How to create W-7 renstallation disc?

[jrw1]

How do I create a reinstallation disc for W-7 which was preinstalled on my Lenovo computer? Note: this would be in case my hard drive fails so that I can reinstall W-7 on a new hard drive.
My first computer came with the disc (Win-ME). My second computer had a procedure where I was prompted to create/burn a disc of W-XP when I first started the computer. This time - nothing. I contacted Lenovo and they said I would have to pay $40 for such a disc!! Isn't there some way I can do this myself for free? I asked Lenovo about creating a System Image disc but they said it wouldn't work because I couldn't boot from it. (Note: the computer did come with a CD which has the drivers on it).
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[unifex]

First of all, as long as you have your valid license number, any copy of Windows will do, so if you manage to obtain a copy from a friend or elsewhere (just don't buy it on eBay), it will suffice. Your second option is the repair disk that you can make from Windows 7, search the tutorial section for instructions, but this will not be a "re-installation disk", namely you won't be able to use it for a clean install.

The current logic is that you don't need the disk since there is a special Recovery Partition on your hard drive that can be used to restore the factory state of your system. Of course, that won't help if the drive burns out, but that's what they argue these days.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bill2]

Do you have the lenovo one-key recovery system installed on your computer? You can use that to create recovery media and restore to default factory settings.

http://consumerdl.lenovo.com.cn/UserFiles/UserGuide/en/User's%20guides%20and%20manuals/Y430/OneKey%20Rescue%20System%20User%20Guide.pdf

 

[grizzly]

I don't know about Windows 7 but my experience with OEM installs, the CDKEY is also OEM. For example, if you had a Dell computer with XP preinstalled on it, you needed to reinstall with the Dell-XP disc to use the CDKEY from the Windows sticker on the tower. If you used a regular Microsoft XP disc, the CDKEY from the sticker on the tower would not work.

If nothing else, use something like Macrium Reflect to create a restorable image of your C: drive. The free version of Reflect works well and I've used it several times in the past.

 

[gregrocker]

You can reinstall factory Win7 using any Win7 retail installer, if necessary unlocking all versions: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...ndows-7-preinstalled-computer.html#post890251

You can also make factory Recovery Disks off of the Recovery partition from All Programs list. These include all of the useless factory utilities and bloatware, however.

A third option is to save externallly a Win7 backup image of your current install, which can be reimaged in 15 minutes to the HD (or its replacement) using the Repair CD and stored image.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

 

[HonorGamer]

So, I have an Acer laptop. Brand new, maybe 2-3 weeks old now. If i wanted to install a new copy of windows 7 i could just just use another CD, and get the CD key from the bottom of my laptop, and install it with that? Would it work with Windows Ultimate or something like that?

 

[gregrocker]

Many tech enthusiasts find a clean-copy DVD of their OS version and reinstall using the OEM Product Key on the COA sticker on machine. Any installer can also have all versions unlocked using the ei.cfg removal tool. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html

Make your Recovery DIsks or save a Win7 backup image of the entire HD first so you have a path back to factory condition. Then wipe the HD of all code: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/70248-troubleshooting-msconfig.html

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Then save a Win7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

 

[SIW2]

You can use your key only with the same Edition of 7.

E.g. if you had 7 Home Premium originally -get a copy of the 7 install dvd ( modify ei.cfg if it's not Home Premium already ) install Home Premium Edition and use your key.

It may activate automatically online - it may not.

 

[HonorGamer]

Alright,

I see now. thanks. How many times would I be able to install it with the same Product key?

Thanks,
Gamer

 

[SIW2]

An infinite number of times on the same machine.

 

[mjf]

A clean install is legal and has a lot of merit - so I'm not saying it's a great idea.
But before I would suggest you make
(1) a set of factory recovery DVDs (essentially copies of your factory recovery partition). It stinks a little if Lenovo don't allow this.
(2) With Macrium Reflect (free), Image all partitions on your HDD including the factory recovery partition.

(1) and (2) are just safeguards.