If I have to rebuild a Win7 installation ...

[pokeefe0001]

I have 3 PCs running Windows 7 Pro x64. Two of them came with that level of Windows, and I have the installation dvd. The 3rd PC is an old one that came with Home Premium. I did an Anytime Upgrade to get to Pro. I have the both the original product key and the upgrade key. I may have the Home Premium installation dvd, but definitely no Pro dvd for that PC.

I'm about to try a completed system restore with Acronis True Image on that old PC. I've heard of other people being unsuccessful doing this and having to reinstall Windows. If I have to do that, can I use the installation dvd from one of the other PCs? If so, will it set the wrong activation code and cause problems?

 

[Alejandro85]

Actually the Windows installation disc contains the data for every Windows edition, and a file controls which one is finally installed. You can use eicfg remover to modify your existing dvd into a "universal" one. When used, during installation it will ask which edition you want to install, just make sure you chose the one matching the serial for that computer.

 

[pokeefe0001]

I don't feel comfortable modifying the installation disc, even if the process is fool-proof.

 

[Ztruker]

You don't modify the installation disc. You make an ISO from it them modify that then either burn a new DVD or create a flash drive to install from.

The original is unchanged.