New
#1
Looking for advice on reinstalling Windows 7 OEM version
I was working for a company that issued a laptop to me. The laptop came with Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (OEM version). I have since left the company, but they allowed me to purchase the laptop (with the OS installed) at a deep discount.
I have some questions regarding cleaning up the system:
- I have a valid product key, but I don't have the necessary installation media (the company won't release it to me for obvious reasons - and, giving them the laptop is not an option). I've read online that a commercial Windows 7 ISO will accept the OEM key. Is that true? If not, does anyone know where I could download a legal copy of an OEM version of Win7? The laptop is an Asus G75VW. Just to be super clear, I'm talking about totally legal installation media, and in case you need to read it again, my product key is also totally legal. I am not interested in piracy, nor am I attempting to circumvent any security whatsoever.
- Is it possible to reinstall Win7 without having to also reinstall my apps? I have dozens of them installed, and tweaked, so it would be pretty inconvenient to have to go through that again. I've heard of a "repair" installation, but I'm not familiar with the details. For the curious, why this is inconvenient: I run a freelance business (just started, zero capital for a new laptop), and rely upon the laptop 7 days a week - in fact, I haven't even rebooted it or logged out since I purchased it because my user account is connected to AD credentials that cannot be changed or recovered - well, that's what I've been told by the IS department at the company I used to work for.
- If the above question is a negative, does anyone have recommendations on the best way to reinstall Win7 with the least amount of fuss?
Thanks so much for any advice!