Clean install of Windows 7

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

My PC is completely screwed, not going to go into huge details why but I don't have an OS installed on there and the OEM Windows 7 disc I have isn't installing because it requires an OS already installed, it works only as an upgrader.

Anyway, how can I install a version of windows 7, just so I can then install my legit copy?

What torrent do I have to look for, I mean I can download a illegal version but not enter a fake key, I can enter my real key so it's legit?

Also, I have to download the iso and then burn that to a cd right?
Do I copy over the .iso file or do I extract the .iso and then copy over the files inside it?

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

This is the cd I have - http://www.computer-system-software.com/photo/pl532011-windows_7_pro_sp1_64bit_oem_discs_with_dell_quality_computer_utility_software.jpg
I've used it twice before when there was an OS already installed.

Jaxem · Aug 30, 2013

Here's a totally legal repository of Windows 7 images, you'll download the iso, then use a program like astroburn to burn it to a dvd for install:

http://slickdeals.net/f/3939310-Download-all-Windows-7-DVD-ISOs-direct-from-Microsoft-for-FREE

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

Let's see....you bought this on eBay, right?

That is not a legal install disk or key. That belonged to a Dell PC. It is not an 'upgrade' version...it was meant to be installed on a dell.

As far as downloading an illegal torrent copy...there are multiple reasons why that is a bad idea.
Don't do that.

Man up, and buy a legal copy.

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

Jaxem :

That assumes he has a valid activation key. Which, from that Dell disk, he does not have.

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

Jaxem :

Actually had that downloaded earlier, forgot to try that one out!
Thank you, I'll let you know if it worked!

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

USAFRet :

I actually have a valid Microsoft product key if that's what you mean?

Jaxem · Aug 30, 2013

USAFRet :

His original post indicated he had a 'real key'....if he doesn't, i wash my hands of this thread.

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

USAFRet :

I actually have a valid Microsoft product key if that's what you mean?

From where was this key obtained?

Jaxem · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

USAFRet :

I actually have a valid Microsoft product key if that's what you mean?

If you have a retail key (not OEM) then that digital river iso will work just fine.

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

Jaxem :

..Well I think it's legit haha?
I'm new to building pc's anyways, had mine for about a year..
It's an OEM code but can't I just install the windows 7, not put in a code and then install my OEM version of Windows 7 and THEN put my code in?

Jaxem · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

Jaxem :

..Well I think it's legit haha?
I'm new to building pc's anyways, had mine for about a year..
It's an OEM code but can't I just install the windows 7, not put in a code and then install my OEM version of Windows 7 and THEN put my code in?

Probably so, i've had to follow a similar process with an upgrade only key i had, except i installed a full version of xp to upgrade to 7. I'm not positive of being able to upgrade an un-activated copy though.

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

Jaxem :

..Well I think it's legit haha?
I'm new to building pc's anyways, had mine for about a year..
It's an OEM code but can't I just install the windows 7, not put in a code and then install my OEM version of Windows 7 and THEN put my code in?

A Win 7 OEM key is tied to the first motherboard it installed with. You can use any disk (of the same Win 7 version) to install....it's the key that matters.

Again...where did you get this key from?
That Dell DVD? That is not legit.

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

USAFRet :

rhysneville :

A Win 7 OEM key is tied to the first motherboard it installed with. You can use any disk (of the same Win 7 version) to install....it's the key that matters.

Again...where did you get this key from?
That Dell DVD? That is not legit.

I got it from eBay, but like I said I had no idea it was illegal. It was my first pc build and I wanted to keep the price down as much as possible. But as it works, I'm not going to buy a whole new key, at least I bought a key and didn't torrent it all together, right?

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

Jaxem :

rhysneville :

Probably so, i've had to follow a similar process with an upgrade only key i had, except i installed a full version of xp to upgrade to 7. I'm not positive of being able to upgrade an un-activated copy though.

Oh right, well I'll have a go and I'll keep you updated!

Jaxem · Aug 30, 2013

It should be legit if it was just an unused OEM key, you can buy OEM disk/keys from any parts retailer...

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

IOW, "I bought cheap illegal stuff, and I don't care because it was cheap"
Not knowing it wasn't legit does not make it legit. Just because you paid someone for it does not automatically make it legit.

Do the words - "For Distribution Only With a New Dell PC" mean anything to you?
I'm assuming you didn't get a Dell with this?
Actually, you did. You just didn't go find their warehouse and pick it up.
If you'd read the print at the bottom of that eBay listing, you might have noticed that.

Maybe you'll be lucky and Microsoft won't deauthorize that key the next time you get a monthly update.

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

USAFRet :

rhysneville :

IOW, "I bought cheap illegal stuff, and I don't care because it was cheap"
Not knowing it wasn't legit does not make it legit. Just because you paid someone for it does not automatically make it legit.

Do the words - "For Distribution Only With a New Dell PC" mean anything to you?
I'm assuming you didn't get a Dell with this?
Actually, you did. You just didn't go find their warehouse and pick it up.
If you'd read the print at the bottom of that eBay listing, you might have noticed that.

Maybe you'll be lucky and Microsoft won't deauthorize that key the next time you get a monthly update.

No need to be a dick about it..

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

USAFRet :

No need to be a dick about it..

Just telling it like it is. That is not a valid Windows 7 key.

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

Jaxem :

rhysneville :

Probably so, i've had to follow a similar process with an upgrade only key i had, except i installed a full version of xp to upgrade to 7. I'm not positive of being able to upgrade an un-activated copy though.

...Weird, decided to give it one final go using the Dell disc and it worked, after literally about 15 attempts in the last two days!
Thanks for your help anyway though!

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

USAFRet :

rhysneville :

Just telling it like it is. That is not a valid Windows 7 key.

And I said I thought it was legit, no need to rub it in my face?

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

The question is...will you still use that key for this install?

rhysneville · Aug 30, 2013

USAFRet :

Yes, that would just be a complete waste of money otherwise. If Microsoft do de-activate my key though, then I'll definitely be more careful next time and buy a key from a more reliable place such as scan.co.uk.

USAFRet · Aug 30, 2013

rhysneville :

So my previous comment was 100% correct:
"I bought cheap illegal stuff, and I don't care because it was cheap"

I'm out...

Clean install of Windows 7

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