Solved Is it legal to download a copy of Windows but use a legit-

[dukethedj]

Opps, Sorry! The full title is: Is it legal to download a copy of Windows but use a legit Product Key?


So any ways, I WAS thinking about getting a new copy of Windows because my old hdd died so yah.. (I found a nice HDD for a replacement) I thought to my self "Wait a minute, I still have that Windows 7 Home Premium product key from when my computer was OEM." It is not being used at the moment so it just might work. I just don't know if it is legal to download a copy of that and use my totally legit product key. Is it totally legal? Will it work with no errors? Will Microsoft think that it was illegally activated? These are answers I need to know. I will love it if you guys would help.


And thanks again.

If that key is alive, It probably would be happy to find out it will be put to good use.

 

[Clintlgm]

I'm not sure but I think an OEM version is only good for the computer it originally installed on by the manufacture.

 

[dukethedj]

It is going on that same computer. I upgraded/changed everything but the motherboard. I have heard that the mobo is the ID for and OEM Product Key. The MOBO is the only thing not changed.

 

[Ztruker]

If it's going back on the same compute, you should be fine. You may have to use the phone option to activate though.

If you do not have a Windows 7 installation DVD, or it's not up to the Service Pack level currently installed, you can download a legal copy with SP1 integrated from here:

Windows 7 Direct Download Links

Make sure you get the same version you have, Home Premium, Pro or Ultimate and 32 or 64 bit. Note that Basic or Starter is not available.

I recommend using ImgBurn at 4X speed (or the slowest available) to create the DVD from the downloaded .iso file. Just be careful during the install not to accidentally install some of the bundled junk that comes with it. Always take The Custom Install option.

You can do this on any computer capable of burning a DVD.

YOU MUST HAVE A VALID KEY TO INSTALL THIS .ISO.
The one on the COA sticker on your computer will work.

If you are just using the Recovery Console you do not need a key.

You can also create a bootable USB Flash drive (4GB or larger) to install Windows 7 from.

1. Download and run Universal USB Installer Easy as 1 2 3[/*]
2. Select Windows 7 from the first drop down list, all the way to the bottom[/*]
3. Select the downloaded Windows 7 iso file[/*]
4. Select your USB flash drive[/*]
5. Click Create[/*]

For techies or folks who work on computers:

Create Windows 7 Universal ISO With All Editions Selection On Install with ei.cfg Removal Utility.

This will fit on a 6GB flash drive or can be burned to a DVD.

 

[dukethedj]

The product key I have was for Win 7 Home Premium without the first Service Pack. Would an ISO with sp1 still work with that product key?

 

[Ztruker]

Yes, it will work.

 

[dukethedj]

Thanks! Just need to get my new HDD in and I will be off to the races!

 

[popeye]

I did this quite some time ago. It worked, did have to make the phone call to activate though.

 

[dukethedj]

Thanks for all the help! Saved me $100 for a new Windows license.

 

[SIW2]

You want the SP1 U (media refresh ). Get the bit version you want, might as well get the one called Home Premium, saves fiddling with ei.cfg

I update my installtion media periodically.

 

[whs]

Easiest is to use the key from the COA sticker. That is hassle free.


Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[dukethedj]

Easiest is to use the key from the COA sticker. That is hassle free.


Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums

That is what I'm doing