Windows 7 ISO for OEM versions

[Zyphercap]

I have a valid version of windows 7 on the pc I'm currently using. I recently ordered components for an entirely new computer which will arrive soon, and I intended to install windows 7 on that new computer using the license key I'm using for my current computer. I no longer have the windows 7 installation disks, so I thought I would simply download a windows 7 ISO onto a USB stick and use that to install windows on my new computer. But as it turns out my version of windows 7 is a OEM version (could have sworn I bought it in retail, but whatever) so I cannot use my product key to download a windows 7 ISO from the recovery website.

Is there any way I can get a windows 7 ISO onto my USB wihout having to look for one on some shady BitTorrent site where it has probably been tampered with?

And if I do manage to get my hands on a windows 7 ISO and use that to install windows 7 on my new computer, will I be able to use my OEM product key to activate it?

 

[captaincharisma]

if it is the same OEM key you used for your current computer chances are it will not work no matter what ISO you use. an OEM Licence is only meant to be used for one computer so once you use the key on one system it cannot be used on any other

 

[snurp85]

You wont be able to activate it with your old OEM OS. The OEM version will be linked to your old motherboard and will not transfer over. If you are really determined, you might be able to call up customer support and claim that your motherboard died and you are just "replacing it, and that its the same computer", but really its a pain in the butt. Its easier and far less of a headache to just buy another OEM version of Windows 7 off ebay for $45 (I just did this myself as it so happens).

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

There are no 7 OEM iso downloads anymore , they were shut down a long time ago.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
Only a valid Retail key will get you an ISO.

 

[USAFRet]

1. A Win 7 OEM license is tied to that original system. It won't activate upon seeing new hardware.

2. The only non-shady place to get the ISO is from the manufacturer. You can go to Microsoft, and they will tell you to get it from the manufacturer.

 

[USAFRet]

$$ solution?
Sell the old PC, with included OS, for $150.
Buy a new OS for this new system. Take someone out to lunch on the remainder.

 

[ffg7]

if label is on the computer itself then it is an oem version. similar chipset on new computer compared to old computer as in intel to intel or didifferent chipset as in NVidia to amd?

 

[Wolfshadw]

It's not a matter of where you purchased the Windows OS from, it's the version you purchased. You can purchase OEM licenses from retail locations. Depending on where you're shopping, Retail licenses where also available, but at a higher price.

As your original OEM license was tied to the original motherboard it is installed on, per the license agreement, you cannot use that license on another motherboard install. Microsoft had been lenient in the past about allowing you to reuse that license on a new build, but it appear that is no longer the case. They requested/demanded that Digital River remove their ISO repository; likely for this very reason.

They set up their media creation tool so that it would decline OEM versions for that reason. For 99.99% of the rest of the world, OEM licensing means we get our OS from Dell, Acer, HP, etc... If you need a recovery or reinstallation CD/DVD, contact your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). In the days of DIY system builds, you are the OEM and if you no longer have the installation media, then you will need to purchase a new Windows 7 license.

-Wolf sends

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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 makes.

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).

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