Win7 - 'Select the operating system you want to install' MISSING

win7freak000 · 15 Dec 2013

I am installing Win7 Ultimate (CLEAN Installation) on my Desktop, and I noticed that I do not have the options to select either 64bit or 32bit as shown in the attached pic and from the below link.

If I DO NOT see these options, does this mean my Win7 DVD is a OEM version?
Sorry, I am rusty on this, and is there any way to tell on the box or DVD if its OEM or not? I just picked it up from a local Tech shop.
But, according to this guide below, I should get this option to select 64 or 32 bit and I do not get a prompt for this. It just takes me to the formatting section.

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Windows-7-for-Beginners

AddRAM · 15 Dec 2013

Windows 7 only comes on a dvd with either 32 bit or 64 bit software, not both. What you see or are referring to is a dvd that`s been burned with both bit versions on it. It is not sold that way.

If you do not know what they sold you, you won`t know until after it`s installed.

You paid for it, you should know exactly what they sold you, either oem or retail.

Although, I`ve just looked and seen both bit versions can come on 1 dvd. Your key will activate either the 32 or 64 bit software.

win7freak000 · 15 Dec 2013

Ok, so that explains it. Thanks!!!
Now I see it...Its OEM...!!!!!

Maybe off-Topic...And Im sorry. But one more quick question.

So MS said that it will stop selling retail versions of Win7 next year.
My local online tech shops here has only OEM versions.
So does searching on the net, there all OEMs...No retail.
Does this mean that it is OK to have an OEM copy of Win7 rather than the retail one?
I was really hoping that is was retail so I can install it on more than one PC.

If I call MS, since I do have the serial key, maybe they can re-activate for me if I decide to install this on a new PC in the future. Does MS have a number that I can call to re-activate on a new PC?

AddRAM · 15 Dec 2013

There is no difference between oem and retail.

You get 1 year of support with retail, no support with oem, but who needs it.

And you can not install retail on any pc you want and activate it, retail can only be used and activated on one pc at a time.

If you try to use the same key on another machine and try to activate windows with it, you will get a message telling you the key is already in use.

win7freak000 · 15 Dec 2013

I am SOOOOOOOO deperate for Windows 7 now, So in that case, I will buy one or two more Win7 DVDs. Whatever it takes. I dont care, I will spend the money. As I do NOT want to move to Win8 anytime soon....

And even if its a 32-bit version of Win7, I do not care, as long as its Win7 I will be a happy camper.

DavidE · 15 Dec 2013

win7freak000 said:

If I call MS, since I do have the serial key, maybe they can re-activate for me if I decide to install this on a new PC in the future.

An OEM license is only valid for the PC it is originally installed/activated on.
An OEM license can not be transferred to a new PC.
A RETAIL license can be transferred to a new PC.

With an OEM license you should be able to upgrade anything except the motherboard without activation issues.
If you upgrade to a new motherboard, it will be detected as a new PC.

You can use 32-bit or 64-bit with the same license, even if your disc only has 32-bit and you want 64-bit (or vice-versa)...
You can download the latest genuine correct bit version you want for your licensed version from here:
Windows 7 Direct Download Links

Here's a good tutorial on installing Win 7 worth reading...
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7