Win 7 retail version

[Hewjr100]

Can I install win 7 full version, on a oem laptop I purchased. I have a compaq cq56-115dx

Henry

 

[theog]

As you have Windows 7 install, Why you need to reinstall ?

 

[Hewjr100]

To much crap on oem version, and it's easier to reinstall retail version, than it is to use system recovery dvd's.

Henry

 

[theog]

Than yes, you will need to download all drivers from the HP website.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?ltr=C
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html?ltr=U

 

[Hewjr100]

Gotcha, my main concern was with activation. As far as the drivers go, I'm hoping that if I download hp update (hp support) should do the rest?

Henry

 

[whs]

You achieve the same effect (no crap) with an OEM version which is only $99 ($84 two weeks ago at Newegg). But HP update will not be available from any one of them. But else, there is no problem.

 

[theog]

Is your Retail DVD the same version?

 

[Hewjr100]

Yes oem version and retail are the same version

Henry

 

[theog]

You achieve the same effect (no crap) with an OEM version which is only $99 ($84 two weeks ago at Newegg). But HP update will not be available from any one of them. But else, there is no problem.

I can see the HP updater app no working.
All the OEM's updater app's work for me.

 

[gregrocker]

Why would you buy a new copy of Win7 OS when you paid for one with your laptop? You own a MS Win7 license, not a crapified version of it your OEM says you must have so they can wring extra profit out of the sponsors' bloatware.

Many if not most tech enthusiasts clean reinstall using a Win7 installation DVD they find, borrrow or download from the web to activate with the Product key on COA sticker.

Here's how to get a perfect CLEAN reinstall of Win7 factory OEM based on hundreds done here: Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[Hewjr100]

Reply to gregrocker: The reason is to complicated, and or long to explain. But I will explain somewhat. recovery dvds and or media, will return system back to what it was when you bought it. If, for example, your system is 3-5 years old, why bother turning back the clock, system wise. Recovery media takes forever and a day to install. Oem versions are "crapified" because other than the "os" I don't need anything else, why, because I have third party software that I use exclusively. The last year or so the oem systems come maxed out with 4 partitions, bs, again crap I don'tneed. After a long recovery process, I literally spend 3-4 days removing everything I don't want, redoing partitions and so on. Even your link has multiple stages involved. Simply put retail dvd in drive, reboot, answer questions, have a cup of joe, and walla your done. Of course I'll have to install my software, and maybe some drivers.

Henry

 

[theog]

After you can backup with all the updates.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/675-system-image-recovery.html?ltr=S
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/648-restore-backup-user-system-files.html

 

[Hewjr100]

Absolutely

Henry

 

[alphanumeric]

Use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to make a bootable USB install thumb drive. Then delete the ei.cfg file from the sources folder to make it a universal install drive. Now you can select the version that matches the one on the COA sticker and you can use the product code on the COA sticker on the laptop. You may have to activate by phone but once you are done you can use the retail key on another PC.

 

[Hewjr100]

Sounds good to me.

Henry