Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

ICIT2LOL · 02 Mar 2014

Brink said:

Hey John, :)

The N versions are for Europe.

The SP1 U (media refresh) versions are the latest ones for everyone else.

What are E, N, K and KN editions?

Microsoft had to introduce the E and N editions to the European market and the K and KN editions to the Korean market due to anti-trust appeals. The N editions don't contain any media player software; the E editions don't contain the internet explorer; the K editions contain additional selection screens to download alternative media player and messenger software, the KN editions don't contain any media player or messenger software, or any links to alternatives.

Thanks Shawn I had seen the changes but had been a bit slack on finding out before. Appreciate the feedback mate as always you the source of all knowledge:)

Brink · 02 Mar 2014

Anytime mate. :)

Gazza667 · 07 Mar 2014

Hi. I just want to thank you for this great tutorial. I successfully completed a clean install of my Acer notebook & have gone from W7x64 Home Premium to Win 7 Professional x64 & now have an install disk. My notebook is now faster than ive ever seen & ive got rid of most of the annoying branding as well

I have a friend who is having trouble with her Compaq notebook & ive downloaded the Windows 7 x32 iso & im just in the process of putting all the updates in to the img.
Once again thanks

Gazza

Vesnog · 22 Mar 2014

Unfortunately, the Digital River downloads crash occasionally. Two of my downloads were interrupted and it was not possible to resume them. Any suggestions?

gregrocker · 22 Mar 2014

Try a Download manager. I'd install Firefox and then add Down Them All which allows you to start and stop the download, saving it in pieces so that it isn't all lost if there is some interruption.

dwbarnett · 26 Mar 2014

Hey folks, hoping you can offer some advice for me. When I set up my new system a while back; I had a 60GB SDD, and 1TB WD Black Caviar<sp>HDD. Due to the smaller SSD, I used the tutorial on this sight to install the Users folder to my HDD.

Prior to doing this, I noticed my Win 7 Ult 64bit, booted really fast. When I made the change of the Users folder to the HDD, Win 7 boot up is slower. Moving forward, today I purchased a new 240GB SSD drive. Now I have the extra space, I would like to install Win 7 again to the new drive, it's an OEM version.

Every program I have installed since new, is on my D:HDD 1TB, including the Users folder. I have Acronis backup as well.

Is there a way, to install the Win 7 to the new 240GB SSD, and not have to re-install all my programs on the D: drive again.

after re-install of Win 7 on the new SSD, could I just copy over the User folder contents to the C: SSD, and everything work OK?

Since all the programs are on the existing 1TB HDD, could I backup the present registry, then after the re-install to the new SSD, merge the registries together, to repoint to my D; drive installed programs?

IF none of this is possible, I'll bite the bullet, and re-install everything. Wanted to ask you experts first, if there may be some shortcuts and or easier methods.

Lastly, with my present set-up, is it worth the trouble. IE Win7 Ult 64 IS installed on the SSD 60GB drive, with the exception of the Users folder on the D: HDD. Will I see a significant increase in performance accomplishing this task?

I'm not very good at conveying things sometimes, so hopefully I have not made my query too confusing.

Thank You for your time and patience

Best,
David

gregrocker · 26 Mar 2014

Always keep the programs on the SSD to benefit from the faster speed and so that you can reimage C and the programs are included as they should be since they write keys to the registry and become a part of the OS until uninstalled.

You'll need to reinstall Win7 so you can install the programs to C. I'd wait to see if you need to move the User folders off and then move them to D as needed.

superman55555 · 06 Apr 2014

Anyone has an idea how to recover Windows 7 Activation key for ASUS UX32A laptop ?

There is not a sticker with a serial number on the bottom of the PC, windows will not boot, but re-installation is asking for a key ...

Asus support confirmed my serial number is under warranty and entitled to installation of Microsoft Windows 7, but will not provide the installation key.

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

ignatzatsonic · 06 Apr 2014

superman55555 said:

Anyone has an idea how to recover Windows 7 Activation key for ASUS UX32A laptop ?

There is not a sticker with a serial number on the bottom of the PC, windows will not boot, but re-installation is asking for a key ...

Asus support confirmed my serial number is under warranty and entitled to installation of Microsoft Windows 7, but will not provide the installation key.

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

The standard recommendation is Belarc:

Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit, for software, hardware and security configuration information on your computer. Software license management, IT asset management, cyber security audits, and more.

I think the "Jellybean" program is another one.

I'm not sure if they will retrieve all types of Windows 7 Product Keys. Sounds like you are looking for an OEM key.

derekimo · 06 Apr 2014

superman55555 said:

Anyone has an idea how to recover Windows 7 Activation key for ASUS UX32A laptop ?

There is not a sticker with a serial number on the bottom of the PC, windows will not boot, but re-installation is asking for a key ...

Asus support confirmed my serial number is under warranty and entitled to installation of Microsoft Windows 7, but will not provide the installation key.

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

Have you looked in the battery compartment?

If it came with windows 7 it has to have a COA sticker.