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Where do I download Windows 7 (legally from Microsoft)?

I have a friend who has gotten a serious virus infection and needs her computer rebuilt. However, the computer did not come with any re-installation disks from the OEM and she doesn't have any good backups.

I have a TechNet subscription, but I understand that the OEM product key attached to her computer should not work with the Retail or Volume License images I can get from TechNet.

Is there anywhere I can legally download a copy of Windows 7 that will work with an OEM key, directly from Microsoft? I'd rather avoid having to work with the OEM's technical support and possibly have to pay for them to ship a disc that (IMHO) the system should have come with in the first place.

Community
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Iszi
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Yes, it is possible to use other Windows 7 Media, as long as the version type is the same (i.e. Windows 7 Home Premium OEM on a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade disk). Microsoft does not care anymore what disk you use, as long as you choose the correct edition, and have a proper key.

I know first hand, as I am a system builder, and haven't used an OEM disk in a couple years (including for Vista).

Canadian Luke
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  • Thanks for the information. Can you comment on the legality of this? The Internet seems to have conflicting information. Some say that, while it is technically possible to perform installation & activation like this, it is a license violation. Others say it's not. If you can give a bit more details than just a yes/no regarding the legal issue, that would be appreciated. – Iszi Nov 21 '12 at 04:46
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    The license that appears is simply a EULA.TXT file that loads; I can edit that file, reburn the DVD and install with the new "license". The legality is with the key you purchased (or was given). If you have an OEM key, it is legal to use whatever media you want, as long as it's installed on the original piece of hardware it comes with. Microsoft won't care though, as their activation center has told me, as long as it's the valid key – Canadian Luke Nov 21 '12 at 04:50
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    I've used a generic OEM media to re-install Win7 Pro. The product key off the COA sticker would not activate Windows. A message displayed about 20 alphanumerics and said to call a 1-800 number. An automated system answered the phone, accepted the alphanumerics and then gave me a new product key that did work. "disc that (IMHO) the system should have come with in the first place" -- for several year now, the big PC manufacturers only provide a "recovery partition" on the PC's HDD, and it is up to the new owner to use a special app to burn CDs and/or DVDs for re-installation on a new HDD. – sawdust Nov 21 '12 at 07:49
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    Just to make this a bit more future proof: This information is correct for win 7 (which is what the OP asked). With windows 8 it has changed. Ref: Systembuilder & http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx – Hennes Nov 21 '12 at 10:43