Reinstalling W7 on Laptop From Friend - Not Sure Which Install Type

[Rex32]

I think you are definitely correct to try and use the Lenovo Restore thing first... Any idea on my question regarding the product key?

 

[Rex32]

I made a complete image of my drive using Acronis True Image, should I backup any drivers or anything else before proceeding? I backed up my iTunes Library and that is all I need...

 

[gregrocker]

Product ID/Key answered Above^

Follow the steps given here to get a perfect clean reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[theog]

Where do get the Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Retail Disk image files from?

 

[Rex32]

Sorry, yes the key is readable on the bottom of my current machine. Will I need it with the Recovery installation through lenovo? Provided that works...


-Mike

 

[theog]

Sorry, yes the key is readable on the bottom of my current machine. Will I need it with the Recovery installation through lenovo? Provided that works...


-Mike

NO, you will not.

 

[Rex32]

Okay F11 did nothing and there wasn't anything about a recovery option when I pressed the 'Think Vantage' button at boot, just allowed me to pick a new boot device.

Do you think the best way to proceed would be to download a W7 Pro OEM 64bit DVD Image and put that on my bootable USB and install that and use the key on the bottom of my laptop? I'm fine with having pro and a completely fresh installation. I have a backup image from True Image on an external drive if something goes wrong...


Thx,

Mike

 

[gregrocker]

As stated earlier you can unlock all versions in the Ultimate flash stick you created (or any version) by deleting the ei.cfg file in Sources folder. You'll then get a menu to choose.

Have you confirmed the flash stick installer will boot? If not write the ISO to stick using this handy tool with Win7 in the dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux Use this tool on ISO first to Unlock any version eicfg removal tool

If you want to download Pro, I would get one with SP1. Make sure you scan with Malwarebytes and your AV.

 

[Rex32]

Have I confirmed which USB not boot?

I'm not sure that all versions will be there, I downloaded a W7 x64 Retail image from PB. Then I only put the 64bit folder on the drive, let me try it though.


-Mike

 

[theog]

Where do get the Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Retail Disk image files from?

Where do you, may be full of nastys.

 

[Rex32]

Will it even unlocking the Pro OEM Version or do I need an OEM W7 Disk Image to start with?

Or will the key on the bottom of my laptop work for any W7 Pro installation?


Thx,

Mike

 

[theog]

You can Order Lenovo Recovery Disks from here:
Lenovo Support - How can I get a Product Recovery CD or DVD?

 

[gregrocker]

Rightclick scan the ISO with Malwarebytes
and your AV.

Run this tool on the iSO: Unlock any version eicfg removal tool

Then burn unlocked ISO to DVD using ImgBurn or write to flash stick using Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

Choose your licensed version to install, insert Product Key during install.

Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[Rex32]

I just want to do a complete clean install with the media I have. I read I can change the 'Chanel' to OEM but I assume this doesn't matter because I'm deleting the file that I would need to alter.

Will I have the option to do a W7 Pro OEM install after deleting ei.cfg?


Thx

 

[Rex32]

I deleted the ei.cfg file, I just need to be sure my OEM key will work if I select pro.

I'll just give it a shot now...

Thx

 

[theog]

I just want to do a complete clean install with the media I have. I read I can change the 'Chanel' to OEM but I assume this doesn't matter because I'm deleting the file that I would need to alter.

Will I have the option to do a W7 Pro OEM install after deleting ei.cfg?


Thx

Yes, but stay away from illegal downloads.

 

[gregrocker]

There is no OEM channel with Win7 or Vista. ANy retail installer can install all versions including OEM. Only the key determines the version which will activate.

From what you told us about the COA sticker, your OEM key will only work with Pro.

You need to boot the installer. If it's a flash stick ISO must be written to the stick using the tool I gave you. Copying the files on will rarely work. Removing ei.cfg from Sources or running the ei.cfg removal tool on the iSO will either one work.

 

[Rex32]

I don't normal use 'illegal' software, but I am just using it as I don't have the original media to create a disk image. I booted from the USB Stick and I can select W7 Home Basic, Home PRemium, Professional, and Ultimate... There is no mention of any OEM stuff, does this matter?

If I just select Windows 7 Professional, and format my HDD, and install it, will the key on the COA sticker work? I'm really worried that I am using a Retail Disk and an OEM Key...

 

[gregrocker]

It is not illegal if you own a WIn7 license you are installing it for.

Vista and Win7 retail installers install OEM the same as retail.

Use Custom install Drive Options to Delete all partitions and give some thought to how you want your partitions laid out - OS and data, one OS partition, multiple partitions? Then create and format each, install.

Accept the 100mb boot partition as it places the Repair Console on F8 Advanced Boot options. Follow the steps I gave you to get a perfect install.

 

[Rex32]

Yeah I saw that post, but shouldn't I be selecting an OEM version from the installer? Or do you mean that there is no difference between the OEM & Retail versions of W7? Sorry to be a pita, I just want to make sure I do this right before formatting my drive...

Like shouldn't I be able to choose:

Win7 Home Basic Retail
Win7 Hoem Premium Retail
Win7 Pro Retail
Win7 Ultimate Retail

and

W7 Home Basic OEM
W7 Home Premium OEM
W7 Pro OEM
W7 Ultimate OEM

Or will selecting W7 Professional just work?

** OKAY ** I think I re-read your post right, Win7 Pro is Win7 Pro and OEM or Retail will be activated when I input my key, correct?

I checked the ei.cfg file before I deleted it and the channel said 'Retail' not 'OEM;...