You don't have to use Dell-specific media; I've done Windows 7 reinstalls using generic Microsoft media and they've activated fine with my Dell OEM product key. Customized media used to be the case back in the XP days (although even then it was just media specific to Dell models, not different media for each individual model), but it's not any longer. You do however need to install the correct EDITION, i.e. Home Premium, Pro, etc., based on the edition for which your system has a license. You also MIGHT have to use phone-based activation rather than online activation after you get Windows installed, but that should be it. I've had this go both ways in the past and I never figured out what caused the different behaviors in the various cases.
Additionally, Microsoft has at long last started offering ISOs for Windows that can be downloaded directly from them by the general public, rather than needing TechNet/MSDN subscriptions. The Win7 link is here: www.microsoft.com/.../windows7
LSUFAN51
4 Operator
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6.5K Posts
0
August 9th, 2017 09:00
:emotion-2:
You could purchase a windows 7 media from Dell Out Of Warranty Dept:
Fix Your PC or Tablet | Dell United States
Or a third party, such as Ebay, Amazon or Restore Disks.
RestoreDisks.com
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
0
August 9th, 2017 10:00
You don't have to use Dell-specific media; I've done Windows 7 reinstalls using generic Microsoft media and they've activated fine with my Dell OEM product key. Customized media used to be the case back in the XP days (although even then it was just media specific to Dell models, not different media for each individual model), but it's not any longer. You do however need to install the correct EDITION, i.e. Home Premium, Pro, etc., based on the edition for which your system has a license. You also MIGHT have to use phone-based activation rather than online activation after you get Windows installed, but that should be it. I've had this go both ways in the past and I never figured out what caused the different behaviors in the various cases.
Additionally, Microsoft has at long last started offering ISOs for Windows that can be downloaded directly from them by the general public, rather than needing TechNet/MSDN subscriptions. The Win7 link is here: www.microsoft.com/.../windows7