Replace system builder Windows 7 disc?

[SDague]

I put together a custom computer for the first time awhile ago and ended up accidentally breaking my Win 7 DVD. At the time I bought a system builders version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit because it was cheaper than the full retail. Unfortunately, it seems that Microsoft won't allow me to download the ISO from their website because of that very fact. I guess it has to be retail?

So my question is where the heck do I get a replacement disc? Is there somewhere I can go on Microsoft's website to have them send me a replacement? Is that even something that they would do? I'm not really sure what else I could do except call them (Oh boy I hate over the phone tech support) or just buy a retail copy this time. Thanks for your time and I hope you can help!

 

[AddRAM]

Microsoft will not send you a replacement disc, and no, without a retail key, you can`t download the iso file. And we don`t even know if that works, no one has confirmed it yet.

 

[GokAy]

Did you try from this one? Microsoft Software Recovery

 

[AddRAM]

As I already stated, you need a retail key to download an iso from that site.

And he said in his post he has already tried that.

 

[GokAy]

Sorry, I wasn't aware you needed a retail version, not a mention of it anywhere on the page.

Also, it is not obvious if it was that page or some other OP tried.

 

[AddRAM]

There is only 1 Microsoft Recovery Software website.

I said you need a retail key in reply #2

 

[SDague]

That is very unfortunate. I had hoped there was a way to get a replacement DVD since I have a working product key. It kind of seems odd that they would force people to buy another copy of Windows or possibly push them towards torrenting. Would make more sense to offer you a replacement disc for a small fee instead. Oh well, thank you for the information.

 

[gregrocker]

OEM System Builder is a retail SKU. So the key should work with Microsoft Software Recovery.

Reports are that that site only works in Internet Explorer, if at all.

Other ways to obtain safe reinstallation media are discussed in Step 1 of Clean Reinstall Windows 7

If you already own a license then there is no reason to buy another as it's just a waste of money as long as you're reinstalling on the same hardware.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yep all I can say is Amazon has them on sell for 69.us for 64 bit h-premium and 76.00 for 7 pro 64 bit.

 

[AddRAM]

Greg, I`ve tried my OEM System builder key on that site 2 months ago or so when it was up and running, it does not work. Anything OEM tells you to contact your PC manufacturer for Recovery media.

Only a true Retail Key will work and I have yet to see anyone here confirm that.

I`m not even gonna attempt using my retail key there, I have my media

In my opinion it`s a catch 22, why would someone have a Retail key but they don`t have their install dvd, Windows 7 Retail is like Gold, and should be treated as such.

 

[gregrocker]

System Builder OEM is not what's used on a manufactured PC, Brian. That is Factory OEM which is the only SKU that supposedly doesn't work on the new Software Center.

As Mike points out System Builder OEM is all that's available now for sale for Win7. It is a retail SKU in that its sold to consumers and not in bulk to manufacturers like Factory OEM. At one time it was only available to builders who intended to sell custom built rigs, but this rule was loosened in Win7.

All reports at first were that the new software center doesn't work, but recently some say they can get it to recognize their retail keys in Internet Explorer.

In any case if one owns a Win7 license they are entitled to reinstall it as they please and should have media available to do so without needing to waste money buying another license for something they already own. So read Step 1 in Clean Reinstall Windows 7
and ask back any questions to obtain safe media.

 

[Brds7t7]

System Builder OEM is not what's used on a manufactured PC, Brian. That is Factory OEM which is the only SKU that supposedly doesn't work on the new Software Center.

As Mike points out System Builder OEM is all that's available now for sale for Win7. It is a retail SKU in that its sold to consumers and not in bulk to manufacturers like Factory OEM. At one time it was only available to builders who intended to sell custom built rigs, but this rule was loosened in Win7.

All reports at first were that the new software center doesn't work, but recently some say they can get it to recognize their retail keys in Internet Explorer.

I tried it a couple days ago with my retail key and IE and it just threw an Unsupported language error at me. It would only let me install Swedish language version which isn't much good to me in England. So yeah it still has issues but has worked for some.

 

[AddRAM]

I agree with you 100% Greg.

