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Windows 7 Key
TheVoid
Posts: 3,086
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Hi, I have an Acer netbook with Windows 7 installed.
If I decide to get a Windows 7 disc to install it without all the Acer bloatware, will the MS key on the back of my Netbook work with it?
Also, if I do this, and something goes wrong with my netbook, can I then use the Acer recovery discs even though I've installed a 'non Acer' Windows 7?
Finally, will the recovery discs work if I upgrade my hard drive, or change the netbook to another one?
Thanks.
If I decide to get a Windows 7 disc to install it without all the Acer bloatware, will the MS key on the back of my Netbook work with it?
Also, if I do this, and something goes wrong with my netbook, can I then use the Acer recovery discs even though I've installed a 'non Acer' Windows 7?
Finally, will the recovery discs work if I upgrade my hard drive, or change the netbook to another one?
Thanks.
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Comments
http://www.pcworld.com/article/248995/how_to_install_windows_7_without_the_disc.html
If you get an unbranded OEM version of the disc, yes, but it will need authenticating with the online/telephone wizard.
Chances are the Acer recovery discs use a volume key, so it won't require re-activation. If you change the hard drive, it's unlikely to affect anything.
If you change the netbook, it's not legal, end of.
As far as your PS goes
It's a reputable site, but don't use the key finder for the key. You can verify the version of Windows 7 you need from the sticker on the laptop and should use that key.
If it's 7 Home-Basic Edition you'll be out of luck!
Ok so that site is legal then and the copy of W7 I'm downloading should be safe?
If I do install it, and activate it using my serial underneath my laptop, will I then have to go through the phone wizard thing?
I also had a thought.... will I need to manually install drivers for the Netbooks devices? The Acer discs presumably have them already pre-installed.
The site is reputable, yes. Legality is probably a stretch because the to hold a copy of the ISO, you need the licence, but you already have a legal copy (the recovery disc). I think it's quite explicit that you may only have 1 copy of the software for restore purposes. Knock yourself out with the EULA
See above.
Yes. You'll get them from the Acer site or sometimes the recovery disc set contains a disc with JUST drivers.
I thought Windows updates would have just manually installed the correct drivers automatically?
Not sure if it's worth it when I can just manually delete the Acer bloatware. Just thought it might have ran a bit smoother having a fresh Windows 7 installed.
Does your version of Win7 include SP1? If not, ensure the iso file you are downloading includes it. You can then use that image as the basis of making a slipstreamed version including the post SP1 updates.
Instructions can be found via google on on the Windows 7 Forum
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html