Solution For Missing Windows 7 Disk?

Question

More than a year ago, Dell joined the ranks of other OEMs that no longer provide a Windows re-installation disk with their PCs.

While reading Dell's Microsoft OS Wiki I came across this posting:

Microsoft Windows 7 Official .iso Download Links (Digital River)

These Windows 7 .ISOs can be used with a Dell or non-Dell OEM product key but phone activation is required. It seems like we can download these .ISOs and then burn them to a disk (with the proper software.) Of course, you need to have a valid OEM product key to activate the software, but anyone who's bought a computer from Dell where Win7 was pre-installed has a product key sticker on their computer.

I haven't tried this myself, so I have to ask: Will this really create an OEM Windows 7 installation disk, like back in the 'good old days'?

RoHe · Accepted Answer

The disk created with the iso will install Windows 7. No drivers, no software, just Windows, if that's what you're asking. Boot from that disk and follow the setup menus to install Windows.

speedstep · Answer

It creates a Retail windows disk which is why the OEM key does not work. A genuine DELL DVD will not ask for a key as it will activate itself based on the certificate stored in the bios.

DaddyX_b90f82 · Answer

Quoting from the page to which I linked: 'Note these .iso files may be used with a Dell/non-Dell OEM product key but phone activation is required... This key is typically found on the COA attached to the base of the system.'

RoHe · Answer

I think the answer to your question is 'No'. You can use Dell's (or other brand) OEM product key but only with telephone activation from Microsoft. You can use the Microsoft product key from the sticker on the PC without telephone activation because it's unique to your specific system. Either way, the disk created using the downloaded .iso is not a Dell OEM Windows disk because a Dell OEM Windows disk shouldn't ask for a product key as long as you're installing the OS on a PC with Dell's own version of Bios.

speedstep · Answer

SLP = System Locked Preinstallation

SLIC = System License Internal Code

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer

1. The OEM pays for SLP OEM license to Microsoft.

2. Microsoft provides the OEM a SLIC key in place of a CD key.

3. Microsoft provides the OEM a SLP certificate file.

4. The SLP certificate must be matched up to the SLP code embedded in the BIOS ROM (also provided by Microsoft).

As an OEM PC manufacturer, they can pre-activate Windows in mass without needing to activate manually over the internet. They just need those three things to ensure that it is a valid license.

To Activate, you need:

1. SLP code embedded in the BIOS ROM.

2. SLIC key (in place of a CD key).

3. SLP certificate file (must match SLP code in BIOS ROM).

When all three conditions are satisfied, the Windows OS will be in a permanent activated state and be considered geniune.

DaddyX_b90f82 · Answer

Will this create a Windows 7 installation disk that we can use to re-install Windows, like in the days before Dell stopped including a Windows installation disk with its computers? Thank you.

osprey4 · Answer

Hi DaddyX,

Your premise is incorrect. Dell will in fact provide a Windows 7 disc if you request it within the warranty period. Even if you are no longer within the warranty period, Dell Windows 7 discs are widely available for about $10 retail. Cheap insurance if you ask me.

If you want the ability to reinstall the image of the hard drive, either create a set of recovery discs using Dell DataSafe local, or image the disc with a reliable third-party program such as Acronis.

DaddyX_b90f82 · Answer

:emotion-40:

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Solution For Missing Windows 7 Disk?

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