I need a fresh clean installation of Windows 7

[_max_]

I've buy a lot of HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF (XL510AV) with Windows 7 x64 pre installed.

The machines are arrived me with much useless software, like Corel WinDVD, Norton Internet Security, PDF Complete Special Edition, VIP Access, WinZip, etc..

I need to make a fresh and clean install for install my CAD client only.

HP provides me only the Recovey Media Set, but I need instead a copy of Windows 7 x64 Operating System. The Italian technical support (in the person of Daniela RICCIARDI) argues that HP can not provide this type of media, is that correct?

Does anyone have or have had the same need?

How can I fix?

Thank you.

Max Orlandini

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Max:

That is correct. HP will only supply the recovery disks and as far as I know, there is no option for an OS only recovery.

I have an 8200 Elite CMT.

So, I have a workaround for you...

You can download plain Windows 7 ISO files to burn to DVD's for the version of windows that came installed on your PC, and that is listed on the Microsoft Windows 7 COA sticker on your PC's case.

Burn the ISO using the Burn ISO option on your DVD burning program and burn at the slowest possible speed your program will allow. This will create a bootable DVD.

Use the 25 character product key on the PC to activate the installation.

The key will activate either a 32 or 64 bit installation.

Then go to the PC's support and driver page to install the drivers you need.

Link to the W7 ISO file downloads is below. 

http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-s​p1-iso-from-digital-river/

Paul

[_max_]

This is a possible solution, but I can not be happy to inserted 50 licenses by hand (I have 50 identical machines) to an incomprehensible choice of HP.

In the past I have purchased HP machines that contained the DVD of the operating system (Windows 7 Professional 32bit): not really understand why for some models HP operates one way and some another ...

(Obviously, these HP DVD do not require the inclusion of license for each machine if installed on HP models...)

If only I could know before buying such machines have the system operative DVD I can limit my choice before buy, otherwise is a little blind game.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

If you have an HP business notebook with Windows 7, you can use the OS recovery DVD to install W7, as that is just a plain version with no software.

Unfortunately, there are no other options other than what I have posted above.

[_max_]

So, my last word is:

DO NOT BUY HP, IF YOU WANT A WORLD OF CLEANED SYSTEMS!

(...I 'm a little disappointed by the policies of HP...)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

And my last word is:

If this is so important to you, and you can't take an extra 30 seconds to enter a product key, buy Dell PC's, since every one of their PC's come with the plain windows operating system reinstallation disk that you speak of, and you won't need to enter the product key, but will pay more for the same quality PC.

That's up to you.

[lasvegaswireman]

Max,

As previously stated, download your version (the version that was preinstalled on your HP computers) of Windows 7 from Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River. Using the built-in Windows 7 CD/DVD burning software, burn the downloaded Windows 7 ISO as a bootable disc.

Frank

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Perhaps you should contact MS about a Volume License for your 50 PCs.  You could then build clones images to fit your needs and then just image each PC.

[_max_]

Sorry, but from this way I don't have to repay other 50 licenses to Microsoft?

I have already purchased this licenses with the machines, your proposed solution is a little expensive ...

Thanks anyway for your attention.

Max

[TheOldMan]

Just a word for someone that may need this.  If the PC is an HP that came with the windows version Windows 7 that is wanted to be on the other 49 PC's, why not just do the one machine with the OS and wanted other programs just the way that is desired ( by use of the tools etc mentioned in this thread).  Then once everything is just as desired, make an image of the hard drive and then re-image (copy) that to the other machines.  By the way, do not use the COA key from the sticker but the one from within the OS that is on the machine when it comes from the factory.  (The factory key will not be the same as the one on the sticker)  If you do not believe me get a software that can read the key for Windows.  You will also find that the key is the same on all of the Windows 7 OS's that came from HP and are the same version.  IE: all the windows 7 Pro will have the same OEM key installed from the factory.  Also save the certificate to install along with the key.  Both are needed to activate Windows 7.  If all 50 machines came with Windows 7 Pro installed,(or whatever version) then all will be good to go.

BTW: It would have been a better idea to just tell HP what the intent was and buy them the way that was wanted from the business side of HP.