Solved Reinstalling Windows 7 without an OEM manufacter disk

[sbox]

I have a HP desktop and have imaged Windows from a SATA 1TB drive over to a 64GB SSD.

I have only applications and the OS installed on it. My Documents, files, email PST Files (IMAP) and other data, they all run off a tertiary 500GB drive so if the SSD dies, I have nothing on there to lose data wise.

Anyhow, despite having only applications on the SSD the space is constantly dwindling. I assume down to logs or something, I've no idea. I have turned off the hybernate files, system restore. Cleaned temp files, removed unnecessary preinstalled apps. I still only have a little over 5GB left.

As such I want to reinstall windows, but I do not want to copy over the factory image again due to the bloatware on it.

What I want to do is install a vanilla copy of windows 7 home premium 64bit and use the serial number that is on the sticker on my chassis.

Is that possible? If I download the same version of windows and use (I guess it is called the OEM sticker serial?), would it activate?

The hardware is all identical besides the fact that I use an SSD for my primary drive and have put in an NVidia 570GTX in too.

Any help will be most appreciated.



Thanks.

 

[gregrocker]

Everything you need to get and keep a perfect install is in http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164 based on what works best in tens of thousands of installs we've helped with here.

 

[theog]

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

How to use HP Recovery:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01895783&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en
Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 7) | HP® Support

How to make HP Recovery DVD disks:
Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows Vista) | HP® Support


You can order Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from your OEM manufacturer's website.

You can Order HP Recovery Disks from here:
Country-language selector | HP® Support