have a desktop that I built myself that is running Ultimate 64-bit. The Toshiba didn't come with a restore CD, however I know that Windows 7 Install DVDs really come with all versions. I'd like to install a clean copy of Windows 7 Home Premium on my laptop since I have a bunch of crap on there and would rather not spend hours cleaning a laptop that should primarily be used for schoolwork.

If I copy down the OEM key that's on the system and then use Ultimate DVD to install Home Premium (this I know how to do), making sure to switch the channel to OEM, will the system activate?

The activation key on the COA sticker will only activate the version the PC came from the factory with, nothing else.

If you want an 'all versions' installer, have a look at this tutorial at the link below.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create


Though it may require a robo-call to MS to sort the OEM batch-key.

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone

This I know. If you take any version's install disc (32-bit or 64-bit matters though), create an ISO, delete a file inside of it called ei.cfg, and then reburn it, when you go to install, you will get this menu:



Also, I'd have to change the channel from Retail to OEM, which is as easy as editing a text file. So it would be the same version. If I use the key on the system now, will it activate? Are there any certificates or anything that I can backup or restore to make it activate? Because getting to OEM Home Premium isn't the issue; Activating it is my concern.

theog said:

You can make Toshiba Recovery disks.

How to use Toshiba Recovery.
How to use the Toshiba HDD Recovery Utility

You can order Toshiba Recovery disks from here:
https://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...rification.jsp

I'm going to run to my room and try this, according to what the page told me. This is the first time I've read this anywhere:

Many Toshiba laptops come with the factory software recovery image stored in a special (hidden) area on the hard disk. From this special hidden image, you can restore your computer to its factory-fresh software condition by following these steps:

To restore the original factory software image on your computer follow these steps:

Make sure the computer is turned off ("Shut-down" from the Windows Start menu)
Remove any peripherals such an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, USB flash drive etc.
Make sure the AC Adapter is plugged in and working.
Press and hold down the 0 (zero) key on the keyboard while powering on the computer. Release it when the recovery warning screen appears.
If the recovery process offers a choice of Operating Systems, select the appropriate one for you.
A warning screen appears, stating that when the recovery is executed all data will be deleted and rewritten.
Click Yes to continue.
When the Toshiba Recovery Wizard opens select "Recovery of Factory Software" or the appropriate option for your needs.
Continue to follow the directions restarting as necessary.
Please note that the process may vary slightly from machine to machine, that you may be asked to insert disks (multi-disk packages) and that the process may take one to two hours to complete. The recovery process will require you to restart your computer several times.

As you use the recovery process you will have several options. One of these may be to create a custom size partition. Follow the directions on screen for this and other options as prompted. When in doubt, it's usually best to accept the default, or pre-selected option.

Bill2 said:

Before you run, remember factory restore will also restore all the bloatware.

I thought you said you want a clean install?

Just confirmed, yes holding down 0 while the computer starts up gives me the option to run Windows Setup and it does display that warning screen. I didn't go forward because I need to back up some files.

A clean install or a factory install would do. I guess I can run PC Decrapifier, Revo, and CCleaner afterwards. This is much easier than having to re-activate. I'm just curious as to why this isn't even mentioned in the damn manuals. Either that or I must've been blind. They should put a sticker or something on the computer when you first get it.

Thanks everyone. I think this is a record for solving a problem :P

They have been using recovery partitions for a very long time and that's where the recovery disks are created from; be sure to post back here with an update.