Which OS to choose

copiman · 29 May 2016

I am somewhat confused about the different versions of Windows 7 OS. In the clean install tutorial there is a link to https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/techno...-download-tool. On this page it lists:

Windows 7 Editions and Languages

S: Starter Edition
HB: Home Basic Edition
HP: Home Premium Edition
P: Professional Edition
U: Ultimate Edition
N: without Media Player
K: optional 3rd party media and messaging software
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
GG: Get Genuine Kit
32: 32 bit Edition
64: 64 bit Edition

When you download the tool in order to download the appropriate OS you must choose from the above list. This is where it gets fuzzy for me. Most computers I come into contact with are ones that are purchased with the OS already installed. An example would be a Dell computer that was purchased with Windows 7 Home premium installed. Like one someone purchased from a store. I would assume I would need to download the "OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer". I try to download from the Microsoft site but there is always an issue with the Product Key which by the way is a valid key. Microsoft told me I have to contact the manufacture of the computer since they installed it. The manufacture tells me I must order the recovery CDs but only the registered owner can do that.

All I want to do is reload the OS and validate it so it is legal. I know this may be simple but its not for me. Can some one elaborate on this process?

Barman58 · 29 May 2016

As windows 7 is now out of support, , it is on extended support until approx 2020, (this provides only security patches), you will find it difficult to obtain the disk(s) you require to re-install and activate with an OEM key.

Your best bet would be to try to borrow a disk from someone you know, as the "retail" disk of the original level, (Home Premium?), (which is the one you require to activate with the key found on the case of an OEM system) if you cannot find a disk from the exact model you have.

There are a few copies for sale on the web with keys that are not illegal but these tend to be around $150, (you will see them at around $25, but these are mostly pre used keys or those from MSDN which are also invalid)

ThrashZone · 29 May 2016

Hi,
As long as you have a activation code sticker on the machine and you download the same version it shows it should work.

You show 7 home premium under your avatar not sure if it's 32 or 64 bit though ?
System Type - 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)
I doubt that site has any downloads on it anymore anyway.
Here's another process using Chrome and TechBench website
Download Windows 7 and 8.1 ISO Images from Microsoft - gHacks Tech News

If you state which one you have we can post a iso for you but you will need a Product key

Osprey · 29 May 2016

copiman said:

An example would be a Dell computer that was purchased with Windows 7 Home Premium installed. Like one someone purchased from a store. I would assume I would need to download the "OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer".

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 or Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 COEM. Only the EULA is different.

It does not matter which one you choose (see screenshots below) if you have a retail or OEM key.

https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/techno...-download-tool