Windows 7 Home OEM Download Links?

[JAClark91]

Hey guys, I'm new here. My aunt recently dropped her laptop and I am repairing it for her. I replaced the screen and hard drive and I am trying to find a place to download the 64 bit version of windows 7 home edition that will work with the oem windows 7 activation key on the bottom of her laptop. I figured I could just download any old 64 bit windows 7 home edition iso and make a bootable usb to install it on the new hard drive, but when I tried to activate it it said the key was invalid, and upon calling the activation center I was informed that the key will only work with oem versions of windows 7, not retail versions. I live in a rural area so I will have to drive to Mcdonalds or Hardees in the middle of the night and sit outside in my car to do the downloading so I'd like to make sure I download the correct version this time. Would anyone mind linking me to a place where I can download a windows 7 home edition (64-bit) iso that will work with the oem product key on the bottom of her laptop? The laptop is a Toshiba Satellite l655-S5146 if that matters. Thanks.

 

[bigsnyder]

Links to various OEM versions

 

[cpatel1987]

As someone whos done this so many times, a retail disc will work with an OEM without issue. I'm not sure what link you used, but try this one:

http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso .

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

You don't need an OEM image , you have to have a valid OEM KEY , and the links below will work as long as you have the right version installed that matches the key.You will have to use the automated phone call to activate.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[baladin]

If you have already got the 64-bit ISO on a USB stick, you only need to change the 'ei.cfg' file in the \sources folder to make it into an OEM edition. There is no need to download another ISO.
I'm writing this just from memory, so it may not be 100% correct, but look at your existing 'ei.cfg' file with notepad and replace the [Channel] parameter 'Retail' with 'OEM'.
That should do it. At least worth a try.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

You don't need OEM edition , retail will work , install , use automated phone activation.

 

[JAClark91]

Thanks for the info guys, I didn't think that sounded right. I reinstalled using the x17-58997 iso above anyways just to be sure, and it's still giving me invalid key on both online activation and phone activation. I guess it's because 2 or 3 of the numbers/letters are kind of smudged and I'm not reading them correctly, although it seems like I've tried everything the characters in question could be. Is it possible for me to send or post high quality pictures of the key for any of you guys who are nice enough to try to decipher? I assume since it's oem it's locked to that motherboard anyway and is unusable on another pc so there should be no risk in doing so. Not like I can use it anyways if I can't figure out what it is.

 

[JAClark91]

Finally got it activated, here's the fix in case anyone else can't read their COA sticker. 1.) download windows iso from one of the downloads above. 2.) delete ei.cfg from the sources folder, and copy the $oem$ folder available for download here http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/15733-Windows-7-DVD-(Multi-Brand-Multi-Edition)-Activation to the sources folder on the iso. 3.) create bootable dvd/usb and install windows using the version installed at the factory. This will cause the windows to check the bios for the OEM SLP activation key installed at the factory and activate automatically during installation without the need for an activation key. This will only work if you have a brand name computer.