Windows 7 Install and Microsoft Office Key?

[wisedave]

Hello,

We are going to install a fresh copy of Windows 7 on our laptop. What do we do about out Microsoft Office? Is there something we should do prior to re-installing the O.S.?

Many thanks,

Dave

 

[gregrocker]

Back up the Product key. If needed audit the key along with all other software/hardware using Belarc Advisor.

This is included along with other steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[wisedave]

Hello,

I'm not sure if the Window 7 link above is for me.

I have an OEM 64 bit Windows 7 Home Edition DVD that I purchased. We want to totally start from scratch for my wife's Toshiba Laptop. What perils do we need to avoid or what should we do to make this happen?

This WILL NOT be a restore of the OS that is on her computer....it's a totally fresh install we want to do.

Any ideas on that would be appreciated!


Cheers,

Dave

 

[gregrocker]

Was it Win7 that came with the Toshiba?

There is no reason to use a separate key for a Clean Reinstall as you own the Win7 license which came with the Toshiba for its life and can reinstall it as often as you want. To use a retail key would waste the $100 value of the Win7 which came with the PC as well as your retail OEM license. Save it to use somewhere where you don't already have a license.

This is a specialty of these forums which is why I linked you the tutorial which will assure you get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Feel free to ask back any questions.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[wisedave]

Hey GR,

The laptop came with Windows 7 Home. I purchased the OEM Windows 7 64 bit for another computer but it wouldn't accept it. It would only take a 32 bit version.

Would I be able to use the current key that is installed on the laptop (32 bit) and install the 64 bit version I purchased and thus save that key for another day?

Many thanks,

Dave

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, you're entitled to use either 32- or 64-bit with any Win7 license, even if your OEM doesn't support the other bit-version. This is enforced by MS which is why it's a good thing to change to their activation servers as it does when you use the Product key on COA sticker.

You can use the installer you purchased with the Product Key on Toshiba COA sticker as long as it's the same version, or use the latest official installer linked in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

I'd make your Toshiba Recovery Disks first to have a path back to Factory condition, or save a Win7 backup image externally first so that you can go completely clean: Boot the installer, use Custom Drive Options to delete all partitions, create new as you wish or just click Next after deleting all and installer will create and format the install partition for you and begin the install.