Can I reinstall Windows 7 with any disc??

StevieP

StevieP

StevieP

Soldato
Joined
2 Jan 2004
Posts
7,781
Location
Chesterfield
I've recently got a laptop off the Dell outlet store and of course you dont get the Windows 7 DVD in case of a reinstall - now I've actually got a retail copy of Windows 7 for my desktop and an OEM copy that I got with a previous machine - can I use either of these for a reinstall and just use the CD key on the bottom of the new laptop? (I want to start fresh without all the Dell bloatware on it!)

Thanks guys....
 
StevieP
Can I reinstall Windows 7 with any disc??
I've recently got a laptop off the Dell outlet store and of course you dont get the Windows 7 DVD in case of a reinstall - now I've actually got a retail copy of Windows 7 for my desktop and an OEM copy that I got with a previous machine - can I use either of these for a reinstall and just use the CD key on the bottom of the new laptop? (I want to start fresh without all the Dell bloatware on it!)

Thanks guys....
Click to expand...

Hi Steve, you should have got a partition on your HD called, Restore, to take the system back to factory state, in case of trouble. Also, there is Dell Data safe backup, where you can create a set of backup disc for your OS, if you want to use them to reinstall your OS.

Edit: I have heard that if your system is still under warranty, then dell will supply you with a disc.
 
Thanks for the replies guys!

Robinbredin, I know I can do the factory reset/backup but I really don't want all the default Dell rubbish on there! As long as the retail or OEM Windows 7 disc works with the key on the underside of the new laptop I'll be fine!

Don't fancy having to ring MS though!
 
As said previously that will work absolutely fine. You may have to activate using the phone but it will go through. Simply reinstall using the serial key on the COA of the Dell :).

Bye bye Dell bloatware!!
 
I got a new laptop about a week ago and did a fresh reinstall using the Win7 Pro DVD I have for my desktop. The only problem I had was that the Pro DVD autoinstalled 7 Pro, even though the key with the laptop was a Home Premium key, so it threw a bit of a hissy-fit when I tried to activate it.

If you get this problem, you can make a USB install drive and then delete the configuration file which automatically selects a version, so you'll get a popup asking which kind of Windows you want installed.

Aside from that it was grand, I was able to get it activated online instead of over the phone.
 
Well I managed a reinstall OK - the install didnt even ask me for the activation key on the underside of the laptop though!?!? :confused:

When I go to "system" it does say my version of Windows is activated though - has it somehow retained the serial key even though I deleted all the partitions and formatted the drive?? (although the key listed has "OEM" in the middle of it - does this mean its specific to the OEM DVD I used to install?)

Cheers...
 
StevieP said:
Well I managed a reinstall OK - the install didnt even ask me for the activation key on the underside of the laptop though!?!? :confused:

When I go to "system" it does say my version of Windows is activated though - has it somehow retained the serial key even though I deleted all the partitions and formatted the drive?? (although the key listed has "OEM" in the middle of it - does this mean its specific to the OEM DVD I used to install?)

Cheers...
Click to expand...

I wouldn't of thought it would. I didn't think the Discs are associated with a specific code.

You could try run a key finder such as MagicJellyBeans and see if the code matches your COA.
 
StevieP
Well I managed a reinstall OK - the install didnt even ask me for the activation key on the underside of the laptop though!?!?
Click to expand...

Storm3y
I wouldn't of thought it would. I didn't think the Discs are associated with a specific code.
Click to expand...

If you use a dell disc on a dell motherboard, be it, XP, Vista or Win 7, then it will activate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom