Solved! Reinstalling Windows on new laptops

[moonjelly]

I was thinking about buying a new laptop. Now the ones I'm used to are the old Dells that allow you to fully re-install Windows XP Pro from scratch, with custom partitioning. I know that new laptops don't really come with reinstall CD's, and I know you can make one usually from the program the laptop comes with, but will it allow you to do a full format and re-install of Windows 7? Just like if I bought Windows 7 retail?

I was looking into a Asus, HP, or Toshiba.

 

[Crashman]

I was thinking about buying a new laptop. Now the ones I'm used to are the old Dells that allow you to fully re-install Windows XP Pro from scratch, with custom partitioning. I know that new laptops don't really come with reinstall CD's, and I know you can make one usually from the program the laptop comes with, but will it allow you to do a full format and re-install of Windows 7? Just like if I bought Windows 7 retail?

I was looking into a Asus, HP, or Toshiba.

I'm sure someone will come up the precise answer for that question, but I just wanted to let you know about the alternative: You can use a different Windows CD to perform the installation, using your license. The laptop has the license, not the CD.

 

[dalauder]

^+1

 

[christop]

You can also download a copy from a torrent and use your key to activate it.

 

[geofelt]

I think all windows 7 dvd's are the same, either a 32 bit version or a 64 bit version. It is the product key that tells if you have a oem, retail, upgrade license, or basic, home, ultimate.


I have used the product key on the bottom of a laptop with 64 bit w7 to convert it to 32 bit.

You will lose any special recovery features or bloatware that was initially installed.