Windows 7 Recovery Disk

[goocreations]

I just bought a new laptop, and it has a separate partition with the Windows 7 installation disk (like most laptops these days). I want to format the entire HDD. Is there a way to backup the installation disk on a DVD, so that when I install it again, it isn't seen as a pirated version by Microsoft?

 

[AstroTurf]

What laptop?

Most of them come with software to make a recovery disk

 

[spiderz]

Take you latest Linux CD
Format ... install Linux

 

[goocreations]

It's an Asus G74SX. I haven't received it yet (still shipping), just want to know if it is possible. And I will definitely have a separate partition running Ubuntu, but there are certain things that Linux just can't do.

 

[AstroTurf]

It will ask you after first start up to make recovery disks.

Get some decent quality dvd's so long. Also, be sure to get plenty spares (coffee coasters).

Usually takes between 3 to 6 to make the disks and the machine will only let you do it once (mostly) so keep them in a safe place.

 

[goocreations]

Thanks AstroTurf. I googled that but thought that creating a recovery disk that way would only copy the absolute essential data to the DVD (but not everything that was needed to make a totally new installation). I'll try that. Thanks.

 

[Grouter]

Use any old win 7 disc and the key on the sticker on the underneath of the lappie. Done. Legal. Easy.

 

[goocreations]

Aren't the installation disks fixed to a specific serial?

 

[Grouter]

Aren't the installation disks fixed to a specific serial?

no.
They will re-install windows with Asus' VLK, which will be different to the key on the sticker. The sticker key is only used when re-installing with a generic windows disc that is not a recovery disc from the OEM - otherwise the VLK remains on the OS for the life of the OS install. (VLK - Volume licence key)

 

[goocreations]

Ok, thanks Grouter

 

[ponder]

Also image that recovery partition to a external drive for safe keeping

 

[kooldude]

Aren't the installation disks fixed to a specific serial?

Based on your serial the correct SKU gets activated. So no the disk is not fixed to your serial.

 

[Grouter]

Just to clarify: This is why you get people going into incredible connection, surreptitiously turning over lappies on the display stands, and snapping a pic of the underneath of the lappie with their cellphone cameras hoping to capture the sticker. That key is not yet activated with microsoft - the hdd on the lappie has been imaged at the factory and has a different key (VLK). The phone cam snapper can then use the key to install windows and activate that install as a unique legal copy. You doubt? I've seen people doing it.

 

[goocreations]

When Windows looks at SKU number, does this refer to your entire machine or just your HDD. Because I'm planning to replace the current HDD (on which Win7 is installed) with a SSD. Will this have an effect on the activation?

 

[Grouter]

I'm doing win 7 installs all the time. I install from a flash drive using a win 7 all versions iso. I enter the key from the sticker, it sees which version the key is for, installs that version, and it activates automatically almost every time. Sometimes you have to do a phone activation, but not often. Then you just go to http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Gaming_Powerhouse/G74SX/#download and download the drivers. This way you don't get all the crapware from the OEM too.

 

[ITCynic]

Clone the drive before using it and write the cloned image to DVD.