 

[ThrashZone]

All reports at first were that the new software center doesn't work, but recently some say they can get it to recognize their retail keys in Internet Explorer.

I tried it a couple days ago with my retail key and IE and it just threw an Unsupported language error at me.

Dang Brit's it's a wonder anyone can understand that Snatch lingo

 

[Brds7t7]

All reports at first were that the new software center doesn't work, but recently some say they can get it to recognize their retail keys in Internet Explorer.

I tried it a couple days ago with my retail key and IE and it just threw an Unsupported language error at me.

Dang Brit's it's a wonder anyone can understand that Snatch lingo

Haha I know! And to think the English language originated here, yet these days, when you hear people talk it's barely recognisable!

Probably does sound like Swedish to most people.

 

[AddRAM]

System Builder OEM is not what's used on a manufactured PC, Brian. That is Factory OEM which is the only SKU that supposedly doesn't work on the new Software Center.

As Mike points out System Builder OEM is all that's available now for sale for Win7. It is a retail SKU in that its sold to consumers and not in bulk to manufacturers like Factory OEM. At one time it was only available to builders who intended to sell custom built rigs, but this rule was loosened in Win7.

All reports at first were that the new software center doesn't work, but recently some say they can get it to recognize their retail keys in Internet Explorer.

I tried it a couple days ago with my retail key and IE and it just threw an Unsupported language error at me. It would only let me install Swedish language version which isn't much good to me in England. So yeah it still has issues but has worked for some.

You mean it would only let you download a Swedish iso file ?

Even though you have an English Windows 7 key.

I`m tellin ya, that site is useless.

 

[Brds7t7]

System Builder OEM is not what's used on a manufactured PC, Brian. That is Factory OEM which is the only SKU that supposedly doesn't work on the new Software Center.

As Mike points out System Builder OEM is all that's available now for sale for Win7. It is a retail SKU in that its sold to consumers and not in bulk to manufacturers like Factory OEM. At one time it was only available to builders who intended to sell custom built rigs, but this rule was loosened in Win7.

All reports at first were that the new software center doesn't work, but recently some say they can get it to recognize their retail keys in Internet Explorer.

I tried it a couple days ago with my retail key and IE and it just threw an Unsupported language error at me. It would only let me install Swedish language version which isn't much good to me in England. So yeah it still has issues but has worked for some.

You mean it would only let you download a Swedish iso file ?

Even though you have an English Windows 7 key.

I`m tellin ya, that site is useless.

Yeah, every time I tried English I got that error. It was only when I selected Swedish it offered me the link to download it.
They should just remove it as it's clearly not working for most people.

 

[gregrocker]

It's the same as with Windows 8 release - Win7 is given short shrift because all the momentum in the company is toward the new release and the attitude is that everyone will love it so who cares about Windows 7 any longer? Such disregard for the hands-down best OS ever is aggravating, you'd think they would have learned something in the Windows 8 debacle. Now once again all are assumed to be migrating to Windows 10, with only these forums left to speak for the best OS ever. I have asked repeatedly in MVP communications channels for reconsideration on the ISO's and cannot even find out who is responsible.

 

[Brds7t7]

It's the same as with Windows 8 release - Win7 is given short shrift because all the momentum in the company is toward the new release and the attitude is that everyone will love it so who cares about Windows 7 any longer? Such disregard for the hands-down best OS ever is aggravating, you'd think they would have learned something in the Windows 8 debacle. Now once again all are assumed to be migrating to Windows 10, with only these forums left to speak for the best OS ever. I have asked repeatedly in MVP communications channels for reconsideration on the ISO's and cannot even find out who is responsible.

It's like a double-edged sword with MS. We've taken away digital river links, only to come up with this wonderful new way to download ISO's from ourselves.

Gee, thanks MS!

Just one tiny snag.... no OEM discs and we're not actually going to put in any effort to making it working properly!

Ohhhhh!

 

[ThrashZone]

We can blame Greg for having a popular re-install tutorial that included the digital river link in it

The evil ones are the rat.... manufactures that crammed so much crapware into a computer it was impossible to burn it all onto 1 or 2 disks