Win 7 vs Win 7 with SP1

[artbuc]

Finally, you boot your computer with the the disk in the drive and install Windows 7.Just make sure you download the correct version for your computer.

ISO burner can be found here.

Ok, I use the DVD disk I will burn with my computer to boot-up the computer with the brand new hard drive, right? Will the DVD disk have the image of the entire Win 7 OS? By version, I assume you mean Win 7 Home Edition. IOW, Win 7 Home Edition is the same version as Win 7 Home Edition with SP1. Finally, will the ISO image be current or will I have to install a lot of updates?

Brainstorm (or brain fart?). Why can't I use my Win 7 w/SP1 OEM disk to install and then activate with her Prod Code?

[artbuc]

Good Morning folks! Since my last post with many questions, I have been googling away trying to find my own answers because I do not expect to be spoonfed. However, the more I read, the more confused I get. I understand (roughly) how to download/make a Win7 install DVD from DigitalRiver. But, I am looking for an easier way. My question boils down to:

Is it legal and doable to use my Win7 w/SP1 Home Edition OEM disk to do a clean install on another PC that came with Win7 Home Edition and then activate with the original COA? I do not understand the difference between install files and the OS itself. Also, it seems to make a difference if the original Win7 install was OEM or retail.

I am not trying to do anything fishy. Just looking for the easiest way. Thanks.

Will someone please explain what paragraph 1b means?
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Operating-Systems-Software-Recovery/How-to-Install-Windows-7-Without-the-Disc/td-p/2598505

[artbuc]

Ok, I will yield on this one. While I think I can use my OEM disk with my S-I-L's COA Product Key, I am not 100% sure. Therefore I will buy blank DVD and burn the ISO image as you have suggested.

I still hope someone answers my question about versions. What defines the same version? 32 vs 64 bit? Win7 Home Edition vs Win7 Home Edition w/SP1? Home Edition vs Professional Edition? Some combo of these. I ask because her PC came with Win7 Home Edition w/o SP1 and I would like to (maybe have to?) install SP1.

[Geek-9pm]

Windows 7 Home and Windows 7 home SP-1 are the same for the license. The same product key is for both. But you may not use both at the same time. Orly one instance is allowed.
When you activate windows 7, it connects to a Microsoft server and verifies the product key with a  database. Any attempt to have the system active on two different computers with the same key is not allowed.

If you come to a problem and the system tells  you the key is not valid, you have to call Microsoft on the phone and talk to an agent. They will determine if what you are doing is allowed or not. But for OEM versions they will tell you to contact the maker of the computer.

The current retail cost of a legal copy of Windows 7 is rather high. That is why Super Dave mentioned the purchase of a refurbished PC. The companies that repair old computers and resell them get a special feral from Microsoft. Such PCs are sometimes sold for just a title more over  the cost of the retail Windows 7 DVD.
Examples from eBay:
-----
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit Full Retail Version
    $99.99
-----
Dell Optiplex FX160 Mini PC With Stand , Windows 7 Pro, Office 2010
   $119.99

As you can see, if you are thinking of buying Widows to repair a PC that may have other issues, you need to think carefully. Do you really know the Operating System is all you need to fix the old computer?  One must check and see if the refurbished computer has a useful  warranty.  If so, it would be the safer choice. IMHO.

[artbuc]

Geek, here is the problem as I understand it. The hard drive (the original 80GB) is beginning to fail. It will not defrag, it is making a lot of weird noises and Macrium Reflect can not make an image of it. So, when I install the new hard drive I have to do a clean install of Win 7. I have copied/pasted all of her docs/files onto an external hard drive. She does not have recovery disks. I have an OEM Win 7 w/SP1 disk I used on my PC to upgrade from XP. I have not personally checked yet, but I assume she has a valid COA Product Key from the original purchase. With this valid Product Key, I can download an ISO image of Win7 and burn it onto a DVD for install. I just hate to spend $10 for a pack of 10 DVD's, 9 of which will never get used. That is why I asked if I could use my OEM disk with her original Product Key to get Win 7 installed and legally activated. Seems like this should be easy to do and very acceptable to MS. There may be other things wrong with her rig but it seems to be working fine except for the failing hard drive. Right or wrong, she feels like spending $60 to keep her PC going is worth it, even if only for another 6-12 months.

[patio]

Even with a valid COA the OEM may or may not hiccup on the installl...depending on whose it is as some are wired to look for the original hardware and will stop if they do not see it...

However it's well worth a try...all you'll lose is 20 minutes of your life...

[artbuc]

Even with a valid COA the OEM may or may not hiccup on the installl...depending on whose it is as some are wired to look for the original hardware and will stop if they do not see it...

However it's well worth a try...all you'll lose is 20 minutes of your life...

Interesting. We both have HP Pavilion's so maybe that increases the chances for success. I did buy the DVD's today but will not open the box until I try my OEM disk first. I am not worried because I finally feel like I have a good understanding of the ISO image download. I did a test download and it worked great. As soon as the download was complete, I was automatically prompted to burn the DVD (Windows DVD Maker). I do not even have to download 3rd Party DVD burn software.

PS My old rig is running better than ever. 3GB RAM, new LG DVD/CD drive, almost new WD SATA HD and GT610 graphics card were well worth it IMHO. She could go belly-up any day but I am enjoying her while she lasts!

[SuperDave]

You could always use the other DVD's as storage devices so it's not a total loss.

[patio]

As soon as the download was complete, I was automatically prompted to burn the DVD (Windows DVD Maker). I do not even have to download 3rd Party DVD burn software.

You may want to test to see if that DVD is bootable and works properly...an ISO cannot simply be burned...

[artbuc]

You may want to test to see if that DVD is bootable and works properly...an ISO cannot simply be burned...

What? I thought the whole purpose of using the Digital River download was to get a bootable DVD?

[patio]

It is...however i fear all the windows app does is copy the ISO...it needs to be unpacked properly and made bootable...
I use a freebie called IMGBurn for this step...

[artbuc]

It is...however i fear all the windows app does is copy the IOS...it needs to be unpacked properly and made bootable...
I use a freebie called IMGBurn for this step...

Nuf said. Thanks so much!

[artbuc]

Ok. IMGBurn installed. I set the Win DVD Maker app so it will default open IMGBurn. Was that the correct action?

[patio]

Not necessary...just Open IMGBurn...point it to the ISO...select create bootable DVD and proceed...

[artbuc]

Not necessary...just Open IMGBurn...point it to the ISO...select create bootable DVD and proceed...

I will try but when I did my test download and the Win DVD maker app automatically opened, I did not have a choice to save the downloaded ISO image. When I declined to burn a DVD I lost the image. However, based on your advice, I do not anticipate a problem. Thank-you for walking me through this.