Product Key Query

technicalthunk · 18 Jan 2010

Hello All,

First post so go easy on me!

I have a desktop running Vista, and I've just bought a new laptop which has Windows 7 Home Premium.

I'm a bit frustrated with the laptop as I didn't get a Windows 7 disc and when I reinstall windows using the hard disc partition option I get a stack of useless OEM software which I don't want such. It seems I can't do a clean install without having to remove all the OEM software afterwards so I figured I'd buy a copy of Windows 7 home premium for my desktop and then use the disc to do a clean install on my laptop.

I have the OEM product key for the laptop, but will this work if I use the installation disc that I'd buy? I guess as long as they are both Home Premium I shouldn't have a problem.

I don't think I'd be breaking any rules with this as I'll have two genuine keys.

I also have all the drivers etc so it should be quite straight forward.

Thanks,

Jon

Tews · 18 Jan 2010

No...an OEM key is tied to the OEM version/hardware...but, I think you would be much better served by setting up your computer just the way you want it, then make am image of your system and save it to an external drive/partition... If you mess up, it only takes about 15 to restore your system...without all the bloat... See Brinks tutorial -=> Here

Welcome to Seven Forus...

jim0933 · 18 Jan 2010

You might also be interested in this program to remove the unwanted programs:
Welcome | The PC Decrapifier

Good luck.

Jim Pickering

nate42nd · 18 Jan 2010

I wish they would give us the option of what crap we want.

I also wish they would give us an install sidk (a CLEAN ONE) but it's not going to happen.

I have spent hours deleting "crap" from my new HP lappy. It's worth it. Just image it every week and you'll be set. Windows 7 imaging works fine for simple setups like a "C" drive and "System 200MB partition" and "D partition"

Good luck.

gregrocker · 18 Jan 2010

This has become a major problem for anyone who is computer-aware, because manufacturer's proifit margin is now almost entirely limited to the sponsor's bloatware on the computers.

So instead of providing clean copy DVD's of the OS as they once did, many now actually try to enforce the bloatware by refusing to support clean reinstalls, or saying that such a reinstall will void tech support warranty. This is a good reason to make your Recovery Disks or a backup image of the original install in case of need to service the hardware warranty.

This doesn't stop tech enthusiasts who obtain a Win7 installer and reinstall using the OEM license which they OWN for that machine. All installers are the same, although some versions may be hidden due to the presence of an ei.cfg file in Sources folder. To create an all-versions installer delete that file from extracted ISO, then recompile as follows: Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files

nate42nd · 18 Jan 2010

I never thought of this. I have a flash drive that I use to install Windows 7 with the ie.cfg DELETED.

I could use this and use the OEM # on my laptop for a clean install. Thanks gregrocker

If anyone wants to do this, you can just browse to the ei.cfg file and delete it. It will then give you the option to install any version.

You can also modify it for other purposes.

technicalthunk · 21 Jan 2010

Thanks all, I'm making an image now!

Jon

technicalthunk · 25 Jan 2010

All worked fine.

Thanks again.

severedsolo · 25 Jan 2010

so you just delete the ei.cfg make a new ISO from whats left and bung it back onto a blank DVD?

gregrocker · 25 Jan 2010

severedsolo said:

so you just delete the ei.cfg make a new ISO from whats left and bung it back onto a blank DVD?

Yes, there is even a good burner on the same drop down menu where you recompile the ISO in Vlite. Use slowest speed with Verify