Can you download a Copy of Win7 for free if

[WatchTower]

I have a laptop with an official Windows 7 key. Seen as it was pre-installed I guess it's an OEM version. If I decided to wipe my Laptop I don't want all the pre-installed garbage that came with my Acer Aspire 7540G. I'd want Windows 7, up to date drives and AVG as my starting point and that's it.

Like I said I've got an official key Windows 7 64 OEM. Is there any legit way I can get hold of a hard copy of Windows 7? I don't feel like paying another £100 for Windows 7 when I already have a legit copy.

 

[MiNxYyY]

Borrow someone's Windows 7 disk, install and enter your product key.

 

[WatchTower]

I would if I new anyone friends that had it. Would I be breaking some kind of unknown law?

 

[MiNxYyY]

I would if I new anyone friends that had it. Would I be breaking some kind of unknown law?

Nope. Its fine to use any legitimate windows 7 disk, aslong as you use your own key

 

[MrMacca]

Here's 64bit professional. Sure you can modify the image to turn it into Ultimate very simply.

As far as I know these links are legal : http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65805/X15-65805.iso

 

[d_brennen]

Its all in the ei file... All I'm saying

 

[MiNxYyY]

Not sure if i can say but removing the ei.cfg unlocks the dvd to install any version you like.

 

[marmalade]

You need an Acer SLIC 2.1 certificate in the Windows 7 Disk.
The Serial/key indicates if its going to be Home Prem/Prof or Ultimate etc
Therefore your Key taped to the puter is what you will get.

 

[Alex_6n2]

Not sure if i can say but removing the ei.cfg unlocks the dvd to install any version you like.

Yea but his key will be for a single version. If he installs ultimate and only has a professional key it won't activate.

 

[Meatball]

You need an Acer SLIC 2.1 certificate in the Windows 7 Disk.

Not necessarily. My Acer laptop came with Windows Vista pre-installed with a free upgrade to Windows 7. All I done was use my W7 Home Premium retail disk with the licence key on the W7 COA Acer sent me. The disks they sent have never been used.

I've reformatted loads of branded laptops and used generic media with no issues activating etc . I would ALWAYS advise imaging the current installation should anything not go to plan however.

 

[tommytinkle]

You should be fine doing this, and as posted already a useful link to a burnable iso should send you well on your way! Good luck!

 

[d_brennen]

Yea but his key will be for a single version. If he installs ultimate and only has a professional key it won't activate.

When you input they key using an "Ultimate" source it installs the correct features form that version I.e Home Premium, Pro etc

 

[WatchTower]

Thanks for the help guys it's appreciated. You wouldn't believe all the rubbish that comes pre-installed.

 

[tommytinkle]

Thanks for the help guys it's appreciated. You wouldn't believe all the rubbish that comes pre-installed.

I'm well aware of the rubbish thats bundled! Can't seem to get rid of half the stuff without a clean OS install. Sony seem particularly bad for it imo!

 

[Pygmyshrew]

Are the Windows discs copyrighted/copy protected? Like others have said its the actual licence key that matters not the disc.

 

[Meatball]

Are the Windows discs copyrighted/copy protected? Like others have said its the actual licence key that matters not the disc.

There is no copy protection on the Windows disc however the content is subject to copyright.

Since Windows Vista all Windows installation DVDs contain all versions (Basic, Premium, Pro, Ultimate etc.) The version installed depends what the EI.CFG file states or what key is entered .